The Champaign Urbana Area Project (CUAP) Parent and Student Advocacy Project (PSAP) serves parents in need of educational advocacy for their children. Whether it is related to receiving appropriate special education services or to work against discrimination in the schools, the PSAP will work to ensure that children receive the free appropriate public education that is their right. What makes this project unique is that those advocating for the rights of parents and their children will be parents themselves, many of whom have already personally faced the same issues. We aim to preserve and build upon the knowledge and experience that these parents have acquired and, ultimately, to build a self-sustaining community of parents who are knowledgeable about their rights and the educational rights of their children.

What do members of the committee do?

Participants in the PSAP attend monthly advocacy workshops. Parents who have problems with their children’s education will come to these workshops seeking help. Drawing on their own experience and knowledge, as well as the support of each other and CUAP staff, the members of the committee will provide advice and assistance to these parents whenever possible.

What sort of commitment is required?

The committee will meet once a month for advocacy workshops. There may also be periodic extra meetings for special trainings. Participation is free. Members of the committee who wish to do so may schedule follow-up meetings as necessary with parents who need assistance or accompany such parents on meetings with school administration or IEP teams, but doing so is not required. Regular attendance at advocacy workshops is important to participants in the project.