Behavior discussions at IEP meetings

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) includes special factors which must be considered at each annual IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting. One of these factors is behavior. When a child’s behavior affects his or her learning or the learning of others in the classroom, the IEP team must consider what to do about the behavior. This is the case for all children who receive special education services where behavior is a concern regardless of the disability label. 

What is your experience with the consideration of behavior for your child at the annual IEP meeting?

Summer Experiences

Summer will soon be here! Children with disabilities sometimes enjoy summer time as an opportunity to meet other students with similar disabilities, make new friends, and experience new activities at places such as a camp, skill program, YMCA, or park program. This can build a sense of identity and self-esteem. 

What opportunities has your child experienced during summer programs with children with or without disabilities?

Assistive Technology

   An assistive technology device can be the key to learning for many students with disabilities. 

            For example:

·       an FM listening device can help a student with hearing loss hear in the classroom

·       a communication device can enable a nonverbal student express himself

·       apps on a handheld device may motivate students to learn sequencing

·       specially adapted pens may assist students with reading

Special education regulation 300.5 states that “Assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a child with a disability. The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device.”

What assistive technology device has helped your child learn?

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