Are you the parent of a child with a disability, who would like to
have an independent educational evaluation (IEE) performed on your
child, but don’t know how to find an evaluator? Would you like to
learn about resources that can help you find a qualified independent
evaluator. This article will discuss 3 tips on finding a qualified
evaluator to perform an IEE on your child.
Tip 1: Ask other parents that have children with disabilities, if
they have any names of qualified evaluators. Make sure that the
evaluator is qualified, to test your child, in the areas that they
need to be tested. Parents often discuss various issues about special
education, including educational evaluators they have used. In my
state of Illinois parents often pass around names of evaluators that
are child and parent friendly. Try looking for parents that have
children with similar disabilities to your child. For example: if your
child has autism, ask other parents for evaluators that specialize in
children with autism. Large University hospitals often have clinics
for children with all autism spectrum disorders.
Tip 2: Try calling a Parent Training and Information Center (PTIC), or
a Center for Independent Living (CIL), and ask if they have a list of
qualified evaluators. A list of all PTIC’s in the USA can be found in
Appendix E of the book From Emotions to Advocacy by Pam and Peter
Wright. The book can be found at http://www.wrightslaw.com. A Center for
Independent Living in your area can be found at
http://www.virtualcil.net/cils. Most PTIC’s and CILS have people trained in
special education, to help parents.
Tip 3: Check out your state board of education’s Web site, and see if
they have a list of Independent Educational Evaluators. Be careful
though, because some of the names may be past school employees. If you
would like to use someone on the list, check with other parents to see
if they know them, and if they know whether they are willing to stand
up to school districts, for children with disabilities. In Illinois
where I live, many of the child and parent friendly evaluators are not
on the list. It is an option, though, to at least get a few names.
Since you have decided to get an Independent Educational Evaluation
for your child, the person you pick is critical. If you pick a person
that is not qualified to conduct the evaluation, then the evaluation
will not help your child. Also, if you pick an evaluator that is not
willing to stand up to special education personnel, this will not
benefit your child either. Take your time, and find an evaluator that
will help you determine what your child’s educational and related
service needs are. Your child is worth the time!
By: JoAnn Collins
Posts Tagged ‘Child Autism’
Parenting Tips – 3 Tips On Finding An Independent Evaluator For Your Child With A Disability
December 29th, 20093 Things That Father’s Can Do to Be Involved in Their Child’s Special Education
December 17th, 2009
Are you the father of a child with autism, and you would like to be more involved in your child’s education? Would you like a few simple things that you can do to benefit your child’s education? Fathers can bring a unique perspective to the special education process. This article will discuss 3 things that you can do to be more involved in your child’s special education program.
A study report that was released on July 14,2006 from the University of North Carolina of Chapel Hill found that: Children with disabilities are more likely than other youngsters to live with single mothers or other female caretakers. Children with special needs can benefit greatly, if their fathers are involved with their life and education; so jump in for the benefit of your child!
Below are a few things that you can do:
1. Learn about the federal law that governs special education; The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). My book Disability Deception is filled with information on IDEA, or check out http://www.wrightslaw.com
2. Attend an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) meeting for your child. These meetings must be held at least once a school year. Fathers are often treated with more respect than mothers, so your attendance could greatly benefit your child. Bring a list of your concerns, as well as a list of services that you believe your child needs.
3. Check and see if your child’s school has any Special Olympics available, or any other sports or recreation for children receiving special education services. You could help your child learn skills, or offer to coach a team. Recreation can greatly benefit a child’s ability to learn, especially if they are hyperactive. Activity often helps child with a disability focus more.
4. Take a short time off work and go and observe your child’s classroom. Talk to his teacher if time permits.
5. Talk to other fathers, and perhaps start a group that will address your needs in the special education system. Talking to other fathers, will give you the chance to share ideas, and encourage each other in this journey.
As an advocate for over 15 years, I found that children with disabilities that had their fathers involved in their educations, were often more motivated to do well. As I stated earlier, fathers are often given more respect than mothers so this should be a motivation to be more involved. You are the only father that your child has; and they are depending on you.
By: JoAnn Collins
