How can you engage parents of students with disabilities to influence education policy?

2 Connect with other parents and organizations

You are not alone in your journey as a parent of a student with a disability. There are many other parents who share your concerns and goals, and who can offer you support, advice, and information. You can connect with them through online forums, social media groups, or local parent networks. You can also join or partner with organizations that advocate for students with disabilities, such as the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), or the Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER). These organizations can provide you with training, resources, and opportunities to participate in policy-making processes.

3 Communicate with your school and district leaders

One of the most direct ways to influence education policy is to communicate with your school and district leaders, such as principals, superintendents, board members, and curriculum directors. You can express your opinions, suggestions, and feedback on various issues that affect your child and other students with disabilities, such as funding, staffing, curriculum, assessment, and discipline. You can also ask questions, request information, and seek clarification on policies and procedures. You can communicate with your school and district leaders through various channels, such as email, phone, letters, meetings, surveys, or public forums.

4 Engage with your state and federal representatives

Another way to influence education policy is to engage with your state and federal representatives, such as legislators, governors, senators, and congress members. You can inform them about the needs and challenges of students with disabilities, and urge them to support or oppose bills, laws, or regulations that affect them. You can also share your personal stories, experiences, and outcomes to illustrate the impact of education policy on your child and other students with disabilities. You can engage with your state and federal representatives through various means, such as email, phone, letters, petitions, social media, or visits.