Parent Reflection on the IEP Process
Parents of children with disabilities often feel as though we have been dealt a raw hand. Not only do we have to manage the day to day issues associated with a child with disabilities, we also need to learn about rights, the law, physical and medical prognoses, fiscal management, social service programs, and much more. Although it is daunting, the results are well worth the effort.
I have been in more than 100 IEP meetings in the past 15 years. I have participated as a parent, a 3rd party advocate, an evaluator, a technical support person, and even an innocent bystander. My desk happens to be in a room where the majority of the IEP meetings in our building take place, and as long as it is OK with the families, I generally stay in the room even if the IEP has nothing whatsoever to do with me.
I have been in more than 100 IEP meetings in the past 15 years. I have participated as a parent, a 3rd party advocate, an evaluator, a technical support person, and even an innocent bystander. My desk happens to be in a room where the majority of the IEP meetings in our building take place, and as long as it is OK with the families, I generally stay in the room even if the IEP has nothing whatsoever to do with me.
The greatest lesson that I have learned while observing and participating in all of these meetings is that parents who are an active part of the IEP process, parents who stay in touch with teachers and IEP team members in between IEP meetings, and parents who are not adversarial from the onset are most satisfied with the outcome of the meeting.
Discuss. Laugh. Share. Be friendly. Be courteous. Be respectful. In short, be yourself. It's the best way to reach common ground.
Discuss. Laugh. Share. Be friendly. Be courteous. Be respectful. In short, be yourself. It's the best way to reach common ground.