In Pursuit of a Just and Democratic Society Student: Special Education Advocacy and Law

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In Pursuit of a Just and Democratic Society Student Shannon Dale Walden University In Pursuit of a Just and Democratic Society Student Within special education parents, children, teachers and administrators have been surrounded by the complexities of social injustices, policies, and laws derived from an outcry of those with disabilities and those who care for loved ones who face every day with the challenges of their disability. We live in a democratic society where there is representation of both effective and ineffective practices and outcomes for those with disabilities. Laws and amendments are put in place and tweaked with time in order to move onward with progress to better the lives and education of all individuals. Table 1 outlines the four primary components of leadership, advocacy, policy, and law, giving examples of how they are involved in special education and the pursuit of a just and democratic society. Influences Special education leadership, advocacy, policy, and law are all intertwined with each other to create influences from one backdrop to another. Parents, teachers, administrators, legislatures, and students themselves influence the outcomes and integrated policies within the system. It is very often that parents emerge as advocates to promote more effective social policy as well as new laws. In addition, parents may work with special interest groups to lobby and place political pressure on local politicians as well as large scale government entities. Change in special education begins with a connection to a circumstance. This may be inclusion practices, equal rights movements, new legislation, or demands for curriculum access. From there interest and public support is sought after in order to push for change. Once an issue has grasped the interest of the people it is then that all the roles can come together

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