Is it a bad idea to have two advocates attend your meeting

[Anonymous]

I started the process with an advocate who is an ex gt teacher for my 2e son and after fighting with with the panel they agreed to evaluate. We didn’t agree with the schools evaluation and got neuropsychological testing.

After neuropsychological testing, we found out the doctor who conducted the testing also does advocate work a reasonable price.

When we meet again I am wondering if I should bring them both? Does anyone have an opinion why this may or may not be a good idea?

[Anonymous]

What happens if they aren't on the same page? I think it's a bad idea unless they have worked together before and know that they work well together.

[Anonymous]

Two seems like a lot.

If you are fighting over eligibility and whether your child needs an IEP at all, I would take the neuropsychologist.

If everyone agrees on that much and it's a matter of how many service hours or setting, I'd send the neuropsych report and take the person who is most familiar with the school system, instructional models and different programs available.

[Anonymous]

Each of those people would bring different things to the meeting but I would go with a third--a person who only does advocacy and knows what the system can offer. How often does your neuropsych do advocacy? Does she know SP Ed laws? Does she know your school system? I have brought combinations of lawyer and advocate and advocate and tutor and it's been fine but there's needs to be a team meeting beforehand.

[Anonymous]

The advocates we have worked with (one at a time) have had REALLY strong personalities and have all at times been pretty smug. I think I had them all in a room together it would be one big pissing contest with eachother and with the IEP team and nothing would be accomplished. It's hard enough to make one behave and stick to what you discussed while trying not to offend the ego.

[Anonymous]

Not unless you want the school to assume you are declaring war. Remember you have to leave your child there with them. Why would 2 be needed?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Not unless you want the school to assume you are declaring war. Remember you have to leave your child there with them. Why would 2 be needed?

They’ve already assumed that it’s war. And they have been attacking for years.

I just need a line of defense for my child.