Thursday, April 23, 2009

IEP - My New Approach (amended)

Going to the IEP tomorrow.

There are so many horror stories I've heard.
Last years went really well, so why do I worry?

Fear of the unknown. Not sure what will happen.
Losing my cool. Comment crappy about my kid, and I lose it
Say he can't do something that he is able to do...I bite heads off.

I might seem easy going, but I will give you my opinion and not in the most calmest ways. This is to anyone not necessarily school.

So the new approach-

I know what Daniel can do and I know what Daniel will be able to do.
IF the right people are in place to assist him.
IF the people involved in his days don't already have doubts about Daniel.
IF the people involved find alternative methods for letting Daniel express himself.
IF those people who are there to help Daniel are willing to think outside the box, because Daniel is not your typical child.
IF those people involved with Daniel are willing to listen to what he has to say.

Just because he doesn't have his words, doesn't mean he isn't speaking to you. You might have to listen in Daniel's language, but you need to watch and listen. You'd be amazed at what you hear. He is truly brilliant

My new approach- I will not stress over what other people think....I don't care, we are not here to make you happy. YOU are here because I think you will be able to help Daniel. Otherwise, you won't be here and we will find someone else to aid Daniel because Daniel's potential is endless. DO NOT put limits on my child.....it will be your biggest mistake, because we will prove you wrong.

I fully believe our IEP will go well, and hey if it doesn't....We will fix it!

Another one of my favs from our photo session:

Look in those eyes...there is an extremely beautiful person in there. Count yourself among the lucky to have your life touched by a very cool kid. :) Of course I'm his mom, I can say that!


AMENDMENT: IEP went really well. All that stress over nuffin'!
We have a good team working for Daniel, seems we are all on the same page on everything.
We will talk more later about a big decision.......and transportation!! Little do they know-- I still have to get the ok from dad too!

10 comments:

AshleyS said...

He's beautiful!

Good luck at the IEP--you know best!

Justinich Family said...

I hate the feelings I get before IEP's. Let us know how it goes tomorrow. Evan's is on May 29th and personally transistioning from early intervention to preschool was not as scary as transistioning from preschool to Kindergarten.

Anonymous said...

it will go good bc i will be with you!!!

daughter c

Deb said...

Oh wow your words are so right and powerful.I work with children aged 3 -4yrs old and I wish more people thought like you.Im going to remember those words -especially when im working with parents.And im so glad his IEP went well.
By the way he is truly gorgeous and im not his mum just saying that!

Deb said...

Gosh im back again after re reading your words.I could cry at some of them..the bit about being willing to think and work outside the box just strikes a chord with me when i think of one of our little guys where i work,you are so spot on ,i wish everyone understood this!
And the bit about just because the child may not have many words and having to look closely at what they are trying to convey with their body language and behaviour is so true.Thank you i will really think about this on Monday morning and tell people who dont quite get this picture.

Justinich Family said...

So happy that it went well. Transportation is a big step but I know Evan loves the bus and I love the extra time it gives me.

CRUSTY MOM-E said...

GOOD FOR YOU!! I'm glad it went well! IEP has been a Godsend for our Benjamin..I know the nervous feelings.

Thank goodness there is IEP though,..think about years ago they didn't have it..
glad we do.

happy weekend now! :)

Kathryn said...

Melanie - glad it went really well. I like this post. IEP's are stressful for all the reasons you described. I think if mama bear can't defend her kid, stand up for them, raise the bar for them, who really can? You are such a great mama bear! I feel the same stressed and agree with all your IFs. Awesome post!

Ellen Seidman said...

I will agree, he is BEAUTIFUL!!!! I am glad the IEP went well. Ours is coming up in a few weeks, and I want to ask for more speech, which is probably not going to happen.

Max is transported to school on a big yellow bus, and I think it is his favorite part of the day!

Is it just me or do Daniel and Max remind you of each other?

Wherever HE Leads We'll Go said...

Found your blog not long ago - through a link on another site. I love reading about Daniel. He is adorable. Your posts are a blessing to me.

This post is great - very well said! I have an 18 month old with CP. We are still in Early Intervention so we have not done IEP's yet. I really dread them.

I am so glad to hear that yours went well. Thanks for sharing your little man with us. : )