"I have experienced the challenges that my own children have faced due to their disabilities firsthand, and relished in their triumphs. So, I take my lead from their trials and successes into the work I do with the families who are facing similar and many times greater challenges. This provides me the energy and focus I need to be an effective advocate. Without the inspiration I receive from them every day I would not be able to possess the passion I have for the work I do"
Pam is the parent of three children, two of whom have
a disability. Pam is currently in private practice. She has been providing Special Education Advocacy to individuals and their families in Lake, Cook, McHenry, Kane and DuPage Counties in Illinois and Walworth County and Kenosha County in Wisconsin for the past 16 years.
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Pam Labellarte
Special Education Advocate
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Successfully completed the Special Education Advocate Training (SEAT) sponsored by Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)- January 2013 - March 2014
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Parent Advocate at the Lake County Center for Independent Living from October 2003 - September 2008. Responsibilities also included teaching self advocacy and employment readiness skills to students
with disabilities.
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Opened her own private practice as a Special Education Advocate in September 2008
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Special Education Advocate and member of the staff at the Law Offices of Charles P. Fox in Northbrook from August 2009 - February 2012
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Actively participated in an intensive Special Education Advocacy Training provided by Family T.I.E.S
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Successfully participated in Wrightslaw Special Education seminars and trainings, conducted by Peter Wright, nationally renowned Special Education Attorney
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Recognized as a leader in Special Education by Designs for Change, Chicago
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Past Board Member and Newsletter Editor for the Down Syndrome Development Counsel (DDC), the Lake County support group for families of children with Down syndrome
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Continuing education in all aspects of special education law and practices
The thing that makes advocacy
such a powerful movement is
the inner committment, the passion of the people for good.
~~ Burton Blatt
Her qualifications and previous
experience include:
"She is a FANTASTIC person, has a heart of gold, and has been thru it ALL! She is now in private practice. I know many who have used her, and their children's lives have been forever changed! She not only teaches parents how to advocate, but more important, teaches children how to advocate for themselves...baby steps, right?"."
~~ Jill Kron, Parent
Afilliations
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Council of Parent Attorneys
and Advocates (COPAA)
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U.S. Consortium on Special Needs
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National Association of Professional Women- VIP
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Special Education Advocate Training Graduate (SEAT)