Families of Children with Disabilities in Elementary and Middle School: Advocacy Models and Strategies

Abstract

During the elementary and middle school years, the needs of the child with disabilities center on acquiring appropriate academic, social, community access, and self-management skills. Family members must work together with a wide array of educational and related services personnel on behalf of their child with a disability and, at the same time, care for the needs of all members of the family. This article describes models and methods of advocacy, including self-advocacy, social support advocacy, interpersonal advocacy, and legal advocacy. Particular emphasis is placed on advocacy strategies for individual family members of the child with disabilities during the elementary and middle school years.