April 14, 2009

ISSN: 1538-3202

Issue: 481
Subscribers: 69,538

In This Issue:

Sharon's Story: Advocating for Emily

Got Questions? FAQs about IEPs

What's on the Blog this Week?

New Advocates: Advice for Parents Who Are Getting Started

What's in Store at Wrightslaw 2009?

About the Book
To Order

Wrightslaw Training

Advocacy Training you CANNOT afford to miss!

	April 18: Bradenton, FL
	April 30: Bethlehem (Allentown Area), PA
	May 2: Chicago, IL
	May 29-30: Maui, HI Boot Camp
	Full Schedule

Contact Info

Pete and Pam Wright
Wrightslaw & The Special Ed Advocate
P. O. Box 1008
Deltaville, VA 23043

Copyright © 2009, Peter W. D. Wright and Pamela Darr Wright. All rights reserved. Please do NOT reprint or host on your web site without explicit permission.

To feel more secure about your ability to advocate for your child, you must continue to improve your advocacy strategy and skills.

We 've published a four part series to help you prepare for IEP season by building your advocacy skills.

Part 1. Get Good IEPs

Part 2. "How To" Tips for Successful IEP Meetings

Part 3. Strategies to Resolve IEP Problems

Part 4. In this issue of the Special Ed Advocate you'll find answers to many of your frequently asked questions about IEPs, and a story about a special parent advocate.

Please Do Us a Favor!

Do you know someone who is struggling to obtain services for their child? Someone who would benefit at IEP meetings by improving their advocacy skills.

If you liked what you've read in our IEP Series, will you forward this newsletter to a friend so your friend can get acquainted with The Special Ed Advocate?

Use the "Forward to a Friend" link at the bottom of this e-mail or send them an email with a link to this issue.

Sign up free today!  l Read previous issues

Sharon's Story: Advocating for Emily

Sharon Mullen says, "you have to be your child's best advocate because no one else will do it for you.”

Sharon's 3 year old daughter Emily has autism. Sharon realized she must educate herself to be the best advocate for Emily. Now, she also provides advice and information to parents of special-needs children and serves on her SEAC.

Sharon wanted to be "in the know" about the IEP process and wanted to make sure she gave other parents the right information.

Sharon uses the self-paced Wrightslaw Special Ed Law and Advocacy training on CD-ROM together with the course books. Read Sharon and Emily's story in the Martinsville Bulletin.

Sharon's Easy to Use "train at home" Method

Wrightslaw Training Programs on CD-ROM are a powerful, effective way to learn advocacy skills without having to travel - perfect for training at home. Find out how you can get started today!

More help! Check out the New! Wright Tote IEP Kit in the Advocate's Store.

back to the top

Got Questions?

Still have questions about IEPs?

We've got answers!

How Can I Get My Child's IEP Revised? Can parents ask that the IEP be revised? Answers to questions about when and why to revise IEPs.

Does a Child Need an IEP AND a 504 Plan? There is nothing in the law that says a child with a disability should have an IEP for some needs and a 504 plan for others. It’s confusing, it’s more work, and it’s unnecessary.

When Do I Get a Copy of the IEP? You should get a copy of your child’s IEP right away. There is no reason for any delay. Write a short polite letter to request a copy. Almost 900 people answered the poll, did you?

Can the IEP Team Prepare a "Draft IEP?" IDEA 2004 discourages the use of "draft IEPs" because they send a message that parental concerns and parental participation are not valued. Since some IEP teams will continue to use draft IEPs, Pat Howey describes the pros and cons and how you can turn a lemon (draft IEP) into lemonade.

How Can I Write SMART IEP Goals for Behavior Problems? The process is the same for any goal - academic or behavioral. You need to clearly define the target behavior.

back to the top

Great Products From Wrightslaw