Unique Needs

The purpose of IDEA 2004 is "to ensure that all students with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living" (Section 1400 IDEA 2004)

Every child is different which means that they have "unique needs". When designing an Individualized Education Plan, it is important to look at each child and what he or she needs. There is no one size fits all program or model. A student's plan may need to be revised based on accurate data or new information becoming available. What works for one student may not work for another. Some students are able to make appropriate progress with all services provided in the general education classroom. Other students require some or all services provided outside the classroom.

What does a person need for further education, employment, and independent living? This may vary widely depending on the person and his or her goals. At the same time, there are certain skills that all people need in order to be able to live independently to the extent they are able to. Students need to be able to decode and comprehend what they are decoding. They need to be able to communicate their wants and needs. They need math skills.

Goals and benchmarks should be written with this goal in mind. Does a student need to learn skills to attend so that they can gain other skills? Then that should be a goal. Is the child making appropriate progress in order to read at grade level by the end of third grade? or making appropriate progress in light of their cognitive capabilities? If not, then the methodology of instruction needs to be looked at. In addition, the student may need an increased frequency or 1:1 instruction.

Are the goals based on specific baseline data? Are the benchmarks measurable? How is data being taken?

As a member of your child's educational team, you are an important advocate for your child. Are you noticing gaps during this time at home? Does your child's current IEP make sense with what you are saying? Have you been in touch with your child's school based team to express concerns around progress, services, appropriate goals, etc,?

Please reach out to schedule a consult if you would like help finding your voice, organizing data, or a supportive presence during IEP meetings and communication with the school.