ADVOCACY

Self-awareness is generally the first step in self-advocacy. As you become an adult and seek independence, it is important to determine what is important to you. You can begin by determining what it is you need, speaking up for yourself and learning how to describe your needs and wants.

Know your rights. There are laws and regulations to provide guidance and clarification about what must be provided to you. A number of federal laws address accessibility and protect the rights of persons with disabilities. These laws cover access to a wide range of facilities and services, including housing, transportation, employment, telecommunications and voting. Knowing your rights under the laws, or complying with their requirements, means getting the right information from the proper source. Don’t be afraid to ask for help at navigating this process!

“Who is rich? He/she who rejoices in his/her portion.”

Pirkei Avot - Ethics of the Fathers

The Macks Center for Jewish Education, through the Maryland Special Needs Advocacy Program (MDSNAP) can help you with this. MDSNAP provides free educational advocacy services for Jewish children with special needs, from birth to age 21. In addition, MDSNAP:

  • Provides free educational advocacy services for Jewish children with special needs, from birth to age 21
  • Listens to concerns and helps parents help their children
  • Assists over 200 families to navigate the special education system each year
  • Works with parents to prepare for IFSP and IEP meetings and will accompany them to these meetings
  • Educates parents about their legal rights (does not provide legal counsel)
  • Offers information, resources and referrals
  • Maintains confidentiality at all times
  • Serves as the family relations arm of the PEN Project

For more information about MDSNAP, email or call
410-735-5012.

Quick Links

Tips for teen advocacy
National Disability Rights Network
Maryland State Department of Education Introduction to Independent Facilitated IEP Team Meetings
Pathfinders for Autism
Wrightslaw

0.5M
Americans Live With an Autism Spectrum Disorder
0%
of Children Have Been Diagnosed with a Developmental Disability