There are many scenarios in which I support families and children with Dyslexia. I added another one to my repertoire, Dyslexia Advocate!
What is an advocate in general?
An educational advocate is a person who helps parents navigate the Special Education process. Many advocates help ensure that the school district meets your child’s needs.
The process begins with a consultation. Then a review of all your records. It progresses to communicating with the school district on your behalf. Advocates navigate the Individualized Education Process (IEP) the Planning and Placement Team Meetings (PPT) and facilitate the assessment process.
Advocates make sure the team is following timelines. Practice assessment guidelines. They align to state and federal legislation. This ensures your child is receiving support and services under the law.
An advocate examines all the testing and services. This ensures that your child’s present levels of performance (PLOP) are represented. These are the strengths and weaknesses your child currently demonstrates. Then this is drives services and goals and objectives for your child. Advocates continue to examine data. This ensures your child is improving at a sufficient rate.
Why is there a need for a Dyslexia Advocate?
Dyslexia is a learning disability in reading. This requires a specific treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs. A Dyslexia Advocate has a better understanding of educational treatment plans. A better understanding of assessments. A better understanding of the programs that work.
There are many programs and teachers that claim to be effective and highly trained. A Dyslexia Advocate helps look at your child’s progress. This determines if they are actually making improvements. Time is of the essence. When children with Dyslexia spend time in programs that do not work or with poor instruction then the gap grows.
Activists are fighting for the rights of people with Dyslexia. New state and federal legislation continues to be crafted. Dyslexia advocates can help parents interpret the laws and understand how it impacts education.
I became a Dyslexia Advocate to give the children and parents I work with a voice. My unique experience as an educator and parent allows me to see the big picture. I can what children with Dyslexia need in school. I can see what support they need. Best of all, I can see them succeed on a path to a bright future.
Melissa Saliva is a Reading Consultant and founder of Beacon Valley Literacy Services. She helps parents help kids with dyslexia.