Being a parent of a child with special needs brings many new experiences. Over time, we
continue to improve our parenting skills. One important skill to learn is advocating for our
children. This may include advocating within various systems that serve our children: health care,
education, or Regional Centers. This may also involve advocating for your child to be included in
recreational activities, the community, or family events. Building your advocacy skills will serve
you well in many settings.
Skills take time to develop. Certain skills come easier to some of us than others. All of us have
said or done things that we wish we hadn’t. In hindsight, we may realize that these actions have
not helped us help our child. Be patient with yourself, and keep trying. It has been said that we
do the best we can with what we know, and when we know more, we do better.
This packet provides information on seven skills that you can learn to use to increase your ability
to advocate for your child. Matrix Parent Advisors are also available to coach you and offer advice
on your journey. You know your child best and are the one who is the constant from year to year.
Parents’ advocacy reflects their values, hopes, and dreams for their children. You are your child’s
advocate. Matrix can be your advisor in that process.
Our website has links to information from other agencies on this topic, and we have other
information packets on specific disabilities, Special Education, and Regional Centers that relate
to advocacy. The following packets have specific information on skills and tools needed for your
advocacy:
Getting Organized
IEP Toolkit
Resolving Disagreements
Our libraries in Novato and Fairfield have books, DVDs/videos, magazines, and other materials