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Parent Advocacy
As a parent, it may seem like a daunting task to find the best information on reliable services and resources for your child. Of course, every parent wants the best possible future for their child. As a parent with a child with a disability, or who thinks their child might have a disability, finding the right information is even more important.
Questions like “Where do I start?” and “How do I find out for sure if my child has a disability?” and even “Who will pay for these services?” are not uncommon. As you move through the system many other questions may arise such as “What services are available for my child as they transition to college or work?” or parents may ask “What are my rights” and “How much input do I have?”
Luckily, there is help navigating this sometimes confusing web of information. Arc of Onondaga’s Parent Advocacy Program is giving parents a wealth of information and helping them to become life-long advocates for their children.
Parent Advocacy is a free and confidential program, for parents with children from birth to 21 years of age. The program is available to parents in the counties of Onondaga, Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Otsego, Delaware, Chenango, and Broome County.
Workshops
Parents and professionals can gain information and network with others by attending a workshop on a variety of special education topics. We present several workshops throughout the year and are also available to present on specific topics to meet the needs and interests of your group at one of our offices or a location of your choice within the eight counties. Workshops topics include but are not limited to:
• IEP’s
• Disability Information
• IDEA laws and regulations
• The Special Ed Process
• Transitioning EI-CPSE-CSE-Adult Services
• Parental Rights
• Assistive Technology
• FBA’s, BIP’s and other behavior Topics
Parents are their child’s best advocate. Parents are a child’s first teacher and know their child best. The law gives parents the power to make decisions. Parents need to utilize this right and empower themselves with the knowledge to effectively and positively communicate and advocate for their child.
For upcoming workshops, see our Calendar of Events.
Lay Advocacy Training
In addition to workshops, information and referral services, we also offer Lay Advocacy Training approximately two times per year. Lay Advocacy is an in depth series of intensive training for parents to gain a wide range of knowledge and skills to be able to effectively advocate for their own children as well as to be able to assist and share the information with other parents.
Lay Advocacy Training sessions include: Parent Support and vision, IDEA Laws, regulations and policies, Evaluations, IEPS, LRE, Behavior analysis and implementation, Communication skills, Section 504 & ADA, State complaints, mediation, resolution and impartial hearings, Community resources and networks.
Empower yourself and others and become a Lay Advocate! For the next series of Lay Advocacy Sessions or for further information you can call Lisa Coggi, Parent Advocate at 315.423.0100 or email lcoggi@arcon.org. Don’t forget to check the Calendar of Events regularly for updated information and opportunities.
We look forward to working together for the future of all our children! Remember it was parents who advocated together along with dedicated professionals not so many years ago to make systematic changes for equality in the education for children.