The Speechie Godmother

 One of the most important components of special education is the Individualized Education Plan (or IEP for short). If you are a parent of a child with special needs, or if you are a part of the interdisciplinary team  in school, you will no doubt run across an IEP at some point...  But what is it?? Simply put, an IEP is a plan tailored to a child with identified special needs that helps compensate for any educational or physical deficits by creating modifications within the child's school day. This is typically several pages long, and it can be presented online or via hard copy. Specific IEP modifications may include: Speech or language services occupational therapy physical therapy specialized instruction in one or more subjects classroom modifications (ex: preferential seating, extended time on tests, access to a paraprofessional, etc.) How is a child deemed eligible for an IEP? IEPs are usually put in place through a combination of a doctor's diagnosis, skilled observation

 If you are a parent of a child with special needs, I have a special resource for you today.  As it so happens, I (The Speechie Godmother) have a disability myself. I am an identical twin, and my sister and I were born at 27 weeks. We subsequently each have types of cerebral palsy. Being that my mother experienced her share of trials when advocating for myself and my sister, I asked her to write a piece for "The Speechie Godmother" explaining her experience from a parent's perspective.  You see, I want to help, and I have experience working with special populations. However, my experience can only go so far... I am not a parent. Sometimes, it helps to get advice from someone who has been in the situations we are experiencing and has come out on the other side.  So, without further ado, please enjoy my mother's opinion piece on parenting and advocating for children with special needs.  I hope this helps you!  ------------------------------------------------------------