Here's a page from one site I found. Also if you google educational advocate +
(your state), you'll get more information.

Barb

Advocates and Educational Consultants
Both advocates and education consultants guide parents though the process
special education process. They are paid to come to TEAM meetings with you and
advisor you on your child's situation. They have a variety of college degrees,
background and experiences. Often the advocate or ed consultant will
consultant, or join forces with a SPED lawyer if the situation calls for it.

Advocates: are usually parents of special needs children. They have been
trained by the Federation for Children or other SPED organizations in children
rights.

Education Consultant: are usually education professionals. Have a degree in
education. Some are parents of special needs children. Most are trained to do
educational testing of your child and may also be trained by the Federation for
Children or other SPED organizations in children rights.



SPecial Needs Advocacy Network (SPAN).
Is an association of advocates and other professionals.
They have a list of advocates parents can contact of assistance and parents are
also welcome to attend their workshops on advocacy and topics in special
education, check their Program Calendar .

SPAN
P.O. Box 269
Natick, MA 01760

SPAN phone number 508-655-7999
or visit there website: www.spanmass.org





You do not need to attend law school to become an advocate or education
consultant. Some parents do the advocate training, just so they can be better
advocate for their own child.

Two groups we know of who offer advocacy training:
The Federation charges (2006) $325 for parents, $425 for professionals for 8
sessions.

Federation phone number 617-236-7210 or 800-331-0688
or visit there website: www.fcsn.org

The Dept. of Mental Retardation also offers Educational Advocacy Parent
Consultant Training. They charge apox. $30 for 4 sessions.
In 2000 one was run by South Shore Support Services, phone: 781-331-7878.




An article from Wrightslaw on advocating (Why advocate, types, what do advocates
do, planning)


Advocating for Your Child - Getting Started






The following is a list of professionals who comes recommended by at least three
SPED PAC members, we cannot in any way guarantee the result. It is important to
check their references, review their credentials, and interview them to
understand whether their skills and approach are a good fit.

These are advocates and education consultants who works in the Concord area.
(Some advocates do not like to do work in the town they live in.)

Listed in order of town:


Name, business.name, title Town Telephone Type of disability members were
dealing with What members see as their strength Degree Referred by
Donna Murphy,
Advocate Burlington, MA 781-272-7747 MR, Autism, etc. Running meetings -
KV, MO
Martha Stearns,
Ed. Consultant Cambridge, MA 02138 617-491-4222 LD, ADHD Her reports, and
access to evaluators SA, CC
Triad Advocacy:
.

Melody Orfei
Advocate
Concord, MA 978-371-2182 LD, ADHD, Dyslexia, SI, Asperger's Syndrome
Federation Children with Special Needs (FCSN) trained, knowledge of the law,
understanding of reading issues and social issues BS CC, SA
Liz Hopkinson
Advocate
Concord, MA
978-505-1634
DD, MR, Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, SI, medical issues
Federation Children with Special Needs (FCSN) trained, exprienced with
multiply disabled students. BA


Steve Lowe
Advocate
Acton, MA
978-263-9725
NVLD/NLD, ADHD, LD
Federation Children with Special Needs (FCSN) trained. Can assist and
advocate for all aspects of special education. NLD, Aspergers, LD, Autism
Spectrum.
Ph. D.


Joan Toussaint,
Advocate (moved)
Maynard, MA
978-897-1622 LD, SI,
(NVLD, PDD) Very involved with SPED organizations and special education
issues. - MO, SW,

Susan Grant,
Ed. Consultant Newton Center, MA 781-861-6585 Autism, PDD, S&L Will
observe your child's program, researches your child's background, interviews the
parents and child. Advocates with the school system on present as well as
future needs. Ed.M. JC, KB
Pam Fitzgerald
Advocacy Consulting Services Northboro, MA 01532 508-393-1906 Hearing
Impaired, Mood Disorders, Autism spectrum, NLD, LD's, Dyslexia, ADHD. Federation
Children with Special Needs (FCSN) trained, Team meetings, Mediation, and
communication. BS
KV, SR




----- Original Message -----
From: Kristine Coriano
To: adhdparentssupportgroup@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2008 3:28 PM
Subject: [ADHD Parents Support Group] 504 meeting


Hi, I'm hoping for some info on an advocate or tips on pinpointing my child's
needs and make sure they're carried through

K.C.
krisco1985@...

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