Social Justice
Fifth
semester I attended the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada to become an
educational surrogate parent for a child in need for special education
services. I attended the orientation training program to become an educational
surrogate parent and advocate for the child’s best interest to succeed in
school. An educational surrogate parent represents a child in special education
matters related to identifying children with suspected disabilities, evaluating
children with suspected disabilities to determine if they need special
education services, provide support for children eligible for special education
services in the least restrictive environment placement, and provides children
with disabilities a free and appropriate public education. Occupational therapy closely focuses on the
importance of advocating for the client within practice as well as attending
individualized education program meetings if one is practicing in the school
environment. It is important that everyone is given a fair chance at life to
grow and develop in a world full of opportunities. Given my occupational
therapy background and the information provided during orientation training, I
feel that I will be able to make an impact in a child’s educational journey to
ensure their disability related needs are met, while protecting the rights of
the child.