Special Education Volunteer Advocates (SEVA)
Increasing the number of underserved families who are provided with in-person support.
We are enhancing the capacity of SPAN Resource Parents to support families during IEP meetings while building the knowledge and skills of families and youth to strengthen their advocacy.
About Us / Our Programs / How we help families → SEVA
SEVA helps by:
- Enhancing the capacity of SPAN Resource Parents to serve as volunteer support for families in preparing for IEP meetings
- Practicing Active Listening: The SEVA will provide tools to help the parent and school staff value their perspectives by actively listening during meetings and discussions.
- Learn to Advocate: The SEVA will educate parents on effectively advocating for their child’s needs, including presenting concerns and proposing solutions.
- Work as a Team: The SEVA will teach the parent how to approach IEP meetings and discussions with a collaborative mindset, seeking to collaborate with the school to achieve the best outcomes for their child.
- Parents can enhance their capacity to advocate effectively for their children with special needs and foster stronger, more collaborative relationships with schools.
GOAL
The SEVA Project provides support to families to increase and improve their advocacy skills for their child/youth with a disability. SEVAs serve as Peer Mentors and provide support to families at IEP meetings. SEVAs offer communication skills that may be helpful to parents as they develop their capacity to advocate effectively for their children with special needs by fostering stronger, more collaborative relationships and partnerships with their child’s school district.
Eligibility
The project supports children with IEPs and families at the highest risk. Underserved families include:
- Grandparents
- Parents with disabilities
- Families residing in low-performing school districts
- Families living in underserved communities
- Families with limited English proficiency
The SEVA does not support families working with an attorney or /education advocate or those engaged in mediation and due process.
IEP Meeting Attendance: The SEVA program requires at least two weeks’ notice in order to attend an IEP meeting.
Project Capacity and Priority Notice:
Due to limited capacity, our project currently prioritizes support for families with the highest needs. Preference will be given to those most at risk, ensuring we can effectively provide the necessary resources and assistance to those who need it most.
OBJECTIVES
With the support of trained parent volunteers at IEP and related meetings, we aim to empower families by enhancing their understanding of special education processes, improving their communication skills with school staff, and boosting their confidence to advocate effectively for their children’s educational needs.
Library
Resources & Materials
SPAN Resource Parent Comprehensive Training Series | SPAN Training for Resource Parents
SEVA Volunteer Advocate Outreach Flyer (English & Spanish) | SEVA Volunteer Advocate Outreach Flyer
SEVA (Special Education Volunteer Advocates) Logic Model | The Logic Model for the SEVA Project
What Our Families Say
SEVA is a Sanskrit word meaning “selfless service.” In ancient India, “seva” was believed to help one’s own growth and contribute to the improvement of the community. SEVA describes the actions that seek collective uplifting through the understanding of the needs of, and a genuine desire to uplift, others and are based on togetherness and integration. It is service infused with kindness and respect for those served. It is a fitting title for this project. —Jeannette Mejias, Project Director
Contact Us
PROGRAM STAFF
Jeannette Mejias
SEVA Project Director | PTI Co-Director
Renay Zamloot
ITA Program Director|PTI Co-Director