The Case of Benjamin

The Case of Benjamin

Advocating on an individual or groups behalf is a powerful tool that can accomplish many goals. It is those individuals who are unable to acquire the correct information and contacts that are in the most need of advocates. An advocate makes sure that a person’s rights are followed, and that his or her issues are eventually figured out. If an individual feels that his or her needs are not being met obtaining an advocate may help take the steps that will permit change on the clients behalf.

About Benjamin

Benjamin is a client of mine whom I have worked with for almost five years now. I have ensured from the very beginning of my relationship with Benjamin and his family that I would do everything I can to support his cause. Benjamin is sight impaired and has been lucky enough to prosper in mainstream public schooling. As of late however I have received word that Benjamin’s chances of working with a specialist in regular school are coming to an end due to budget cuts. Since his parents are unable to afford a specialist on their own, I fear that Benjamin will decline in his learning just when he has started to thrive.

My Role as Benjamin’s Advocate

As Benjamin’s advocate my top priority at the moment is to try and find a way that either he can stay within regular school with a specialist for his blindness rather than attend a special school for the blind. Another possibility would be to find a school within his district that has the same atmosphere as a mainstream public school. The fact is that my agency does not have the funding to help send him to a private school nor do his foster parents.

To be an effective advocate for Benjamin I will need to identify the main problem, the key players, and discuss what will be acceptable and unacceptable for Benjamin and his foster parents. After a few very informative discussions with Benjamin and his parents, I have been informed that they would really prefer that he stay within the...