1. Facilitative Advocacy
A Collaborative Approach to Supporting Families
Myriam Alizo, SPAN
Diana Cruz, CADRE
Kerry V. Smith, Pennsylvania ODR

2. Agenda Welcome and Introductions Impact of Strident Advocacy
What is Facilitative Advocacy
Potential Barriers
Needed Supports
Q&A

3. All advocacy is, at its core, an exercise in empathy. - Samantha Power
Discuss all the positive advocate experiences and ensure audience understands that the majority of advocates are collaborative, valuable, and helpful to both families and educators.

4. Consent Decree, IDEA & Today
The Origins and Intent of Parent Advocacy
Kerry

5. Impact of a Strident Approach – On Systems
Overall System (Macro)
Financial implications
Public relations/stakeholder involvement
Relationships with LEAs
Local System (Micro)
Educator turn-over
Compliance focus
Fear/mistrust
Kerry and Diana

6. Impact of a Strident Approach – On Families
Parents and caregivers
Diminish participation
Foster dependency
Strain relationships
Students
Reduce self-determination
Impact outcomes
Creates instability
Myriam and Diana

7. Flipping the Switch Divisive Breaks down communication Position-based
Strident
Facilitative
Divisive
Breaks down communication
Position-based
Limits participation
Outcome-centered
Collaborative
Facilitates communication
Interest-based
Encourages participation
Student-centered

8. Facilitative Advocacy is…
a principled approach to advocacy that utilizes collaborative problem- solving skills and relationship-strengthening strategies to resolve disagreements about special education to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities.

9. Guiding Principles
Dignity: All people have inherent dignity and value as human beings and deserve respect and civility at all times.
Assume best intentions
Recognize the right of parents/guardians to make informed decisions about their child
Student-centric: A child with a disability is at the heart of every special education dispute.
Ensure that interactions and communication with parents and educators are focused on the present needs of the student
Commit to improving educational opportunities and outcomes
Redirect the team’s focus to the student when the conversation has strayed

10. Guiding Principles (cont.)
Empowerment: Parents of students with disabilities need encouragement, knowledge, and support while finding their voice.
Educate parents about the special education process and their rights
Prepare parents to participate effectively in IEP meetings by helping parents clarify, prioritize, and articulate their concerns, needs, and vision for their child
Model collaborative problem-solving skills
Integrity: Honesty and trustworthiness are demonstrated by clear motives aligned to student needs. 
Commit to serve the best interest of the student
Adhere to honest business practices
Divulge conflicts of interest
Maintain confidentiality
Following through with commitments

11. Guiding Principles (cont.)
Relationship Building: Family-educator relationships are strengthened through effective communication and collaboration.
Model effective and respectful communication skills
Encourage honest and open communication between parents and educators
Refrain from conduct that will harm the relationship
Collaboration: Collaborative problem-solving skills and strategies are necessary to resolve disagreement and disputes.
Anticipate topics that may cause conflict or disagreement
Ask questions to identify the interest underneath a position or demand
Use an interest-based approach to problem-solving
Help parents to identify and evaluate potential solutions  

12. Guiding Principles (cont.)
Community Partnering: Families benefit from being connected with local agencies, resources, and other parents in order to build a support system.
Act as a liaison to build family network
Maintain collaborative relationships across agencies

13. How Can We Promote This Approach?
What might families need?
What might systems need?
What might advocates need?

14. Potential Barriers

15. Resources Visit the CADRE website at: www.cadreworks.org
Subscribe to the CADRE Caucus Newsletter
Order CADRE publications
Review the “For Families” page
Search the Main Library
At SPAN we have the Family/Education Collaboration in the Special Education Process training
Also here
Developing and running parent groups
CPIR webinar on “Using data for collaboration and advocacy” (note that the URL might change with the launch of the new website this week)

16. Resources (Cont.) Visit the SPAN website at www.spanadvocacy.org
Family/Educator Collaboration in the IEP Process: A Collection of Tools, Activities, and Resources
Developing and running parent groups
Visit the Center for Parent Information and Resources website at
CPIR webinar on “Using data for collaboration and advocacy”
At SPAN we have the Family/Education Collaboration in the Special Education Process training
Also here
Developing and running parent groups
CPIR webinar on “Using data for collaboration and advocacy” (note that the URL might change with the launch of the new website this week)

17. Questions
Contact: Myriam Alizo: Diana Cruz: Kerry V. Smith: