Key Advocacy Techniques for AAC/SGD Implementation

Welcome back to our blog series on Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) and Speech Generating Devices (SGDs). As advocates we are always filling in the blanks looking for the needs missed, incompetence presumed, challenges not considered etc., etc. In this day and age you would think that the provision and implementation of AAC/SGD devices would have little resistance, especially since the positives so outweighs the...

ADVOCACY'S COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH

Education advocates recognize and understand that education is not solely about the acquisition of knowledge and skills but also about fostering a student’s holistic well-being and fulfillment. By promoting a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and individualized approach to special education. Education advocates emphasize the development of

• Self esteem
• Character
• Inclusion
• Being valued
• Essential life skills academically, socially, and...

How to Appreciate the Eye of the Advocate

As this first day of a New Year begins, I would like to focus on what happens when someone finally develops the eye of an advocate.  What does that really mean and does that process of developing the Eye of an advocate have any impact on your life and if it does what does it look like?

We can compare the process of developing an advocate’s eye to developing an understanding and appreciation of music.  Many of us tend to prefer one...

EDUCATION ADVOCACY SKILLS

"ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTION IS OFTEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN HAVING AN ANSWER. A RIGHT QUESTION CAN LEAD TO THE RIGHT ANSWER."

Marie Lewis PhD, BCEA

The world of Special Education leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to transparency and direction.  Some of that is simply a matter of variation as the manifestation of most diagnoses are on a continuum somewhere between mild to severe. In addition there is frequently at least one or two secondary diagnoses...

Please Tell Me That You Walk on Water

This could be the entreaty of those parents who have the distinct feeling that, at the IEP table, their comments are magically heard by team members only in a foreign language. Another common perception is that all comments by parents will be met with rolling eyes, sighs, and harumphs if not another adjustment in the team member seats and a chorus of clearing throats.

While this may be an exaggeration, if you are a parent feeling this way, something...

GIFTED IEP DEVELOPMENT FOR

Professional Education Advocates

Learn effective and professional IEP development approaches.

Discover other's errors in approach and transform a student's life!

Improve YOUR Professional Education Advocacy Skills Now!

A gifted student’s identified educational needs must be met through a plan called the Gifted IEP. It is designed to provide a meaningful educational benefit. The gifted student has an educational need in one or more subject areas,...

For parents, advocates, and teachers IEP meetings can be overwhelming and even create fear. But, when provided with the right supports these fears can be alleviated.

Elenore Rosevelt said, "Do one thing every day that scares you." 

Well, parents of children with special needs go far beyond the call with that one! 

STRUGGLING WITH IEPs?

IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THIS HARD!!

You are right, handling an IEP meeting should not induce high anxiety, demand pharmaceutical...