Increasing Independence and Communication Skills in Individuals with Disabilities Student-led IEPs and Employment Meetings

Goals Students participate in some way during the IEP meeting – either by leading a part or all of the meeting. Students need to practice their participation before the actual meeting. Students will have an opportunity to practice self-determination skills. Positive relationships develop between teacher, parent, and student. Students with self-determination skills tend to not drop out of school and stay employed longer.

Student-Led IEPs and Employment Meetings  Introduce meeting participants  Present important information  Prepare/present select pieces  Lead entire meeting

Who is a good candidate? Start out:  Introduce self or others Move To:  Discussing schedule  Show Imovie  All Students  You can use a variety of communication styles to accommodate student need End The Meeting With:  Fill out self evaluation and share work samples, schedules, and task analysis with team

Student-Led IEP meeting vs. Traditional IEP meeting Differences?  More focused on student  IEP/IPE more relevant to student needs  Meeting maintains positive focus and interactions with team who does the planning

Student Benefits Better understanding and awareness of:  Disability and Capabilities  IEP/IPE process and relevance  Self-determination skills/communication skills

Teacher Benefits  Positive relationships with student/parent  IEP/IPE meeting centered on student needs  The student has a voice and is active in planning their future.

Challenges  Preparation Time  When and where do they practice?  Direct instruction  Disability Awareness  Self-determination  Paperwork deadline Change is always a struggle, but it is worth it when it changes their perspective on their ability to live life independently!

Working with the student...  Review parts of IEP/IPE to discuss  Determine level of participation  Begin saving work samples, videos, items to show  Student may type or dictate  Highlight areas student will present: Self evaluation forms

Working with the student…  Discuss relaxation techniques  Hold mock meetings--Practice!

Working with the student…  Determine seating  Create back-up plan  Establish prompts and encouragement

What will I do next…  Start preparing and modeling meetings for students  Implementation timeline  Get Started!