We represent children with special needs by helping their parents/guardians navigate the special education process. The services we offer include:
Advocating for your child at Individual Educational Plan (IEP) and other meetings. (Part of my contribution is knowing when it helps for parents to be leading the discussion and articulating concerns in these meetings.)
Promoting constructive agreement by developing appropriate negotiating strategies.
Researching appropriate forms of services as needed on a case by case basis.
Ongoing contact with school department officials for all client needs.
Providing information about the agencies, documents, deadlines, rules and standards that drive the process
Helping get professionals to do independent assessments.
What We believe The right of every child to an appropriate public education is morally important; the acknowledgement of this right is essential for any caring and just society. Advocates and representatives can contribute to the enacting of this right.
We believe that constructive negotiation is generally the most effective means to resolving complex issues. In our opinion, people become educators and educational administrators and professionals for good reasons and come to the table with good intentions. Recognizing and respecting others good intentions actually strengthens one in the negotiating process.
About Tom Canel:
My knowledge of Special Education derives from a Masters in Education from Lesley University and working as a Special Education teacher. I developed my skills and knowledge at the Parent Consultant Training Institute, offered through the Federation for Children with Special Needs.
My skills as a negotiator derive from many years as a union activist, organizer, and advocate.