SPAN's Model Program Can Be Replicated in Other States

Null

BY LAUREN AGORATUS, M.A.

Many families may feel unprepared to attend their IEP meeting and want someone to attend with them for guidance. SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, which is New Jersey's Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center, has a new project called SEVA that stands for Special Education Volunteer Advocates.

SEVA means "selfless service" in Sanskrit and is the core of SPAN's Special Education Volunteer Advocate program. SEVAs are trained by SPAN to help families prepare for, participate effectively in, and follow up from, IEP meetings where families are seeking more inclusive services and/or effective transition to adult life plans. SEVAs are not providing legal advice but serve as peer mentors, letting families know their rights and the responsibilities of the school district and helping them learn and exercise effective family-professional partnership and communication skills. SEVAs help families understand their choices, give the families options, and respect their decisions. SEVA Training has been provided to parents, self-advocates, siblings and youth participants.

"I was so grateful when you called and told me about your project. It was like a prayer answered. I never imagined that I would have to fight so hard for my son to be included in the general education classroom…" – Parent seeking inclusion 

My most valuable takeaway was to be open, to listen with my heart and be able to offer to support to families."  SEVA trainee

Basics: How it Works

After training, a SEVA is matched with a family. SPAN has focused on either LRE (least restrictive environment) or transition to adult life issues. The SEVA gets basic information on the family from the intake line. Then there is an initial meeting to determine the goals of the family and student. The SEVA will attend the IEP meeting with the parent. Finally, there is an exit meeting in which the family decides on ongoing goals and is empowered to reach them in the future. The SEVA can participate in group or individual technical assistance calls to help them assist the family. SEVAs are reimbursed for all 3 family meetings. Of course, if a parent needs additional assistance later, they can always contact the SPAN warmline.

HOW SEVA HELPS

SEVA enhances the capacity of SPAN Resource Parents to serve as volunteer supports for families in preparing for and at IEP meetings focused on inclusion and effective transition to adult life. The program increases the number of under-served families who can be provided with in-person support. SEVA builds the knowledge and skills of families and youth, particularly those facing the greatest challenges, to advocate on their own behalf to secure effective inclusion and transition to adult life

Funding the Project

Many other PTIs may have received requests to attend IEP meetings with parents but lack adequate funding to provide this service. In addition, some of the Disability Rights or Protection and Advocacy organizations in the states receive calls that don't warrant legal representation but could be handled by the PTI. Also, there are Councils on Developmental Disabilities in each state, which may have mini-grants to organizations helping those with developmental disabilities. SPAN was able to get this funding from the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities and referrals from Disability Rights NJ.

 Project Impact

Evaluations are given to the SEVAs on the quality – SEVA trainee of training. In addition, after the family meetings, parents will also receive a brief evaluation of the services they received. To date, responses have been overwhelmingly positive.

Attending IEP meetings has allowed the PTI to expand their services to parents. Families are benefitting from guidance and learning how to advocate for their child.•

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lauren Agoratus, M.A. is the parent of a child with multiple disabilities. She serves as the Coordinator for Family Voices-NJ and as the central/southern coordinator in her state's Family-to-Family Health Information Center, both housed at the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) at spanadvocacy.org

SELFLESS SERVICE : IEP RESOURCES