Letters are written for a variety of reasons, including requesting information or action, providing information, describing an event or expressing appreciation. Follow these tips for writing effective letters to advocate for your child with disabilities.
- Identify the goal of the letter. Write it on the top of the page and refer back to it to ensure your letter is meeting your goal.
- Write a first draft. Put it aside overnight, and take a look at it the next day.
- Remove emotion from the letter. Do not threaten to call a lawyer or name-call. Present the facts only.
- Discuss your issue in chronological order. Start from the beginning and use dates. If necessary, use bullet points to identify each event in a process.
- Include all facts. If you mentioned speaking with someone by phone or email, be sure to include their full name, title, and date.
- Keep it short and sweet. The letter should be less than one page in length and revolve around one (or maybe two) issues. Do not repeat yourself.
- Include all identifying information. Make sure your letter has your contact information and your child’s date of birth, ID number, school and home address.
- Keep a copy of the letter. If you need to be sure that the recipient has received a copy, send it by certified mail. Letters will end up in your child’s file and might be important pieces of evidence later on.
- Proofread carefully. Ask someone to look over the letter or e-mail for spelling or grammar mistakes. A professionally written letter will be taken more seriously than one with sloppy errors.
- Ask for feedback. Call our Help Line at (212) 677-4660 and ask an advocate to offer feedback on your letter or email.