Hello stranger: Clarify when, how advocates can participate in IEP meetings

If a stranger shows up to a party uninvited, the hosts may ask him to leave. But if an advocate shows up to an IEP meeting without notice, the team can't just turn him away.

Nothing in the IDEA prohibits advocates from attending and representing parents at IEP meetings. The IDEA affords parents discretion to include as IEP team members people who have knowledge or special expertise regarding their child. 34 CFR 300.321 (a)(6).

Even if the advocate doesn't seem to have much knowledge or special expertise about the child, you should show a willingness to work with her.

Hodgson Russ Partner Ryan Everhart was quoted in this article. Read it here.