Exploring Advocacy Among Caregivers of Children Receiving Early Intervention Services

While parents are often expected to advocate for their children with disabilities throughout their lifespans, little is known about the beginning advocacy experiences for parents of young children with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to examine the advocacy experiences of caregivers of children with disabilities during early intervention. Altogether, 24 caregivers of children with disabilities participated in individual interviews about their lived experiences with advocacy in early intervention. Findings revealed that participants often engaged in advocacy during early intervention. Some advocacy strategies were similar to advocacy for school services (e.g., learning one’s rights). In addition, some strategies included using effective communication strategies and being assertive and persistent. Implications for research and practice are discussed.