What is an Education Advocate?

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An Education Advocate is a professional dedicated to helping students by standing up for their educational rights, needs, and best interests. They often collaborate with students, families, and schools to make sure students have access to the support and accommodations they need to thrive in their learning environment.

An Education Advocate plays a vital role in making sure every student—especially those with disabilities, learning challenges, or who encounter systemic obstacles—has fair access to quality education. Their responsibilities include:

• Upholding Education Laws: They help ensure that schools follow important regulations like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
   
• Customized Support: They advocate for education plans that are tailored to each student's unique needs, such as IEPs and 504 plans.
   
• Empowering Families and Students: They inform students and their families about their rights and the support available to them, helping them gain the confidence and knowledge to self-advocate in the future.