As the school year comes to a close, many families find themselves stressing out over last minute IEP meetings. We like this resource from the National Center for Learning Disabilities, which has some super basic things to keep in mind when you meet with your school-age child's team. 

Based on the calls and emails we get at the NDSC Center, we think these are the most important items to take away from this article:

• You and your child have the right to participate in the development of the IEP, along with a team that will include: your child's teachers, a representative from the school administration who is qualified to recommend and supervise special programs and services as well as representatives from other agencies that may be involved in your child's transition.
• Your child has a right to the least restrictive environment possible. Unless members of the IEP team can justify removal from the general education classroom, your child should receive instruction and support with classmates that do not have disabilities. Also be sure that special education services or supports are available to help your child participate in extracurricular activities such as clubs and sports.
• You have the right to challenge the school's decisions concerning your child. If you disagree with a decision that has been made, discuss it with the school and see if an agreement can be reached. If all efforts don't work, IDEA provides other means of protection for parents and children under the law. These other ways of settling your dispute allow parents and school personnel to resolve disagreements. Options include mediation with an impartial third person, a due process hearing or a formal hearing in a court of law.
• Be sure to keep copies of all reports and paperwork. Also, keep a log of all the people you speak to, their phone numbers and other pertinent information, as well as the time and date of your call and the details of the conversation. After making a call, you can send a follow-up letter reminding the person of the important points, such as any information they promised to provide you or information you think should be in that person's files. Also learn as much as possible about IDEA and other laws that could help your child.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions or say no. It's important to work together with the school to plan your child's education, so make sure you know to what you are agreeing. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification, request further testing, or challenge the school's decision regarding services.
• Stay level-headed. Being involved in a process where lots of people are talking about your child can be very emotional. Remember that the people involved are there to help, even if you disagree with them. You will be most helpful to your child, if you hear everyone out and express yourself calmly and specifically. 

Health, Behavior and Healthy Behavior for Children and Adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
Friday, May 16, 2014, 2:00pm EDT - 3:00 EDT
Individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) are more likely to have health related problems and also likely to challenges in accessing appropriate health care. These realities are complicated by limitations in communication and by some behavioral expressions of distress. This presentation will review some of the health related considerations and the importance of understanding health promotion in preventing unnecessary medical and behavioral complications for people with IDD.
Register at this link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/555209617

From The American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry
Young adults and their families who are seeking adult medical care often report that it is very difficult to find providers who match their pediatric providers in knowledge about, training in and experience caring for those with disabilities or special healthcare needs. This is an issue outlined in ACHIEVA's new report titled Transition from Pediatrics to Adult Medical Systems for Young Adults with Disabilities or Special Health Care Needs.

Caregiver Survey 
The Arc is seeking caregiver views of the health status of the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) they support. If you or someone you know is a professional, paid, unpaid or family member caregiver of someone with I/DD, we invite you to take a short, confidential online assessment to help collect valuable information about caregiver views of the health status of people with I/DD.  Take the survey.

Self Advocate Resolution

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