Advocating for Your Child: Working with Virtual Service Providers and Schools

Advocacy is a powerful tool for parents of children with special needs. When services are virtual—whether speech, occupational therapy, or academic supports—it can feel challenging to communicate priorities and ensure quality. But strong advocacy skills can help your family build effective partnerships and access what your child needs to thrive.

Becoming an Empowered Advocate:

• Maintain a binder or digital file with IEPs, assessment reports, communication logs, and samples of your child’s work.

• Make lists of questions, concerns, and recent observations. Log in a few minutes early to virtual meetings to troubleshoot technology and review key points.

• Be clear and collaborative when expressing your child’s strengths, interests, and areas of need. Use specific, positive language and suggest concrete strategies.

  
  

Familiarize yourself with the rights guaranteed under IDEA and state homeschooling laws, even if your child is partially or fully homeschooled. Virtual providers must still offer equitable service options.

Facilitate Effective Communication:

• Share Schedules: Offer providers key information about your homeschool routine and preferred contact methods.

• Feedback: Openly discuss what is and isn’t working, but also highlight improvements and successful strategies.

• Be Persistent, Yet Respectful: Sometimes adjustments take time. Document all communication and follow up when needed without confrontation.

  
  

Advocacy is also about resourcefulness—exploring new apps, local organizations, or community resources to supplement or enhance virtual support. Your role as your child’s advocate is invaluable. With strong communication, documentation, and a collaborative approach, you can ensure your child benefits from virtual services as much as in-person supports.