How many of you are like me and depend on a GPS or smart phone app to help you get from Point A to Point B? My GPS is a daily accommodation I use when driving. If my husband is driving I still turn on the GPS. He will often scoff at the way the GPS is directing us to go. He has a much better sense of direction than I do and can tell if the GPS is taking a longer route than necessary. He can just intuitively know a different way to go if he doesn’t agree with the GPS, if there is construction going on or a traffic back up. Which goes to show you there is usually more than one way to reach your destination.

As an advocate, I often help parents understand how important it is to have a big picture vision of how they want their child’s life to be once they graduate from high school. And the importance of making sure each school year and each IEP takes your child one step closer to that desired future. However, don’t get so stuck on the idea that there is only one path to take. There are times we need to be flexible and be open to a new route.

You might think your child needs a full-time paraprofessional in order to reach his destination. But maybe that isn’t true. A full-time aide could be one route to take, but many students have taken the route of natural supports (peers, accommodations, classroom teacher, etc.) and reached the same destination. Added bonus: no adult attached at the hip to your child.

You might believe your child can only learn academic skills in a special education classroom. Research has shown many students with disabilities are learning academic skills in general education classrooms, with appropriate supports and services when needed. The path of inclusive education can take your child to his destination and beyond!

You might want your child to follow the classroom behavior rules and only have the same positive reinforcement or natural consequences that other kids have in the classroom. But maybe, your child would benefit from a more individualized approach where he is given choices of what is rewarding.

Your child’s lifetime road trip can be divided up into shorter rides. You could look at each school year as one step closer to the destination. So, as your child starts a new school year, think about this year’s journey and where you would like to see him by the end of the year. Stay focused on the end result and be flexible about how to get there.

So, buckle up for safety and enjoy the journey!

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