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Ann's Corner
Be Your Child's Best Advocate--Advice, Ideas and Suggestions
By Ann Martinelli

Click here to read Ann's advice on "Back to School Time"!

Meet Ann...

Ann Martinelli has been a family advocate and support specialist at FRA since 1992. She has also been a service provider within FRA’s Early Intervention Program since 1998. Ann and her husband are parents to three grown children. Their youngest child, Joe, is twenty one years old and was diagnosed with multiple disabilities when he was six months old. Ann has successfully navigated the special education system and many state-wide agencies for people with disabilities. She has conducted Transition To Pre-School workshops for ten years and has provided one-to-one assistance to families in transition and to those whose child is currently receiving special education services. As a family advocate and support specialist Ann believes in empowering the family to be the best advocate for their child which will enable them to work as a member of the Child Study Team. Federal and state law provide parents with specific rights, but responsibilities are also part of the parental role. Families who are knowledgeable about the federal and state special education laws will be able to successfully advocate for their child. Ann is available to provide assistance by telephone and by individual sessions with the family.

FAQ’s...

Q--Once I sign an IEP do I have to wait until the annual review to make changes to it?

A--No, although an IEP is a legally binding document, changes can be made at any time. While the law requires a review of a child’s IEP at least once a year, parents and other members of the Child Study Team (CST) may request an IEP meeting (in writing!) at any time during the year to address concerns.

Q--I do not agree with the evaluation (ex. speech, reading, psychological, etc.) my district completed for my child. What recourse do I have?

A--When parents disagree with a district evaluation, they may request (in writing) an independent evaluation to be provided at the district’s expense. While this does not mean the parent will be able to choose the evaluator, it does mean it will be an independent party.

Q--My child will be turning three soon and entering the public school system. I have heard from other parents that my district “gives families a hard time.” Should I bring an advocate or attorney to my IEP meeting?

A--My advice is “no.” While you may, at some point in the future, need the advice of an advocate or attorney, bringing one to your first IEP meeting may be considered adversarial by other members of the CST. Remember, your relationship with the CST is like any other relationship; it will require listening, questioning, reflection and respect. Respect is crucial and can be undermined by harsh words and demands. Emotions can be hard to control when a parent is discussing their child but when you listen to the other members of the team, you learn. You may vehemently disagree, but reflecting and talking about your challenges with others (family, friends, etc.) after the meeting may put your thoughts into perspective and enable you to come back to the table better prepared. Remember, as long as you live in the same town and your child is receiving special education services, you will have to work with the other members of the CST. This work carries with it the responsibility to be knowledgeable about your child’s disability, and their individual strengths and weaknesses.