Becoming A Better Advocate

mindset Mar 07, 2022

In the fast-paced world of education, it’s a scene many of us have witnessed: a teacher rushing to herd their class to the next location, while a student with a visual impairment is hurried along by a paraprofessional or another student. To a trained Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist or Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI), this moment can be deeply frustrating. Our initial reaction might be anger or a strong desire to intervene—sometimes passive-aggressively suggesting the student use their cane, sometimes holding back to avoid confrontation.

But does this reaction help the student? Does it foster collaboration with the teacher? And most importantly, does it lead to long-term improvements in the student’s independence?

The Problem with the "O&M Police" Approach

When specialists jump in impulsively, correcting or confronting educators in the heat of the moment, it can damage trust and relationships. The teacher may feel criticized or unsupported, and the underlying issues—like the lack of understanding or time constraints—are often left unresolved.

On the other hand, saying nothing also has consequences. It allows ineffective practices to continue, ultimately hindering the student’s growth and independence. This leaves many specialists stuck in a frustrating paradox: wanting to advocate for their students without alienating their colleagues.

Fear and Advocacy

A major reason specialists hesitate to advocate—or overcompensate by becoming the "O&M police"—is fear. Fear of not being perfect. Fear of rejection. Fear of being dismissed. For many women, societal conditioning to avoid conflict and maintain harmony exacerbates these fears.

Statistically, women dominate the teaching profession but are underrepresented in leadership roles. According to data from 2018, while women made up 76% of teachers, only 51.8% of principals were female. These figures reflect a systemic issue: women are not consistently socialized or supported to step into leadership roles, making it even harder to advocate effectively in professional settings.

Finding the Balance: Radical Candor

Kim Scott’s concept of Radical Candor provides a valuable framework for advocacy. It encourages a balance between caring personally and challenging directly. Imagine a grid with four quadrants:

Ruinous Empathy: Caring deeply but avoiding necessary conversations.
Manipulative Insincerity: Avoiding both care and confrontation (e.g., passive-aggressiveness).
Obnoxious Aggression: Challenging directly without showing care.
Radical Candor: Caring personally while being direct and clear about expectations and consequences.

Practicing Radical Candor means approaching conversations with empathy and respect, but also with the courage to speak up about what’s not working—and why it matters for the student.

Practical Steps for Effective Advocacy

Choose the Right Time
Avoid confronting teachers in the heat of the moment. Instead, find a quiet time to discuss the issue when everyone is calmer and more receptive.
Prepare Your Data
Having concrete data—such as progress notes, assessment results, or observations—makes your case more compelling and objective.
Frame the Conversation Around the Student
Focus on how the teacher’s actions (or inactions) impact the student’s growth. For example:
“When [student] is pulled along without using their cane, they miss valuable opportunities to practice independent navigation. Over time, this can hinder their progress.”
Build Collaborative Relationships
Approach teachers as partners. Show appreciation for their efforts and express a shared goal of supporting the student’s independence.
Invest in Your Leadership Skills
Advocacy is a form of leadership. Strengthen your communication skills, learn to navigate difficult conversations, and practice standing firm without being confrontational.
Advocate Beyond the Classroom
Get involved in broader initiatives—city planning meetings, professional organizations, or advocacy groups—to create systemic change that benefits all learners.

The Bigger Picture

Advocating effectively isn’t just about fixing a momentary issue—it’s about creating a culture of understanding and collaboration that supports the long-term growth of students with visual impairments. It’s about finding that balance between empathy and assertiveness, stepping into leadership roles, and ensuring that our actions align with the needs of the learners we serve.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve struggled with advocating for your students or finding the right balance in your approach, remember that growth is a process. Tools like Radical Candor can help you navigate these challenges with confidence. And if you’re ready to dive deeper into strategies for increasing student independence and fostering collaboration, consider joining workshops or professional development opportunities designed to support specialists like you.

Advocacy isn’t just about speaking up—it’s about speaking up in a way that gets results.

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