School Planning

Introduction

Entering your child with special needs into the public school system can be overwhelming. The Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) provision of special education law ensures that to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities, are educated with children who are nondisabled. School is important for every child, helping to create social skills and preparing them for adulthood (also see Jobs). The school system is required to provide specially designed instruction (SDI), at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities stated that this may include instruction in the classroom, in the home, in hospitals and institutions, and in other setting. Special education services may include speech-language pathology services, occupational therapy, physical therapy or any other related service, travel training, and vocational education.

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written document for each child with a disability which outlines the specially designed instruction, services, goals, accommodations, modifications and transition services a student’s program will entail. The information, goals and services within the IEP are based on the results of the evaluation, which determines eligibility or the results of a re-evaluation. The IEP is created through the collaborative efforts of the IEP team which includes the parents of the student, regular education teacher(s), special education teacher(s), administrative designee, someone who can interpret the instructional implications of the evaluation results, and any other knowledgeable person requested by the parents or school, and the student, if appropriate.

Related Sites

Center for Parent Information and Resources: IDEA – The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Description: This website provides detailed information about The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IDEA was set in place in 1975 to ensure that children with disabilities were provided a free appropriate education, just like other children.

Special Education Lawyers
Description: When is it time to hire a special education lawyer?

Books

Teaching Social Skills to People with Autism by Andy Bondy and Mary Jane Weiss
Description: The primary focus of this book is teaching children and adults with autism to develop better social skills. This book is a valuable source for teachers, therapists, and parents alike.

DSS Disabilities in College and Community Settings: Strategies for Planning Implementation and Evaluation by DSS
Description: This book discusses the benefits of young adult students (ages 19-22) transitioning to college and community environments for learning rather than remaining in high school. It is believed that learning is more conducive if the young adults with disabilities are intermixed with their non-disabled peers of their age group.

Tools

Transition Planning for Students on the Autism Spectrum: Practical Ideas for High School
Description: A video presentation for parents and professionals who are planning transition for students with autism from middle to high school.

Autism Advocacy and IEPs
Description: A video of an autism advocate and disability lawyer sharing information about IEPs, parent’s rights and how to assert them.

Parent Forums/Blogs

Some forums require you to sign in to Yahoo or Facebook to locate forum names.

Forum/Blog Name: The Wrightslaw Way to Special Education Law and Advocacy
Description: Blog to find information and discuss special education and legal issues.

Forum/Blog Name: Autism and the Individual Education Plan (IEP)
Description: Support group to discuss IEPs.

Consumer Corner

The PEERS Curriculum for School-Based Professionals: Social Skills Training for Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Description: Designed for teens with autism, this guide provides social skills planning, assignments, and activities. This is a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and school professionals alike.

Community Library

Understanding Individualized Education Programs
Description: This article explains what an IEP is and what it entails for goals, and how it can help for school planning for parents, teachers, and your child.

Homeschooling: Making the Decision
Description: When thinking about educating your child, Homeschooling may need to be a consideration. This article points out positive and negative factors about choosing Homeschooling and what to consider.

(coming soon)