Melissa: I’d like to find an advocate for my child with dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia. How do I find someone who will help me with issues at school and help us to ensure that the school is following the accommodations? Are these issues a qualifier for an IEP in PA?
I also echo Jill and Chuck. My child has dyslexia (now in high school). She was diagnosed with with LD not dyslexia to obtain an IEP in 2nd grade. The LD impacted learning across the curriculum and thus the extensiveness of the need led to her meeting the criteria for the IEP. We did not even know she had dyslexia when she was originally diagnosed with the LD years ago. The dyslexia did not come into play until she received an independent eval neuropsychological evaluation four years after the LD diagnoses. However, the independent evaluation led to more targeted services for remediation.
Melissa –
Dyslexia, dyscalculia and/or dysgraphia may or may not lead to special education eligibility for your child. Eligibility is not based simply on diagnosis. Rather it is based on the extensiveness of the needs of the individual student, as determined by evaluation.
I echo Chuck in recommending you local parent center. They can help you understand the special education and provide support. They may also be able to recommend an advocate.
Your local dyslexia association (http://www.pbida.org/) may also be a good source of info and support.
Good luck!
Your state parent training & information project can assist you. http://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/