Special needs teachers and other professionals working with children with disabilities have a responsibility to advocate and champion their rights. As part of my field experience, I managed to interview one of the administrators working with the Advocacy Networks On Disabilities. As the name suggests, the organization is committed to supporting individuals who are differently abled to progress in life by providing resources and referrals to places where they can get assistance.
The organization relates to special education in that it offers services that assist learners with disabilities and their relatives. For instance, they offer short-term training to teachers and other professionals on ways in which they can enhance their services. The organization collaborates with education agencies to identify gaps in education for learners and device solutions. To ensure continuum services, the interviewee mentioned that they advocate for a least restrictive environment where learners with disabilities are placed in the same setting as peers. Families of people with a disability can get services such as filling out their forms, getting phone numbers for other resource centers, and counseling.
The organization offers a wide range of information to persons with disability, their families, and other relevant professionals. For instance, they offer news touching on special news, types of disabilities and best ways of embracing the children, any legal changes, and learning resources. They organize multiple events, such as the Championship for Children Award, where children can play, compete and showcase their talents for price. In addition, the organization liaises with other partners for fund drives to get money to run the organization, sponsor some kids, and organize webinars and training.
The values and visions of the company enable them to remain committed to offering services in a manner that is culturally considerate to people with disabilities, professionals, partners, and community members. Professional groups have a responsibility of providing the people they serve with information on such companies. They should subscribe for membership so that they get up-to-date information on the services and resources available to them. In closing, the interviewee explained that there are many types of resources available to people with disabilities at the national and state levels. There are financial resources where individual learners are sponsored to complete educational programs. Thus, the advocacy is learner-centered and holistic to ensure the all-round development of the student and their families.