As I started this week and realized we would be learning about IEP's I thought "I already know everything there is to know about an IEP since I've had one since Kindergarten." Honestly, at first I was not excited for this weeks lesson because I know so much about them. Then I seen we were required to watch a video entitled Accessable IEP's For All. I was shocked by this video because it was almost like this IEP meeting was for me. I was hearing parents of different children say they avoided their IEP meetings, or would get so stressed out during the IEP meeting that they would go throw-up after.
As a child I refused to go to my IEP meetings because i didn't enjoy being talked about and I just felt awkward. Then high school came and my resource teachers drilled into my head for four years that I am a "self-advocate" and needed to voice my opinions and speak up for myself. I'll be honest I still hate the words self advocacy but I am grateful for the resource teachers who made me speak for myself even though I was uncomfortable and didn't enjoy doing it.
The first IEP meeting I attended was my Sophomore year in high school and to say I was scared is an understatement. I have never been one who enjoys public speaking and I am a very quiet person so getting up in a room full of people was definitely not the first thing on my bucket list. Throughout high school I gained confidence in myself and my abilities because of loving parents and teachers who didn't let me get away with not speaking up for myself.
In the video it talks about children who are almost embarrassed to have anyone know they have an IEP. I can completely relate to what those children feel. For several years I was embarrassed to go to my Study Skills class where I would have an hour a day to get help with homework and had time to study. My embarrassment got worse as I got older because my peers would ask what class I was going to and I would respond with "Study Skills" and they wanted to know more about it. The other thing that bothered me for several years was I would leave the mainstream classroom when I would take tests so I could focus without feeling rushed to finish first. People would often ask me where I would go when they took the test and I was embarrassed to say I took it in another room so I would just avoid the topic completely.
This all changed during my sophomore year of high school. I was really struggling emotionally and was having a hard time finding friends after my stroke the previous year. I now realize I had some pretty incredible resource teachers. At the time I know I gave them attitude and I feel terrible thinking back because they were so supportive of me and my education. I'm not sure how I would have survived my sophomore year without them because I was still recovering from my stroke. They helped me so much during those four years and taught me many life lessons. One of which I will never forget is SELF-ADVOCACY. I got so tired of hearing this word but they were right nothing happens in life unless you advocate for yourself. I have especially learned this in my three years of college I have had to talk to instructors and people I didn't necessarily feel comfortable with but that's how you get things accomplished.
So, what does this story have to do with an IEP? First, to the educators keep doing what you are doing, Make the students advocate for themselves whenever possible. They might hate it but it will teach them valuable lessons. I learned really quickly that in college instructors, disability services and others at the college don't care or want parents calling or coming in for their student. It is expected that the student talk to the teachers and others they need to at the college for whatever needs they may have.
Second, to the students listen to your resource teachers in high school because it's a whole different world once you graduate. Take their advice to heart and value their opinions because they really do know what they are talking about.
Third, thank you to everyone who has supported me and pushed me so that I could get where I am today. I couldn't have done it without you love, guidance and patience.
An IEP is a great resource for students who have a documented disability. I has really blessed my life and helped me get where I am today. If it weren't for the support of family educators and sometimes friends I wouldn't be where I am today. They were understanding and helped me learn in the way that was best for me. Looking back my study skills class was very beneficial because I did my homework and did it well because there was always someone there to help me and make sure I did it right.
I may not have loved certain aspects of an IEP growing up but now I am grateful that I got the help I needed so I could succeed in school. There was a time I didn't know if I would get to go to college and now I am two semesters away from graduation and couldn't be more grateful for the love and support I have received the last 15 years to get me where I am today.
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