How do I get a special education advocate in MA?
If you have a specific question about laws or regulations, or if you believe the school is doing something they should not do, you can call the Program Quality Assurance office of the Massachusetts Department of Education (1-781-338-3700). You can also hire a special education advocate to assist you.
Are advocates free?
Service offered: Advocate tries to find free legal help from barristers for people who cannot get public funding (legal aid) and cannot afford to pay.
What is special education Massachusetts?
Special education services are available to eligible students ages 3 up to 22 in Massachusetts who 1) have a disability and 2) as a result of their disability require specially designed instruction or one or more related services (i.e., speech therapy) to access and make progress in the general curriculum.
What is a learning advocate?
Learning Advocates analyze student data and speak with Guides, parents, and/or students to understand any possible contributing factors leading to the learning concern and then provide support, suggestions, and interventions based on the student’s needs.
Are there different types of advocate?
Types of advocacy
- Case advocacy.
- Self advocacy.
- Peer advocacy.
- Paid independent advocacy.
- Citizen advocacy.
- Statutory advocacy.
What does it mean to be an advocate for students?
Advocates are people who stand up for, speak for, and work to enhance the lives of those who are not able or not yet able, to speak for themselves. Sometimes educators are called upon to advocate for the children that they teach or their families.
Who is entitled to advocacy?
Statutory advocacy means a person is legally entitled to an advocate because of their circumstances. This might be because they’re being treated under the Mental Health Act or because they lack the mental capacity to make their own decisions.
Can anyone have an advocate?
If you have people you can ask, a family member, friend or carer could also act as an advocate for you. See our page on types of advocacy for more information. It’s not easy, but there may be steps you can take to feel more able to speak up for yourself.