Grandma Advocate

Grandma Advocate

One of the things I do for a living is work as a disabilty advocate. A lot of time it is in the educational system but not all the time. I help parents identify choices. I also help them identify the pros and cons of those choices.

Then I tell them the steps that will bring them closer to the options they choose. I have been doing this for my children for over 31 years and professionally for 25 years.  That is if you don't count the year and a half I volunteered. 

At this point it is in my blood. I recently went to an IEP meeting for one of my grandsons who has autism. I was vastly amused when the vice principal asked me if I was there as an advocate or as a grandma. I told her yes both. She rolled her eyes and looked at another vice principal at the meeting.  

I wondered several things. Do principals stop being teachers when they become principals? Do teachers stop being teachers when they leave the school? Although I understand separation of roles I am not sure how you stop using the information in your head.  

Anyway, my amusement for the week,

Mylinda