Important!

PIC on Special Education does not give out the names or contact information of our Volunteer Advocates. Therefore, you can not request the contact information of a VA in your area or that a VA be assigned to you via this website. PIC on Special Education staff can speak with you in more detail to see how we can best assist you in participating effectively as a team member in the Special Education process and together you will then determine if a VA match is appropriate. Please contact us for more information.

Want to Learn More?

Would you like to learn more about the special education process and support other parents of children with disabilities? Check out our Volunteer Advocates for Special Education Training Program.

The Volunteer Advocate Program

PIC on Special Education provides a variety of services and support to parents so that they may participate effectively as team members in the Special Education process. One such form of support may come through the assignment of a PIC Volunteer Advocate for Special Education (VA) to assist a parent in learning the skills necessary to become a more effective member of their child’s IEP team. PIC VA’s have participated in a 40 hour training program on the special education process, effective communication strategies and strategies for supporting parents in the special education process. The role of a PIC VA is not to advocate for a family or child but rather support a family in advocating for their child and in learning the skills necessary to be a more effective member of the IEP team. A VA can not speak for a family or represent a family at an IEP meeting, mediation or due process hearing. For more information on the PIC Volunteer Advocates for Special Education Training Program.

What can a VA do to assist families?

Meet with parents to explain the special education process and their rights in the process
Assist families to organize their records
Demonstrate more effective strategies for communicating with their child’s school
Support problem solving how to resolve disagreements in the least adversarial manner
Provide emotional support
Share information on resources in their local communities
Provide parenting tips or strategies

How do I access a VA?

PIC on Special Education staff can speak with you in more detail to see how we can best assist you in participating effectively as a team member in the Special Education process and together you will then determine if a VA match is appropriate. Please contact us for more information.

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Parent Information Center on Special Education - NH’s federally funded Parent Training and Information Center A Project of the Parent Information Center 151A Manchester St. \| PO Box 2405 \| Concord, NH 03302-2405 (603) 224-7005 \| (800) 947-7005 \| \| Info@nhspecialed.org
The Parent Information Center on Special Education is funded in part or whole by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs Grant No. H328M100016. The contents of the website, however, and any documents cited herein do not necessarily reflect the views or polices of the U.S Department of Education.
PIC on Special Education staff provides information and support to parents and others so that they may participate effectively as team members in the Special Education process. While the staff are not attorneys and do not give legal advice, we do offer information on educational laws, regulations and best practices. This support is designed to assist parents in making informed decisions for their children.