Advocacy: Education's Professional Responsibility to Handicapped Citizens

Abstract

Historical events and contemporary activities which have contributed to the advocacy movement are presented in this paper. Participatory advocacy interventions including citizen advocacy, ethical review boards, surrogate parent programs and intracommunity action networks are recommended as professional activities for educators. Immersion of professional educators in the human and legal rights arena is advised. State certification boards are urged to adopt competencies addressing the philosophy, principles, and practices of advocacy as a part of teacher certification requirements. Formalization of the advocacy process as a role of professional educators will more effectively prepare teachers and administrators to serve their. handicapped students with dignity.

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