My Individualized Education Program
Some of you already have a written plan
for the future. It's called an Individualized Education Program
or IEP. A law that was passed almost 30 years ago called the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA created the IEP. IDEA was recently
updated and is now called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement
Act of 1997 or IDEA 97. This law requires that an IEP be created
for any youth who has a disability. The IEP is a legal document
that schools must work with you to prepare and have in place
to make sure your education needs are being met.
An IEP is similar to our Life Map, except the goals and language used in an IEP are more formal. My Life Map is an area of Youthhood.org where you can set goals, think about how to achieve those goals, and figure out who can help you to do it. Your Life Map is your document and your guide to being actively involved in your IEP meeting.
The IEP meeting is about you and your future. Members of your IEP team need to look at what you do well and the things you might need some help with. You can take charge and make sure your IEP meeting is fun, interesting, and includes your plans for the future!
Try a Youthhood activity:
Browse a Web site:
- Understanding the IEP Process (LD online) Information regarding what is required on an IEP.
- Leading Your Own IEP (Taking Charge if Your Education) A script to help students lead their own IEP meetings.
- Resources for Services (National Council on Disability) A list of resources to assist individual inquiries seeking such services which are most likely to be found at the city or state level.
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