A special education advocate can help guide parents/guardians through the special education process. Advocates in MA have typically completed the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) Parent Consultant Training Institute or trained through another organization like the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). They have a wide variety of backgrounds and experience. They can help you understand evaluation results, assist in communicating with the district, and attend team meetings to advise you on your child’s rights and advocate for their needs.
SELECTING AN ADVOCATE
COPAA has guidelines for choosing an advocate, including questions to ask. FCSN has published A Parent’s Guide to Selecting a Special Education Advocate in Massachusetts to help you know what to look for in an advocate.
DIRECTORIES
The Special Needs Advocacy Network (SPAN) maintains a professional directory of advocates and attorneys from around the state. COPAA also has a directory.
PRO BONO ASSISTANCE
Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC)
Main: 617-357-8431
Helpline: 617-357-8431 x 224 or http://massadvocates.org/
MAC provides help for children who are facing barriers receiving educational services to which they are legally entitled. MAC can give advice over the phone, referrals for further advocacy or services, or, for low-income families, in some instances direct representation from staff or referral to a pro–bono attorney or advocate.
Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN)
617-236-7210 or 1-800-331-0688 or http://fcsn.org/ptic/call-
FCSN provides information, support, and assistance to caregivers of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities. They have people training to be advocates (parent consultants) who have completed their coursework but need to do 25 hours of pro bono work under the supervision of a seasoned advocate.
Updated June 2023