It's IEP Season!

It's IEP (Individual Education Plan) season again, and that means many families with children with special needs feel like their hearts are in a knot.  There is no doubt at all that IEPs are scary events for many families, but even more so for single parents.  While I could really write a LONG time on this subject, here are a few quick ideas that may make your IEP go smoother.
1) Bring treats - preferably homemade.  This shows that you are an open and hospitable person and can drastically change the mood of the room.
2) Bring a friend with you.  I have attended a lot of IEPs for other kids, and been remarkably able to keep things in perspective, but when I am involved in my son's IEP, I can sound like a blithering idiot!  Bring a friend who can help you calm down and stay focused, even when you hear things you don't want to hear, or know are wrong for your child but you have NO idea how to convince THOSE OTHERS in the room otherwise!
3) Write a parent report, and be sure that this report is the first topic at the IEP Team meeting, and is included in your child's IEP.  This report tells what YOU think the priorities should be for your son or daughter.  Include your dreams for his future (e.g. "we expect Greg to go to college, to get a job in his chosen field, and be able to raise a family if he so chooses", or "we know that Dana will always need some assistance, but we expect her to be able to find a job in which she can be a contributing member of society".

Please note:  if your child is blind or visually impaired and HAS NO OTHER DISABILITIES, there should be no reason that he or she cannot live independently as an adult.  All IEP Team members - including you - should have this ultimate goal in mind with all of their proposals for your child's education.

Please note again:  If writing is NOT your strong suit, you can ask me for help.  Please feel free to email me at gwenbotting@gmail.com.

I hope these three suggestions can help you on your way to a more effective and less stressful IEP for your child.

Gwen