Child Advocacy Services
At Vizon Quest, we believe individuals with special needs and their families deserve a high quality of life, and our quest is to provide empowerment to enable it’s achievement. By providing IEP Consulting and Advocacy, Independent Life Skills Training, Transition Planning, Employability Skills Training, Employment Placement and Comprehensive Support; we foster the necessary equity and inclusion to enable individuals with a wide range of disabilities to become gainfully employed. We provide specialized services tailored to each individual, and a continuum of support from the initial evaluation through the successful maintenance of independent employment.
According to Merriam-Webster, an advocate is “one that pleads the cause of another; one that supports or promotes the interests of another.” A special education advocate serves families and students with disabilities by promoting their best interests through helping to obtain the appropriate supports and services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
An advocate assists parents in ensuring a comprehensive IEP is provided and implemented for their child. Advocates can also assist in settling many school-related disputes outside of an IEP meeting, through Informal Dispute Resolution Meetings. If these efforts fail at the school district and local levels, it is then when an attorney is needed to file “Due Process.” By aiding in the resolutions prior to “Due Process”, advocates are able to help resolve many issues without legal involvement and with a reduced financial commitment from the family.
As an advocate Vizon Quest provides the following services-
Educational and Testing Records Reviews, preparation for and attending IEP and 504 meetings, preparation for and attending Manifestation Determination Meetings, informal dispute resolution meetings. We also make educational recommendations for services and support, for school placement, and for the development of appropriate goals, accommodations and behavior plans. We will also draft letters, complaints, written requests, and dispute proposals on the behalf on parents and students. Call 863-397-7477 for help with you Advocacy needs.
