DISABILITY ADVOCACY AND CONSULTING

ADVOCACY

In 2008, Shana attended a Wrights Law training from Peter Wright, because she was already assisting with advocacy in school districts and private schools. This training opened a door of curiosity and exploration of more laws and rights of individuals with disabilities. A couple of years later, she became a Cornell University Certified Americans with Disabilities Act Instructor. With this certification, she advocates not just for students, starting in preschool, she advocates for all levels of education and all areas of employment, including social security disability. As an advocate, she does not just help a person attain a position of learning or work desired, she helps them maintain that position with support by the leaders closest to them. Reasonable accommodations must be met and maintained for the benefit of the person with disabilities, and Shāna helps ensure this is in place at all times.  

-- ARD Advocate --

-- Write IEP's with family --

-- Social Security Disability Advocate --

-- Advocate for all levels of education, PPCD through postdoctoral --

-- Employment Advocate to attain and maintain employment --

-- Teach clients to self advocate --

CONSULTING

As a consultant, she uses these same trainings to help employers and education system leaders understand the needs of the person with disabilities, ensuring needs are met on both ends -- the client's and the place of work or education. She works with the employer, verifying their needs and expectations are met. This helps ensure the client remains employed, and the same applies for education opportunities, as students have rights to education. She consults with the work place or school accepting the client, verifying their professional or academic expectations are met by the client. Creating a support system at work or school for clients deepens understandings of their needs and how they communicate. As a consultant, she does the same with the client, bridging gaps with superiors, which may commonly occur. This creates greater opportunities for success towards stability, thus increasing chances for independent living.