Why an Advocate?
What does an educational advocate do, exactly? Well, we do many things, but most importantly we help you understand what YOUR rights and YOUR responsibilities are regarding your child's special education.
As part of a national organization, our primary goal is to improve supports and services available for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. That’s our responsibility. But locally, we see ourselves as much more! Together, we are a “family” of individuals working together to improve the quality of life for those in the greater Erie area facing challenges. Siblings, parents, friends, teachers, physicians, employers, and social workers – we see everyone as a valuable member of our community.
Providing goods and services to PA residents who have a disability and a demonstrated need.
Some individuals and families lack the resources to access critical special needs support. Achieva Family Trust's Charitable Residual Program provides supplemental supports and services for children and adults with disabilities and a demonstrated need.Achieva Family Trust, like The Arc Erie County, is a member of the Achieva Family of Organizations.
What does an educational advocate do, exactly? Well, we do many things, but most importantly we help you understand what YOUR rights and YOUR responsibilities are regarding your child's special education.
.jpg)
Before bedtime last school year, Melissa Skiffen sat with her son and showed him a picture of the new teacher assistant in his classroom to make him more comfortable with the person who would help him throughout the next day.
The advocates have empathy deriving from their personal experiences. Each advocate has a family member with a disability which has cultivated the perservance and knowledge needed to support others.
Our advocate has been a true blessing to me and both my children. She has taught me so much about the IEP process and has given me the support my kids and I needed. I wish I had called sooner!! I can't thank her enough for all she does.
Our advocate was able to guide me step by step as to everything I needed to do to get help for my daughter. Before stopping to see her I had no idea to where to even begin. I am soo grateful for her knowledge and graceful personality.
