Educational
Advocacy Program
The Educational Advocacy Program is a Program of the
Westchester Independent Living Center (WILC) and its satellite office, Putnam
Independent Living Services (PILS). It's purpose is to reach out to families of
children (ages birth - 21) with special needs to aid in the advancement of
their development and security of their future. It assists parents of children
with special needs to
 make informed decisions about
educational rights, choices, responsibilities, and long-term outcomes; provides
on-going support navigating the Special Education system; and identifies and
links parents with appropriate community resources.
WILC's/PILS' Educational Advocacy Program staff
provide direct and indirect advocacy services in order to support and empower
parents in their quest to receive appropriate Special Education services for
their child. Educational Advocacy Program staff have an extensive knowledge of
NYS Special Education Regulations (Part 200 and 201), IDEA, Section 504, and
various disabilities. Staff includes a Director of Educational Advocacy
Services, Transition Specialists, and Educational Advocates (EI, CPSE, and
CSE). These qualified Educational Advocates have a wealth of knowledge and
experience with the Special Education system. They are parents of children with
special needs and/or have an expertise in mental health, physical, and
developmental disabilities.
Services
are provided Free of Charge to individuals with disabilities and/or their
family members, regardless of age, sex, disability, ethnic or racial
background, or religious affiliation. Spanish speaking staff is available.
What are the Educational Advocacy Program
services?
Information and Referral
- Answer specific questions regarding IDEA, NYS
Special Education Regulations (Part 200 and 201) and Section 504
- Refer parents to community organizations, programs
and providers
- Connect families to resource and support groups
specializing in children with specific disabilities
Direct and Indirect Advocacy
- In-depth one-to-one case advocacy
- Record review and strategic planning for an
appropriate IEP
- Empower parents to effectively advocate for their
child
- Attend school meetings with families for support
and advocacy
- Teach quality communication techniques to improve
the relationship between members of the CPSE and CSE
- Interpret federal and state Special Education laws
Peer Mentorship
- Support families in navigating the Special
Education process
- Connect families with support groups and
informative websites
- Share the emotions and stresses of raising a child
with special needs in a safe and understanding environment
Transition Planning
- Assist students with disabilities, ages 14 - 21,
prepare for life after school
- Develop an appropriate IEP transition plan
- Develop non-traditional community resources
- Establish a team with the student's school, family
and government services
Community Outreach/Education
The Educational Advocacy Program works with
individuals, community organizations and state/national networks to:
- Promote full inclusion of persons with
disabilities into their communities
- Heighten awareness and understanding of
disability-related issues and laws
- Improve the implementation of existing laws that
affect persons with disabilities
- Provide topic specific workshops on a regular
basis
Workshops
The Educational Advocacy Program provides workshops
for parents and professionals on a variety of topics relating to education,
i.e., Special Education law, transition, learning disabilities, etc.
Websites
www.wilc.org and www.PutnamILS.org provide
Educational Advocacy Program information; a schedule of up-coming workshops;
and links to community agencies, NYS Special Education Regulations,
disability-related organizations/publications, etc.
What can the Educational Advocacy Program help
you do?
- Gain practical knowledge of your Special Education
rights and the law
- Speak the language of "Special Education"
- Understand and manage your child's educational
records
- Design and build long-term educational outcomes
- Effectively work with school professionals'
- Participate in CPSE, CSE and 504 meetings with
greater confidence and knowledge
- Learn about local supports and services that are
available for your child
- Provide peer mentorship
Where does the Educational Advocacy Program provide
services?
Educational Advocacy Program services are provided
throughout Westchester, Putnam, and lower Dutchess counties by members of
WILC's/PILS' Educational Advocacy Program staff.
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