Perspectives of LRE and UDL The Parents’ Perspective Doris Erhart, Parent Oklahoma Family Network 11th Annual Oklahoma Transition Institute Pre-Conference October 3, 2016

Aaron Christopher Erhart

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room How parents feel…

And… How teachers feel…

Takeaways LRE & UDL -- Good for Everyone Transition Should Begin Early Factors for Ideal Parent/Teacher Relationship Open Communication is Critical

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) “…students with disabilities receive their education, to the maximum extent appropriate, with nondisabled peers and that special education students are not removed from the regular classes unless, even with supplemental aids and services, education in regular classes cannot be achieved satisfactorily.”

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) There should not be segregated classrooms, segregated hallways or segregated anything. Students on IEPs should not have to earn their way out of the special education classroom. Students on IEPs should not be the only students doing recycling or wiping tables. LRE is not all of the students being together for choir or PE.

Parents Have Differing Views Some want their child in LRE 100% Some want partial LRE Some want no LRE And some just don’t care

Universal Design of Learning (UDL) A set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn. UDL provides a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessment that work for everyone—not a single, one-size-fits-all solution but rather flexible approaches that can be customized and adjusted for individual needs.

LRE & UDL -- Good for All Maximize learning and readiness for life after high school. There will not be a special education classroom after graduation. When students are in classrooms together, there are positive outcomes for students with disabilities and those who do not have disabilities.

LRE & UDL -- Good for All Outcomes for students without disabilities Raises their awareness about disabilities Learn first hand what their fellow classmates can accomplish Look past the disability and see the individual Students of today are the employers of tomorrow and inclusive employment must begin with inclusive classrooms. We all want a Good Life Job College Friends Place to live

What’s An Ideal Relationship When educators have high expectations of the student Those who can see past the disability Those with perceived low expectations Either way, the parent’s and/or student’s goals and dreams can be affected When transition is being taught from the beginning of a child’s educational experience The life span – what are the parent’s and the student’s dreams and goals for a good life? Parents may focus on the current situation and stage of life, but it is helpful to to look toward the future Use LifeCourse Tools

An Ideal Relationship When parents and educators can agree on what they are trying to achieve When educators do not put students and their parents in a category

Communication What the teacher thought she/he said and what the parent heard. Effective communication with all teachers. Use a one-page profile and other LifeCourse Tools. Parents have resources, use them when offered. Team should have open communication, even when one individual doesn’t agree with placement.

Takeaways LRE & UDL -- Good for Everyone Transition Should Begin Early Factors for Ideal Parent/Teacher Relationship Open Communication is Critical

Thank you! Doris Erhart Oklahoma Family Network doris-erhart@oklahomafamilynetwork.org 405-271-5072 877-871-5072