Re:Was I railroaded?

[Guest guest]

Esther - welcome to the aspects of parenthood that take us all by surprise (IFSP, IEP, MFE, FBA etc, etc). Like you, I have fumbled my way through from age 3. Let me share a few things that have helped.

First of all, get a hold of the printed information from OCALI and The Ohio Dept of Education. They will send you printed pamphlets which are extremely helpful in getting through the processes with the best success.

Second, never go to a meeting by yourself. I don't care who you have to take with you, but people do their job better and more thoroughly when we come in numbers. This is true of school meetings too. They need to accommodate you so you can bring someone with you. That someone can be your spouse, your doctor, your ABA team, your sitter, your relative, your neighbor, your (whoever).

Third, if you or they do not have enough time to read and explain and decide things, DON'T SIGN. Make another appointment to finish what is unfinished. Ask them to leave the draft with you so you can read, edit and approve for the next meeting.

Fourth, when you have meetings coming up, let your doctor (s) know so that you can get an appt with them to discuss the items that should be on the evaluation and goals, and how they should be met and/or provided by. I have found that my doctors will communicate by email if they have seen my son recently, and then I can print out their email and attach it to the IEP. A letter from the doctor can also be attached to IFSP, IEP, MFE, (or whatever) as part of the document.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, request everything and follow up every meeting in writing. This leaves for no misunderstandings and is the professional way of doing things. You will see results instead of frustrations because they think that you have a professional working for you (you do . . . . you).

Hope this helps.

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