iStock_000007345580.jpg iStock_000006568511Medium.jpg iStock_000009549214Small.jpg 28MB_co051.jpg shutterstock_1832149.jpg Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy A curriculum created by the National Family Advocacy Support and Training (FAST) Project, a project of PACER Center: fastfamilysupport.org welcomes you to… C:\Users\Sandra\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\XG6PM5WD\2012FINDLogo (2).jpg Page 2 P1010095.JPG Sandra Duverge Gabriel and Sebastian Her Sons Sebastian and Mon at Abby's wed.bmp Gabriel and Seb at Jones Beach 1.jpg Agenda You will learn: •What advocacy means •How to improve your advocacy skills •How you can make a difference! Page 3 Use Your Power “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” —Alice Walker Page 4 What is an Advocate? Advocates speak up for themselves or others to make things better. Have you ever? •Met with your child’s teacher about any issue? •Spoke at a local gathering about a project you care about? •Told a cashier that an item was not ringing up correctly? Page 5 Why be an Advocate? •Your experiences are valuable and can be used to improve things •You know when something is or isn’t working •You have ideas how to make things better •You have the only long- term connection to this child shutterstock_814480.jpg Page 6 Six Skills To be an effective advocate: 1. Understand your child’s disability 2. Know the key players 3. Know your rights and responsibilities 4. Become well organized 5. Use clear and effective communication 6. Know how to resolve disagreements Page 7 In Other Words: 1.Who is the “star”? 2.Who are the players? 3.What are the rules? 4.What is my plan of action? 5.What do I say when it’s my turn? 6.What do we do when we disagree? j0402568.jpg Page 8 Skill #1: Understand Your Child’s Disability Understanding helps you: •Know which services are appropriate for your child •Have high expectations •Find the right assistive technology and accommodations Use resources to learn more! 28MB_fm019.jpg Page 9 Skill #2: Know the Key Players •Who is the director or decision maker? •Are staff people public, non-profit, or private employees? •How can you find a person’s name? business group 3.jpg Page 10 Skill #3: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities Learn about them by: •Reading Web sites •Asking how service is funded •Asking to see laws and policies •Asking questions •Joining a group Page 11 Parents as Partners Parents and professionals can be partners and: •Work together •Share goals •Have individual roles •Share authority •Have different skills •Solve problems Page 12 Skill #4: Become Well Organized •Keep records •Put it in writing •Keep a phone log •Have a meeting notebook j0411785.jpg Page 13 Skill #5: Use Clear and Effective Communication •Keep your eyes on the “prize” – the right service for your child! •Listen and ask questions j0227795.jpg Page 14 Skill #5: Use Clear and Effective Communication •Focus on needs of the child •Problem solve together to find solutions j0227795.jpg Page 15 Skill # 5: Use Clear and Effective Communication •Speak clearly •Avoid making people feel defensive •Turn negatives into positives •Summarize j0227795.jpg Page 16 Tips for Good Communication at a Meeting •Focus on your goal •Show respect and expect it from others •Manage your emotions •Ask questions •Rephrase for clarification •Say thanks Page 17 Tips for Written Communication Letters should: •Be sent to person who can make a change •Be dated and signed •Focus on one or two issues •Be no longer than one page •Set a deadline if a reply is requested •Give your contact information Remember to keep a copy for yourself! Page 18 When You Disagree •Disagree without being disagreeable •Apologize if needed •Separate the person from the problem •Realize NO ONE has all the answers •Make sure your facts are correct •Choose your battles Page 19 Skill #6: Know How to Resolve Disagreements Informal Processes: •Talk to people first casual meeting.jpg Page 20 Skill #6: Know How to Resolve Disagreements Formal Processes: •Mediation •Complaints •Appeals j0285169.jpg Page 21 Skills Checklist .What have you learned? .Is there a skill you hope to improve? .Do you need more resources? .Do you need more support? Page 22 Summary “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” —Helen Keller Page 23 Contact Information iStock_000007577239Medium.jpg Page 24 C:\Users\Sandra\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\XG6PM5WD\2012FINDLogo (2).jpg smduverge@kyyouth.org 502.587.6500 502.895.8167x114