Advocate Tom Petrik is Not Afraid to Stand Out in a Crowd
by
Chantai Snellgrove 
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Episode #34: Super Dadvocate Tom Petrik
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In today’s podcast, we are talking with advocate, Tom Petrik. We selected Tom to be our 2019 Dadvocate. Tom is a teacher assistant in special education, a coach for Special Olympics, a recreational coach,. His third son has an official diagnosis of Fragile X.
Chris, his brother’s Matt, Brad, and Doug, and first nephew Kayden
In this conversation, you’ll hear the following:
- Why Tom doesn’t have a problem advocating.
- Why he feels it’s important to advocate and what other dads need to know.
- What he wishes he knew earlier about raising a child with special needs.
- He believes we’re at a specific tipping point right now with inclusion.
- The two words Tom would like everyone in the special needs community to hear.
The key message: You can do this!
Chris shooting archery with Tom.
Chris with the soccer team at regionals
Actionable advice:
Find out what programs and supports are available from your state, every state is different.
Sign up early, many programs or services have long waiting lists.
Make sure to set future plans up in advance.
Chris and Tom are taking a photo with Skates, the Chicago Wolves mascot.
Links or articles mentioned in this podcast:
Parenting Special Needs Magazine Facebook Page
Parenting Special Needs Magazine – Support Group
Read More From Super Dadvocates
Helpful Articles
- Advocacy: What Does That Word Mean to You?
- Early Intervention: First Steps in the Right Direction
- Handling Your Child’s Diagnosis: Six Things Parents Should Do For Themselves
- The Politics of Special Education: The Information You Need Right Now
- “Instruction Manual” for Your Child With Special Needs
- Financial Planning: For Those Who Are at the Starting Line
- Where Do I Go for Evaluations
- Eligibility How Is It Determined?
- Developing Your Own Network
- Drowning in Paperwork? Here’s What Helps Us
- Organizing Your Child’s Special Education File: Do It Right
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