AbilityPath Forums / Learning & Intellectual Development / Schools and IEPs

ARDs and IEPs

Lisa Loe — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 18:42:17 GMT

My 10-yr-old son is a 4th grader so I've definitely had my share of ARDs (including 2 Disagreements and 1 current Dispute) and IEPs. I wanted to share some helpful hints, some have been given to me, some I've learned through trial and error. I've learned through experience to befriend my son's doctor's and learn their PA's first names, specifically for IEP purposes! Before every annual ARD, usually during my son's checkups, I ask for a "diagnosis" report complete with instructions on what the school could do to assist my son during the day (ie. extra time during assigments, bold-lined paper, etc.). I've always found medical staff more than happy to do this.Additionally, if given enough notice, doctors and therapists will show up for ARDs (if needed). This proved crucial for us when our district refused to give our son an educational dx of autism even though we had letters from Christopher's neurologist, behavioral pediatrician, geneticist and pediatrician! During our ARD Disagreement, 3 of the 4 specialists showed up even though we also had the IEE report to back everything up. During our most recent ARD, Christopher's psychotherapist, PT and OT were present along with our Advocate. Speaking of which...If possible, use an Advocate. There are several free advocate resources in most areas. These fine folks can help you with everything from the meaning of acronyms to making sure your child's best interests are put forth on the IEP.In most situations (not including education PhD's), there are no doctors on the ARD/IEP staff. My son is visually-impaired. It's important to know the vision-impairment teacher is NOT a doctor. We're in the middle of an ARD dispute, (please forgive my tone), but it astonishes me to this day that our districts VI teacher completely disregards and attempts to override my son's opthalmologist's recommendations!Hope this helps. Peace and love, Lisa (& Christopher!)

IEP Question

Barbara Streett — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:00:06 GMT

I had an IEP yesterday where my son's medications were brought up several times. There was no md in the room - just school staff.My question: Is this appropriate for me to have to discuss/defend my son's meds in a school IEP?

Funny IEP List

Barbara Streett — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:05:36 GMT

:DI cut and pasted this from a parent blogger and thought it was pretty funny: [i]To prepare for your IEP meeting, repeat each line three times, and do this four times a day until the IEP.1.“NORMAL. What part of NORMAL do you not understand? The goal is for her to be NORMAL.”2.“She is regressing in that area. How about we say ’she will be less messed up than the curve shows she will be’?”3.“I will get you two doctor’s notes that say she needs twice that.”4.“I’m sorry, I did not know that K-Mart sold school nursing degrees.”5.“What exactly does ‘education’ mean to my daughter? Do you honestly believe that every single student can be ‘educated’?”6.“If the school day ends at 2:20, how is it possible that my daughter gets home at 2:25? Exactly when does she leave the classroom and why is her day shorter than the NORMAL students?”7.“No, not having a vision therapist is YOUR problem, not my daughter’s.”8.“Why is there no male in this room other than me?” (only practice if you are male) (or confused)9.“You think she communicates because you understand her intent? And you understand her intent … because she communicates? And this makes sense on what planet?”To otherwise prepare for the meeting …■Wear your “Helen Keller Rocks” T-shirt■Bring along a tall male friend wearing a dark suit, red tie and sunglasses. He is to sit to your right and sip Pellegrino out of a bottle the entire time, not saying a word. Introduce him as your lawyer, Moishe.[/i]http://www.disableddaughter.com/?p=1973

New Academic Standards Released

Hope at AbilityPath — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:05:27 GMT

According to a supplemental document that accompanied the academic standards plan, special education students should be held to the same academic standards as thier neuro-typical developing peers. They will still have IEPs that allow for modifications and services to help them achieve these academic standards. I am interested to hear what AbilityPath parents have to say about this.

IEP Phone App

Hope at AbilityPath — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:42:30 GMT

Check it out!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQKlpRxAX5UHas anyone tried this?

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

Abilitypath — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:11:41 GMT

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting is where IEP team members determine a child’s eligibility for special education services. It is held after all assessments are completed. At this time, you and other members of the IEP team review the results of the assessments.
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