USD Division of Continuing Education

Special Education Advocacy Certificate - EDU 503OH 0910 01

3.0 Semester Units

The right to individualized educational programming for students with disabilities is legally guaranteed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, commonly referred to as IDEA. Under IDEA, every child with a disability is entitled to a “free appropriate public education” in the least restrictive environment. This includes special education and related services that make it possible for every child to make meaningful educational progress. IDEA requires specific timelines and deadlines for parents and school district personnel involved in the provision of a student’s special education, as well as strict procedural rules that must be followed. Additionally, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 entitles children with disabilities to educational programs, services and accommodations and applies to a broader range of students then IDEA.

Given the complexities associated with navigating the special education system, many families seek the assistance of an advocate to help them develop and implement Individualized Educational Programs (IEP) and to understand their children’s rights under IDEA. Currently, there are no educational requirements for an individual to serve as an advocate, nor are there federal or state guidelines to inform the practice of “special education advocacy”.

Certificate Program
In an effort to address the needs of families and professionals alike, the COMPASS Family Center at USD, in collaboration with USD’s Special Education Advocacy Clinic and the Division of Continuing Education, have developed the Special Education Advocacy Certificate Program.

Goals

Participants in this program will receive brief, solution-focused, functional training in the growing field of Special Education Advocacy. The program has been developed to:

Provide an overview of the impact of disability on the family and special education law;
Provide the legal knowledge necessary to advocate on behalf of students with disabilities;
Prepare participants to become effective and collaborative advocates; and

Enhance participants’ skills, knowledge and marketability in the field of special education advocacy

Special Education Advocacy Certificate - EDU 503OH 0910 01


WHEN:	Tuesday evenings 6pm-8pm 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2 Tuesday evenings 6pm-9pm 11/9 and 11/16 Saturday 9am-2pm 10/2 Saturday 9am-4pm 11/6 Saturday 9am-1pm 10/9 and 11/13


CLASS CODE:	EDU 503OH 0910 01


CLASS CATEGORY:	Professional Growth