Abstract:
This paper explores the various definitions of parent advocacy, the roles of advocates, why advocates are necessary, and the history of parent advocacy in relation to special education services in American school systems. In this paper, the term "parent advocate" can refer to either a parent who advocates for his or her own child in the special education process, or to an individual who assists parents of children with disabilities, a role that can also be referred to as a parent support volunteer, peer support provider, or a parent resource, among other titles. Along with information about receiving a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (lRE), two stipulations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), is instruction about individualized education programs (IEPs) and how those topics apply to advocacy. The purpose of this thesis is to educate parents of children with disabilities, school professionals, and others who are unaware about the important work advocates do to stand up for the rights of parents and their children in need of special services.
