Advocacy can mean many things to parents of children with special needs. To some, being an advocate can mean going to the Capital and writing to the legislators. To others, it means learning how to advocate for your child. The Family Mentors try to offer help with all types of advocacy, from advocating for your child to advocating for all the children with your child's disability. Here are a few websites to give you some info about advocacy. Feel free to ask us any questions you might have and let us help you become the advocate that you want to be.
ASK Resource Center
- http://askresource.org/
- Provides information, training on advocacy, and referrals in Iowa.
Infonet
- http://www.infonetiowa.org/
- Offers tools and ideas for advocating in Iowa
Advocacy University
- http://www.advocacyuniversity.org/
- Learn more about the challenges that face Iowans with disabilities and what you can do turn those challenges into opportunities.
Parents as Presenters
- https://www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/special-education/parent-information/parents-presenters
- IA Dept of Education program that offers a 2 day workshop to help parents learn how to share their story. It is free and they typically offer a stipend to parents to come. If you choose to do so, after the training, you might be contacted to share your story with groups or in writing and receive a small stipend for that as well.
Family Voices
- http://www.familyvoices.org/
- Resources and support to help families advocate for improved public and private policies on health care.
Wrightslaw
- http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/advo.index.htm
- Nationwide resource with ideas and ways to advocate for your child with special needs. Lots of topics including IEPs, Early Childhood, Transitions, 2e children, and more.