PHILOSOPHY:

 Over 6 million children receive special education and related services in the United States.  School districts are required to provide a free, appropriate public education as mandated by federal law, yet 30% of students with disabilities drop out of school, nearly 50% are not on grade level for their age and 74% are in the bottom quartile in reading in high school.  In Maine, almost 35,000, or 18 percent of all public school children receive special education services.  Parents must not only serve as primary care providers, but also as advocates for their children.  Midcoast Advocacy assists families to ensure their children receive the services appropriate to their disability.

SERVICES:

• Negotiating effective, well-designed IEP / 504 plans. 
• Collaborating with school personnel in developing appropriate goals, objectives, and behavior management systems toward academic success.
• Attending and participating in meetings, conferences, and school events.
• Serving as a liaison between families and schools, including phone calls to schools and district personnel.
• Writing letters to schools, district personnel.
• Providing coaching, consultation, & strategic development for attaining supports & services.
• Family education regarding case law other legislation such as the Individuals with Disabilities Act 2004 (IDEA), & No Child Left Behind 2001 (NCLB).
• Assessing current and potential educational placements.

"Disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to participate in or contribute to society. Improving educational results for children with disabilities is an essential element of our national policy of ensuring equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities." - Excerpt from the IDEA Findings.