tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041340848368469051.post6527660987815886360..comments2021-05-22T04:35:49.396-07:00Comments on Doodle Bug Chronicles: IEP For DummiesAngelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436645026440100101noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041340848368469051.post-83619438024526004852009-06-06T20:41:41.199-07:002009-06-06T20:41:41.199-07:00Thanks Anne. It's very new to me still and I&...Thanks Anne. It's very new to me still and I'm still trying to figure this IEP thing out. I left the meeting without signing anything, I told them I wanted to think about it before I decided. I did make some demands about having a one-on-one assistant for him while in school, an aid to ride the bus, extra in home assistance and also some OT. He will be getting speech at school, but I want to add more speech too. I feel like the epilepsy factor has now changed everything for him. His cognitive learning has regressed. He can't focus. When he can't focus, he can't learn. It's a vicious circle. The medicines are not helping, they have terrible side effects. So right now, I'm just taking it day by day.<br /><br />Thank you for your kind words. I hope to see you when you come out.<br /><br />AngelaAngelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10436645026440100101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3041340848368469051.post-44472687320430047542009-06-06T11:12:43.049-07:002009-06-06T11:12:43.049-07:00Hello Angela,
Your mother asked me come online an...Hello Angela,<br /><br />Your mother asked me come online and take a look at your site. I am so sorry that you are having such a difficult time right now. I wish I had some magical words or advice that would cure everything for you, but we both know that can't happen. What I can tell you is that I have attended many IEP meetings for many of the children that I work with, and I may have some helpful advice in that area. First, you should know that you are entitled to have a Parent Advocate assigned to you. This is a person whose job it is to attend meetings with you, and "advocate" for your needs and wishes. I also feel your pain when you talked about how long those meetings are. It is as if everyone wants to put their opinions and expertise out there to make themselves seem important. That is extremely annoying! You also have the right to start or end the meeting whenever you decide. Trust me, from the other side; those people are more intimidated by you than you think. The parents of "special needs" kiddos have a lot of power in education! An IEP is treated as a legal document in the school system, and districts live in constant fear of law suits. One thing you should also be aware of as he moves through the school system, is that no school employee will ever tell you what you sometimes need to hear. That is, teachers nor social workers, nor school psychologists will ever suggest treatments, testing, or therapy; even if that is what they believe should happen. Suggesting those things to you would require the district to pay for those services, and believe me, they do not want to do that. What I mean to say is, do not rely on anyone in the educational system to give you advice on any matters other than his education. <br /><br />I know that you are having such a hard time. All I can say is that it seems you are doing everything you can. You are taking him to all the professionals you can think of, and trying to cope the best you can. You really should take a longer vacation! Maybe just you and Jim, and leave the kids with your mom and Jerry - or hire someone to come in and help for a few days. It really seems like you are in desperate need of some time away – not just a short trip to Lake Sonoma with Jimmy. <br /><br />We will be visiting California this month. I hope we will get a chance to see you, Jim and kids while we are there. Best of luck!<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />AnneUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16695244896652285618noreply@blogger.com