272. What Do We Wish We Knew Before Our First IEP Meeting?

Today, we're taking a trip down memory lane to revisit our very first IEP meetings! Let's be honest—those initial meetings can be a whirlwind of emotions: overwhelming, confusing, and sometimes even a bit intimidating. As we reflect on our experiences, we’ll dive into the questions we wish we had asked, the support we didn’t realize we needed, and the valuable lessons we’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re preparing for your very first IEP meeting or you’re a seasoned pro, we hope our stories bring you comfort, knowing you're not alone in this journey. And, of course, you might even share a few laughs with us as we look back on our IEP adventures! Friends, you’re doing an amazing job, we got this!!

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SHOW NOTES

More episodes like this:

• 39. Back to School w/IEP Experts Vickie Brett & Amanda Selogie

• 78. Building Trust (Not Barriers) w/Your Child's IEP Team

• 94. IEPs during Covid-19, ft. IEP Lawyers Vickie Brett & Amanda Selogie

• 131. BTS Pt 2 - Preparing for the School Year.. IEPS + Special Education w/Ashley Barlow

• 270. IEP Success: How to Plan, Communicate, and Collaborate (w/April Rehrig)

• In this episode Heather shares she leaves a note in her IEP, here is what it states and how she addresses this statement: “Removal from the general education environment is necessary based on the nature of the severity of the student’s disability and not the need for modifications in the general curriculum.” The wording here cannot be adjusted so I ask that it be noted that I do not agree with this statement and in fact, I believe the reason removal from the gen ed environment is necessary is because the school lacks the necessary inclusive practices for success in the GenEd setting.”

• Learn more about Ashley Barlow

• Downloadable Resources from Rise Educational Advocacy

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HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Thank you, National Down Syndrome Society for sponsoring this episode!

• Learn more about the NDSS Buddy Walk!

• Listen to Heather & Micha talk about their experience at last year’s NYC Buddy Walk on 225. NYC Buddy Walk Highlights

Thank you, ABLEnow for sponsoring this episode!

• 115. How The ABLE Act Supports Your Child's Future (ft. Catherine Beck)

LET’S CHAT

Email [email protected] with your questions and Good News for future episodes.

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