When are Disability Advocates Necessary?

Disability advocacy becomes necessary when there is a conflict between a person with a disability and a service provider that cannot be resolved. Usually, advocacy occurs when the person with a disability needs instruction, a service, an adaptation, equipment, or an accommodation that the service provider does not want to provide.

Conflicts over special education services may arise for a variety of reasons. Examples of some common reasons include:

• Schools do not want to include items the parent wants on the child's Individual Education Program (IEP).
• Schools disagree with parents on what specially designed instruction should be provided.
• Parents and schools disagree on related services for the child.
• The school and parents disagree on disciplinary measures.
• The parents and school disagree on appropriate placement for the child in the least restrictive environment.
• The parents feel the child's rights have been violated.
• The parents feel that the child's program is not appropriate and that no progress is being made.

Advocacy Tips, Strategies

• Disability Advocates - What is disability advocacy?
• Why would schools or other service providers refuse to provide services for students with disabilities?
• Special Education Advocacy Mistakes that May Harm Your Child