#LDchat Archive
Understood holds this weekly Twitter chat that aims to keep the momentum going and raise awareness of learning and attention issues. Follow along with hashtag #LDCHAT and follow users @understoodchats & @understoodorg. Experts will be available to answer your questions and concerns and share resources from Understood.org.
Wednesday April 13, 2016
Welcome to today’s LD Chat! Today, we’ll be talking about advocacy in action.
Keep in mind that today’s chat will last 30 minutes.
This is Dan with the Understood team. I'll be moderating the chat with .
I'm here! I think. (First time using twitter)
So glad to have you! Thanks for joining.
Aaron here from Ontario Canada!
C.B.
I am a student studying about learning disabilities.
How did you hear about LD Chat?
We’ll use a Q1, Q2… format for questions. Please use the A1, A2… format for answers.
Q1: What are some ways a parent can become the best advocate possible for their child with learning and attention issues?
I was given a chat calendar in my class.
Glad you're with us today!!
I'm a social worker and I work with at-risk/low income K-8 students. I also have a 3 year old in the IEP process.
Hi from Texas!! I'm Sherri - Dyslexia Therapist & BIG fan 😉👍🏻
Fantastic! So glad you're with us.
Happy Wednesday Everyone! Finally warming up in Iowa
Was that the calendar on our Twitter or Facebook page?
A1: Being informed and educated, sharing that information with others, asking and answering questions, and staying positive!
the best way is for parents to ask questions.....get a clear picture of what your child's school day looks like
A1 Know your rights. Listen. Know the process, and don't be intimidated!
Q1. Understanding their child's issues deeply
as parents/families YOU know your child the BEST!!
A1 Parents can empower their child by talking to them (age appropriate) about their learning difference & strategies for success
A1. A good understanding of IDEA and Section 504 of ADA can help!
I believe the 1st IEP meeting or with the evaluation process is a difficult meeting for parents......
would love tips or advice on how to make this meeting more comfortable or family-friendly
A1. Come prepared to meetings as an equal partner
Q2: Even when there’s disagreement, what are some ways parents can ensure that meetings will go as smoothly as possible?
A2. Keep the focus on the child.
A1 In Texas we have Dyslexia Laws in place. As a parent, be informed about your state laws so you know what to ask schools for.
I believe ALL parents shld bring an advocate to help with advocating and understanding their child's rights
A2 I agree w/ Ginny. Reiterate that everyone is working toward the same goal. What is best for the child.
A1: Encouraging children to join age-appropriate self/peer advocacy groups, like 's Program.
A2 Have questions prepared to ask. Know your rights...your child's rights & know what the school can & is supposed to do 4 yur child
A2. Seating arrangements should be thought out - make sure parents aren't sitting on child-size chairs!
Q3: At what point might it be worthwhile for a parent to consider hiring a special education advocate or attorney?
sometimes that's all we have :( Especially at the elementary level. I wish we had a meeting room
A2. Aim for small agreements, even if disagreements are looming or on the table
A2: Keep your paperwork organized, and review regularly. We're doing a workshop on this tomorrow, actually! https://t.co/XLT9htv5Y0
Our on advocacy during meetings is happening NOW. Join us at .
I think the attorney route is if there is a BIG conflict that can't be resolved
an advocate shld be considered always
- I've been there! Limited seating. But psychological impact is real! : )
I really think it is important when you want particular services or trainings for teachers to attend
A3 If the parent and the school can't come to an agreement on right process or the right person to conduct an independent eval.
A3. When there's a feeling of an unequal balance of power or lack of trust
It is essential to come prepared but also don't sign anything unless you fully understand
A3: At any point in which they feel they would benefit from additional support—particularly from someone w/a specialized skillset.
We're halfway through today's LD Chat.
Sometimes the best way is to start with an advocate, but in any event don't go alone!
Advocate fights for child's rights but lawyer fights harder!
It is essential to come prepared but also don't sign anything unless you fully understand
1 thing I ALWAYS do when having an IEP meeting is sit right next to the families or parents
Totally. https://t.co/d8D3v7WOjL
A3: At any point in which they feel they would benefit from additional support—particularly from someone w/a specialized skillset.
Advocate fights for child's rights but lawyer fights harder!
Q2: Say the following:"I believe we are all hear for my child's best interest. But I respectfully disagree with this choice."
I want them to know I am on their child's side and am advocating for them
Advocate also tries to play nice, so that makes them part of team
That's been my experience, too. Teachers i've worked with do want the best for the kids.
Q4: What are some of the benefits of working with a special education advocate or attorney?
Depends upon school District. If it's a "fight" or not
I conduct evaluations but often recommend parents take advocate so school takes my eval seriously.
A4. So the lingo - parents can be confused by IDEA, FAPE, FBA, BIP...
Sometimes the best way is to start with an advocate, but in any event don't go alone!
A4 They know the laws, your rights and the education "lingo" so nothing gets "lost in translation"...
Also, even a good district may not explain infor for parents, so advocate can
Q2: Remember to sign the IEP.. It validates attendance only. Mention your disagreement & Request to reconvene next to your signature
A4. An advocate or attorney can help to take down the level of emotion
Don't sign IEP until you've had a chance to review! That's where advocate can come in handy
Don't sign IEP until you've had a chance to review! That's where advocate can come in handy
A4They have a better understanding of the childs needs, rights, and paths available that would benefit the child.
Q2: I like to come with my own IEP draft. I list my sons's strengths, my concerns and possible goals under each domain.
A4 advocates are great at getting new parents up to speed on all the vernacular of IEPs.
Advocate also tries to play nice, so that makes them part of team
Q5: Why might his or her meetings be a great place to start teaching a child about self-advocacy?
Helps them better understand their learning needs and how to articulate those needs to others
Helps them better understand their learning needs and how to articulate those needs to others
A4: Advocates help connect families to 3rd party resources like edu therapy, OTs, SLPs, specialized camps. Holistic approach.
If the school cannot produce sufficient data for refusal or change of any services, and stops negotiating.
Also helps them understand the process and what is possible or reasonable
Also, even a good district may not explain infor for parents, so advocate can
A5. Absolutely empowering, if they are ready for it.
Q5 Helps them better understand their needs, but gives them a chance to agree or disagree with possible paths.
A5: Is it a great place to start for student self-advocacy? Not convinced.
A5 The child will have an opportunity 2 lrn abt their accom'ds & there are many people who are on their side & want them to succeed.
A5. They learn who the players in their education are, the roles. Can talk about what they need.
Anna depends on situation
I conduct evaluations but often recommend parents take advocate so school takes my eval seriously.
If ready. yes. How do you determine readiness? https://t.co/xQD8WfWhRE
A5. Absolutely empowering, if they are ready for it.
If district is contentious, it can be worst place!
- Totally agree, having people on their side. Establishing a more personal relationship.
Anna depends on situation
Also helps them understand the process and what is possible or reasonable
Also their developmental level--they may not understand!
Depends upon school District. If it's a "fight" or not
Yes - relationship, so important for the child :) https://t.co/j93eepkS6g
- Totally agree, having people on their side. Establishing a more personal relationship.
We're going to wrap up in a couple of minutes. Any final thoughts?
Please note-not signing the IEP makes it look like you didn't participate.Signing w/a note of disagreement is better
A5. Children are part of the IEP team their voice carries weight they should understand that their preference matters LEGALLY.
Agreed. Totally depends on the team, student, family... What is the ideal situation? I think that's worth discussing
If they are old enough to understand their needs and would not hurt by blunt, informative conversations about him/her.
Be prepared to say you're not ready to sign anything!!!
Be prepared to say you're not ready to sign anything!!!
Sensory, some IEPs don't warrant a sign, so better to wait until you can review
Sensory, some IEPs don't warrant a sign, so better to wait until you can review
Thanks so much for joining this week! Join us next week when we discuss differentiated instruction: https://t.co/qtNcA4NJTa
IDEA does not require a signature on IEP
Yes your child should go2 IEP meetings, THEY ARE Part of the TEAM Their input Matters MOST That is their superpower
Great Chat!! Thanks so much!!
Q5 -1 of the IEP domains is about independent skills. It's the perfect place to start instructional focus on self-advocacy skills
Parents must give informed consent before special education and related services can begin.
Questions asked geared toward resolving conflict. I think IEP advocacy is building teams that are functional.
If district is contentious, it can be worst place!
Also their developmental level--they may not understand!
SPED teachers r often times put in the middle between saving the district $ & advocating 4 Ss 😔
