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Advocacy

Your child has options. We can help you find the right one!

What is Advocacy?

Advocacy or a child advocate refers to a range of individuals, professionals, and advocacy organizations that speak out on the best interests of children. A special education advocate works on behalf of the student and their family to help obtain the most appropriate services for that student. Granite Bay Speech is happy to assist you as a special education advocate; this is not a legal advocate.

What is a Legal Advocate?

A legal advocate is an attorney. They can give you legal advice, represent you in a legal capacity and prepare legal documents in a dispute.

When is it Helpful For Parents to Seek an Advocate?

Many parents find themselves feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions they need to make for their child’s communication, emotional, behavioral, physical, medical, sensory and social needs. Parents are faced with educational placement options, a choice of teachers, Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings, and classroom accommodations. Maybe you’re in a position where you are given so many options that you need help deciding which route to take. Maybe you’re at the other end of the spectrum and you know there are more opportunities and services needed for your child, but you need some help finding appropriate resources.

Both situations are perfectly normal… at Granite Bay Speech, we are here to help you do what is best for your family and your child.

What Granite Bay Speech Can Offer You

Our Director, Nancy Barcal, M.A. CCC-SLP has nearly 40 years of experience as a Speech Language Pathologist. Prior to arriving in California, she worked in schools and hospitals in Illinois, including the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Nancy has experience as a therapist and as a home school educator treating language, communication, and learning disabilities. Nancy’s passion is helping individuals of all ages find their hidden learning potential in all areas of communication.

At Granite Bay Speech, we are trained to assist you…

  • Review and/or prepare for your child’s IEP or 504 plan
  • Attend IEP and 504 meetings with you to help find solutions
  • Guide you in negotiations with the school
  • Advise you on the appropriate services and support level for your child
  • Apprise you regarding your child’s special education rights
  • Recommend appropriate specialists, service providers and other professionals that may be helpful in your situation
  • Assist in writing letters to the school
  • Granite Bay Speech will help you find legal resources in the community if you need an attorney to give you legal advice and representation

Why Choose Granite Bay Speech?

Our director Nancy Barcal, M.A. CCC-SLP is available for consultations by phone or in the office. She offers guidance with no long term commitments. She is happy to provide short or long term support as your family navigates decisions about communication and learning.

We encourage you to do some research and gather information.

You will want to research your child’s school and see what type of special education classes and accommodations they have. We recommend organizing all of your child’s school records, evaluations, report cards, and teacher communication in a large 3 ring binder. It is also important to learn about special education law and its’ protections in your state. Always remember to talk with your child regarding their feelings about school. They may have some insight on ways to help them succeed.

IEP- What is it?

Each public school child who receives special education and related services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP creates an opportunity for teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel, and students (when appropriate) to work together to improve educational results for children with disabilities.

504 Plan- What is it?

A 504 plan is a legal document that outlines a plan of instructional services for students in the general education setting. Students with ADHD often have a 504 plan. While it is not an IEP, the 504 document usually describes the types of accommodations that will be made for a student in school.

Resources:

LD Online
LD OnLine seeks to help children and adults reach their full potential by providing accurate and up-to-date information and advice about learning disabilities and ADHD.

Resendez Advocacy
Resendez Advocacy supports families in navigating the complexities of the school system and coming to an agreement on supporting the needs of your student with disabilities.

Pacific Justice Institute
PJI is a legal non-profit with a mission to defend – without charge – the religious freedoms, parental rights, and other civil liberties of people who cannot defend themselves.

Nancy Barcal is an answer to our prayers. After a year of dealing with the school system and having ZERO success, we were extremely frustrated and felt lost. Thank God we found Nancy!! She is incredibly knowledgeable and the most positive teacher we've come into contact with. Our sons stuttering has improved immensely and his confidence has become greater because of the tools he's been taught.

Junelle T.

Nancy Barcal and Granite Bay Speech really customizes and listens to your needs. She tailored a program to assist my 10 year old daughter with cluttering and "r" pronunciation. She was always on time and provided amazing and positive instructions to me and my daughter. She is friendly and highly successful at getting results. Loved our experience working with her.

Janis H.