Advocating for children with special needs is something that can be done every day in very small ways. Paying attention to special needs and education legislature is one way to do this. Carefully studying political candidates and voting according to their stance on education and special needs is one way to advocate for these types of individuals. By voting to ensure that these types of individuals are cared for is a way to make sure that appropriate legislature and laws get passed. Through this type of advocacy, it is possible to help those with special needs and ensure their proper education and treatment. Educating one’s self on the educational platforms of politicians is one way to improve advocacy within our country. This is an effective way to improve advocacy for children and individuals with special needs.
Another way to improve advocacy for young children is to participate and volunteer with programs that support young children, especially those who are at-risk for educational disadvantage. By volunteering with programs that support educationally disadvantaged youth, it is possible for one person to make an impact on many children and improve the likelihood that they continue with a successful education. This is possible to do through programs such as the United Neighborhood Centers. The United Neighborhood Centers of America (UNCA) describes themselves as a “national advocate for social justice, neighborhood-based progress, and community building that is inclusive, multi-generational, multi-dimensional, family-oriented, asset based, opportunity driven and rooted in the rich tradition of the settlement house movement”(UNCA.org). By volunteering with the United Neighborhood Centers, an individual is able to spend quality, meaningful, and educational time with disadvantaged youth. This can make a major difference in the life of a young person who is at-risk for not succeeding in school, because the positive influence can help encourage this individual to continue on a strong educational path. Through volunteering with programs such as UNCA, it is possible to advocate individually for the future of early childhood special education.
It is very important to advocate for children with special needs because they deserve the same quality education, social life, and economic activities that any other child would have the opportunities for. Through educating oneself and volunteering with programs that support young children, it is possible to make an impact and actively advocate for young children and those with special needs. This is an extremely important subject to advocate for because these individuals have a high likelihood of getting caught up in a system that does not always allow them to succeed to their fullest. Through the advocacy of caring individuals, such as educators, young children and those with special needs can get the specialized attention that they deserve and need. Through this specialized attention, they can develop intellectually to their best capacity, and therefore lead more independent and functional lives as adults. The advocacy of children with special needs is important because it ensures that all children will receive the same opportunities in life.
References
United Neighborhood Centers of America. (2012). UNCA.org. 11 Sept 2012. Retrieved from http://www.unca.org/about-us/mission-and-vision.
