Welcome to TAP's IEP Chat

Are you a parent or educator working to build a successful IEP for a student with autism?
Have questions about how to plan the best educational program for the student's individual needs?
Would you like to strengthen the collaboration between school and the home?

The IEP Chat offers an opportunity for informal communication between parents, educators, and other support personnel. It provides information about training, resources, and an easy way to connect with families and educators who have found effective strategies to navigate the IEP process.

You are not in this alone!  Thousands of students have autism in Illinois -- and each can have an IEP designed to maximize his or her potential.  The process of planning and implementing a successful IEP is often daunting and confusing.  Take time to consider your options, and look to others for support.  Your family and close friends can help as you explore the educational needs of your child; and many disability agencies and support groups can give you valuable assistance as you navigate the system.

Join the conversation at our message board!

Want to connect with others and get some real-world current advice? We've created an online Yahoo™ message board as a place to post IEP questions, strategies, success stories, concerns, encouragement, and more. Don't be shy, log on and help make this new forum active, fun and useful! The two TAP Parent Liaisons, Jose Ovalle and Sheila Krein, will moderate the group and offer support and resources. A free Yahoo™ account is required to join, but it's pretty easy to set up. Contact Jose if you have any questions or trouble accessing the message board.

What's an IEP?

An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is a written statement of the educational program designed to meet the specific needs of a student with a disability. By law, every child who receives special education services must have an IEP.

IEP meetings give parents and the school a chance to work together to develop a plan for a child who's been determined eligible for special education. The goals for academic achievement and functional performance set for the student are the core of the IEP. Parents and families play an important role in developing these goals. Goals represent what the IEP team determines the student will be able to accomplish in all areas of disability -- academic, developmental, and functional -- in a year's time. In order to be effective, IEP goals must be specific, measurable, and appropriate for the individual student.

 

This is my first IEP experience . . . What should I do?

With preparation you can be an effective member of the student's IEP team. Write down all of your concerns about the student, including education performance, communication, and other issues. Illinois has a recent state law that mandates seven factors that must be considered in the development of an IEP for a student with autism. Learn as much as you can about the IEP process and special education laws in our Special Ed Law/IDEA section. Attend local special ed support group meetings and workshops, if possible. Be sure to communicate with all members of the IEP team on a regular and informal basis, not only during the annual IEP meeting. Remember, IEP meetings can be reconvened if necessary; not everything must be accomplished during the first sitting.

Here are three easy steps to get you started:
1. If the student already has an IEP, locate a copy of the document and read it carefully. If you don't have a copy, just call the school case manager or counselor and ask for one. Family is an important part of the IEP team, so be sure to get involved.
2. If this is the first time an IEP will be written, make sure to come to the IEP meeting with your concerns in writing, so you won't forget something important. Ask the school if they have results of testing or evaluations for you to look at, so you can have time to think about everything before the meeting.
3. Keep an open mind and listen carefully! It's easy to let emotions get in the way when we speak about the strengths and weaknesses of our kids. Take detailed notes about the meeting discussion, and take time to consider options.

Don't forget:
1. The IEP is a legal document. If details aren't written in the IEP, then they may not happen. Often an IEP team will informally talk about testing, accommodations, and other ideas that you would like to implement. Be sure to determine and write down when the items will take place, who is responsible for making sure the plans are implemented, and how the family will be informed of progress.
2. Your signature at the beginning of the meeting only shows that you attended the IEP meeting. Many folks believe that if you refuse to sign the document, the school can't move forward with the education plan. That's not true. Important: if you disagree about something that is written in the IEP or a decision that was made during the meeting, be sure to state the reasons for your disagreement in writing, and send it to the school. Then follow up to schedule a new meeting to resolve the issue.

 

I need some personal advice . . . Who can help?

TAP has a strong network of partners around the state to give guidance. Illinois has a number of autism support groups,Yahoo™ message groups, parent training and information centers, and other agencies who have expertise in various matters. Check out the Connect With Others section for details. If you feel comfortable, post a question to TAP's new IEP Chat message board.

 

Help! I don't agree with my IEP team's recommendations.

Dispute resolution is one of the most difficult aspects of the IEP process, for both families and educators. First, remember that everyone on the team is trying to work in the best interest of the student, even if it sometimes may not seem like it! Take a breath, and take time to examine the source of contention. Special education is governed by federal and state laws, and there are specific steps you can take to resolve problems. Check out the guidance by Wrightslaw and the National Center on Dispute Resolution in Special Education. The Illlinois State Board of Education hosts a mediation webpage, which lists one process of resolving disagreements regarding special education services, placement and related services to children enrolled in Illinois public schools. Don't give up.

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: All linked materials are copyrighted and owned by the individual authors and agencies. The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) presents them for information purposes only and makes no judgments about the effectiveness or validity of the material.  Each family should make its own decisions about IEP matters based on the specific needs and strengths of the student.   All comments made in chats and messages are the opinions of the authors, and TAP is not responsible for them.