How was this school year for you? I hope it was a year of learning, friendships and belonging for your child! It’s been a busy year for me. I love being able to work with so many families and supporting them as they advocate for their children.

Here are ten advocacy take-aways – some of these I learned years ago, and unfortunately #1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 are still happening. And on a positive note, #2, 9 are still true.

1. Common sense is not so common at many IEP meetings.
2. There are teachers and administrators who will find a way to provide what students need.
3. Recording IEP meetings is still a good idea.
4. Some people think access to a communication device is when it is turned off, closed and taken it away from the student.
5. Decisions are still being made based on availability of services vs. what is needed by students.
6. Parents hardly ever read their procedural safeguards.
7. Teachers rarely offer to explain procedural safeguards to parents.
8. The IEP forms drive the process, if the form doesn’t ask for parent concerns or students’ strengths, chances are those areas won’t be included in the IEP.
9. Parents are awesome and won’t give up on their kids.
10. Buy three-ring binders at second hand stores.

Here is a fun take-off I wrote on the children’s book, If you give a Mouse a Cookie

If You Give a Parent an IEP Invitation

If you give a parent an IEP invitation,
Chances are she’ll need some respect to go with it.

If you fill the conference room with administrators, teachers and therapists,
She’ll probably walk in looking overwhelmed.

If you only give a parent token input at IEP meetings,
Chances are she’ll need to remind everyone she is also a member of the team.

If you list all of her child’s deficits,
She’ll ask for the conversation to include her son’s strengths and interests.

If you roll your eyes when the parent is talking, and constantly check the time,
She’ll probably ask for the meeting to be rescheduled.

If you say her child is not ready, too low functioning, or far behind her peers and can’t be included yet,

Chances are she’ll share how belonging is … Click here to read more

Remember, change is possible. Let’s make it happen!