Education Advocacy

What is Educational Advocacy?
The Educational Advocacy Program is a service for parents of children with disabilities. Advocacy is provided in several ways:

• Educational workshops that give families tools to successfully navigate the special education system and empower their children.
  
• The Arc Education Committee advocates for special education programs that lead to students’ personal, social, academic and economic development.
  
• Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) Leadership Program: Parents apply to participate in the year-long program and receive training on how to help other parents advocate for their children's rights. Click here for contact information and to connect with a PEP leader.
  
• Answers provided to questions about laws, the school system, and IEP development.
  
• Attendance by an advocate at Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings.
  

How do I receive this service?
The Arc's educational advocacy is a free service. Call Mary Funk at 301-925-7050, ext. 232 for answers to your educational questions or to arrange for an advocate to attend an IEP meeting.

Click The Following Links to Read About Child Programs That The Arc Offer:

• Autism Waiver
  
• Childcare
  
• Community Supported Living Arrangements (CSLA)
  
• Education Advocacy
  
• Future Planning
  
• In-Home Supports
  
• Infants & Toddlers
  
• Information & Referral
  
• Low Intensity Support Services (LISS)
  
• Personal Care
  
• Recreation
  
• Respite Care
  
• Support Groups & Workshops
  
• Transitioning Youth