Today, we’re diving into something that’s often overlooked but oh-so-important: pre-vocational skills. I find that many teams jump right to vocational planning and miss these important stepping stones to getting and keeping a meaningful job. And if pre vocational skills get overlooked and either aren’t taught or aren’t supported, then our kids cannot get and…
Hey there, IEP parent! I have been in your shoes (see what I did there?). I am on this same journey, as I am a parent to a disabled child myself. And now, in addition to being a blogger since 2008, I have been a professional special education advocate in real life(!) since 2010 and…
Let’s dive into the world of self-contained classrooms, a term you’ve probably heard tossed around in IEP meetings or during conversations with your child’s school. But what exactly is a self-contained classroom? Where does it fit on the continuum of least restrictive environment (LRE)? And when is it the right choice for your child? Let’s…
Let’s talk about a couple of terms that have been stirring the pot lately: transautistic and transabled. You might have seen these floating around social media or even in some controversial news stories, but what do they really mean, and why do they matter? Let’s break it down. First I want to clarify a few…
Email. How did we live without it? IEPs are relatively new, not even 50 years old. Obviously, e-mail is even newer. And, as technology changes, IEP practice and regulations has to change too. The last time IDEA was reauthorized what 2004, so even that is a long time in the age of e-mail. Case law…
Parent-teacher communication is the bedrock of a successful educational experience for all students, but it becomes even more critical when navigating the complexities of special education. As a parent of a child with an IEP (Individualized Education Program), the relationship you build with your child’s teachers and school staff can significantly impact your child’s progress….
One of the more frustrating aspects of “IEP life” is the perceived lack of accountability as far as parents being able to hold schools accountable. Now, I expect some pushback here from school staff, who undoubtedly feel like their held accountable. But the fact is–unless a parent files for Due Process, or uses their parental…
I have a friend who is older than I am. Her son was born a year after I was. He also was born with intellectual disabilities in a time that was pre-IDEA and pre-PARC decree. She told me she joined mailing lists and how she and other moms would chat on the phone for hours…
The statistics are abysmal. Last I checked, the unemployment rate for adults with disabilities is around 70-80%. That is, fewer than 30% of disabled adults have meaningful employment. When I was a teacher, I taught an adult vocational program. All of my students had a high school diploma or GED. Some had disabilities, so they…