[IEP_guide] New advocacy quick tips from Special Education Alliance

[Guest guest]

Passing this on from the IEP_guide listserv:

KathyR

http://www.nj-sped-advocate.com/page11.html

Coaching

Corner

Quick Tips for Effective Advocacy:

Quick

Tip #1: Every child needs a “champion”

in the IEP meeting. The " champion " is frequently a parent. A

“champion” is someone who can represent the child’s needs with focus in an

unemotional, yet persuasive, manner. Champions work hard to become the best

they can be. Prepare yourself as a “champion” would for competition and you

will see greater results.

Quick Tip #2: The changes that you want to make will always

happen more slowly than you think. Advance planning and early action provide

the best opportunity for faster changes.

Quick Tip #3: Don’t be so quick to answer every question that is

put to you. Try turning the question back around to the school. When you are

asked “What would you like us to do about that?” Simply reply: “I believe the

IEP Team needs to do what is necessary to address [child’s name]’s issues. In

your opinion, how can we address [specific situation]?” Then remain silent. Volunteering

your answer may get what you asked for, or you may simply be told “We can’t do

that here” and the discussion will close. Turning questions back around keeps

the discussion moving forward.

Quick Tip #4: Find ways to continue the discussion, and do not

allow the discussions to end simply because you have been hit by a “creativity

stopper” (e.g., “That won’t work,” “We can’t” or “The law/policy won’t let us

do that.”). Instead of accepting these answers, try keeping things moving by

saying something like: “Ok, if that won’t work/we can’t do that/policy does not

allow that, what can we do then?” Don't allow people to be " shut

down. "

Quick Tip #5: Encourage creativity at the IEP Table. Creative

solutions often work the best and sometimes even at the least cost. Creativity

usually results in a “win” for everyone.

Quick Tip #6: Avoid making accusations. Sometimes the best

intentions cause the worst results, but that doesn’t mean the person intended

harm. Instead, learn from the mistakes and move forward.

Quick Tip #7: Set goals for your child and keep things moving

toward the goals. No one ever got ahead by looking behind.

Quick Tip #8: You truly do catch more flies with honey than you

do with vinegar, but it is best to keep a bottle of vinegar handy just in case

you need to douse a “bee.”

Quick Tip #9: Be prepared to support your opinions but be open to

hearing others’ perspectives. You never know when someone else might have a

better idea. Even in the worst case scenario, open-mindedness allows you to

maintain your creativity and make changes on the fly.

Quick Tip #10: When someone does something well or helps your

child achieve beyond expectation, recognize that person. People like to be

acknowledged for the good things they do, especially if they are really going

out of their way to assist, and a public “pat on the back” might just encourage

more effort.