Be sure to keep copies of all reports and paperwork. Also, keep a log of all the people you speak to, their phone numbers and other pertinent information, as well as the time and date of your call and the details of the conversation. After making a call, you can send a follow-up letter reminding the person of the important points, such as any information they promised to provide you or information you think should be in that person's files. Also learn as much as possible about IDEA and other laws that could help your child.
Talk to your child about school.
Find out what he/she likes and dislikes and what kind of frustrations he/ she is experiencing. Understanding what your child is going through is an essential part of being an advocate.
Don't be afraid to ask questions or say no.
It's important to work together with the school to plan your child's education, so make sure you know to what you are agreeing. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification, request further testing, or challenge the school's decision regarding services.
Stay level-headed.
Being involved in a process where lots of people are talking about your child can be very emotional. Remember that the people involved are there to help, even if you disagree with them. You will be most helpful to your child, if you hear everyone out and express yourself calmly and specifically.
Get support from others.
Talking to other parents with children who have similar difficulties may give you ideas and tips you can benefit from. It's also good to team up with other parents to bring your concerns to the school system or agencies.
Two top LD experts, Stevan Kukic, Ph.D., and Judy Elliott, Ph.D., offer advice on how parents can stand up for the rights of their child with LD.More >
NCLD Public Policy Director Laura Kaloi explains our Parent Guide to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The guide is an essential tool for parents of children with LD. More >
FAPE is the acronym for a Free and Appropriate Public Education. It is one of the most misunderstood concepts of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA). And it often causes the greatest conflict between parents and schools. A required component of IDEA, FAPE mandat... More >
Your child has the right to a free and appropriate public school education. Getting involved in his or her education is among the most important things you can do as your child's advocate. As you'll see below, you have a right to be a part of every decision regarding your child's edu... More >
Learning the essential skills to become your child's advocate and ensure your child receives an appropriate education does not require lots of money or even years of schooling. All it requires is learning five basic skills and consistently implementing them within the school community... More >
Parents are often the best educational advocates for their children, especially children with a learning disability. True advocacy is a largely positive process, which should build on your child's strengths and challenges. As your child's best advocate, you are in a unique position t... More >
Being an advocate means knowing how to ensure that your child gets the help he or she needs to be successful. For children who experience learning difficulties, it's never too early to start looking for ways to help them succeed in learning. Even before formal schooling starts, ther... More >
If a bear cub wanders into your campsite, you know to be extra cautious — because you know somewhere in the underbrush there's a mama bear ready to protect her young. As a parent, your instinct is to protect your child. When it comes to making sure your child is being afforded ev... More >
Here are ten initial ways that parents can help their children with learning disabilities (LD).
Learn more about learning disabilities
Information on learning disabilities can help you understand that your child does not learn in the same way as other people do. Find out as ... More >
Are you (or your spouse) a member of the U.S. military who is also raising a child with a disability? If so, rest assured you’re not alone. According to Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-CA, and Chair of the Military Personnel Subcommittee), there are 100,000 military families with child... More >
An Online Chat with Candace Cortiella
On August 18, 2004, SchwabLearning.org hosted an online chat with Candace Cortiella, a national expert in special education law and an advocate for children with learning disabilities, as well a member of the professional advisory board for the... More >
Growing up in a military family has its advantages and adventures, but for kids with learning disabilities (LD) and others who need special education services , the road can be rocky. Whether your child is being evaluated for special education services or is already enrolled, you’l... More >
The following is a transcription of the podcast, “High School Diploma Options and Students with LD (audio).”
In this podcast from the National Center for Learning Disabilities, Candace Cortiella interviews two experts about high school diploma options and their implicat... More >
In this podcast from the National Center for Learning Disabilities, Candace Cortiella interviews two experts about high school diploma options and their impact on students with learning disabilities (LD). Her guests are Laura Kaloi, public policy director for the NCLD, and Dr. Marth... More >
What have I learned after weaving my way through the special education maze?Knowledge is power — you must be as informed as possible about your child's disability AND your child's strengths. You must know the law and how to use it. You must have good communication skills. You must b... More >
The following is a transcription of the podcast, “Making the Most of the Parent Information and Training Network (Audio).”
Candace Cortiella: On behalf the National Center for Learning Disabilities, I’d like to welcome Connie Hawkins and Jan Serak of the Network of Pa... More >
The following is a transcription of the podcast, “Support for Military Families Whose Children have Special Needs (audio).”
In this NCLD podcast, Candace Cortiella speaks with Heather Hebdon, Executive Director of the Specialized Training of Military Parents (STOMP), part... More >
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides options for resolving disputes between schools and parents. Two of these options are state complaints and due process complaints. Either of these options could be used to address matters involving a school district’s d... More >
Once you learn that your child has a learning disability (LD), you’re undoubtedly wondering how to get your child the services he needs to be successful in school. But services are not automatically given to students when they are identified as having LD. A diagnosis of LD does not ... More >
My child is struggling 
Now that my child has 
