Advocating for African American families with children who learn differently.
Trained Parent Advocates
Sometimes parents find it difficult to express their feelings when they are sitting alone with a team of experts who might tend to dictate the content, tone, and outcome of a school meeting about a child's progress. Therefore, it is wise for parents to get information from or take with them a trained advocate or another individual who knows their child. Finding a trained advocate who is also culturally sensitive can be difficult.
Although the PLI is growing rapidly, there are not enough members now to serve the many parents in need throughout the country. Therefore, families in need of advocacy information should be aware of the federally funded Parent Training and Information Centers and Community Parent Resource Centers. Each state is home to at least one parent center. The level of services and cultural competency varies from location to location.
Parents should also check with the office of special education within their state department of education and public school district to determine how to find a parent advocate close to home. The AACLD will continue to receive inquiries, preferably by email, from parents and respond to them as quickly as possible.
