[blindkid] Now IEPs

Chantel Alberhasky chantel at alberhaskylaw.com
Mon Feb 25 21:11:51 UTC 2013


I don't think IEPs are necessary evils so I don't agree that we need to work toward ensuring kids don't need IEPs.   Children with educational disabilities have unique needs and I would argue it is in everyone's best interest for there to be a written contract so everyone (school and parents) agree as to what specialized instructions and services the child needs to receive educational benefit and so there is no misunderstanding as to how to accommodate the student's unique needs.  No two students are alike just as no two IEPs should be the same.
As for those who made it through school without an IEP, if they did so and received Braille instruction then it must have been before 1997.  In any event, I would argue every blind child needs an IEP because they need specialized instruction.   I cringe when I hear parents of blind children mention their child only has a Section 504 plan.  
Chantel L. Alberhasky, Esq
419 Boonville Avenue
Springfield, MO 65806
417.865.4444

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--- On Mon, 2/25/13, Carrie Gilmer <carrie.gilmer at gmail.com> wrote:

From: Carrie Gilmer <carrie.gilmer at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [blindkid] Now IEPs
To: "Blind Kid Mailing List, (for parents of blind children)" <blindkid at nfbnet.org>
Date: Monday, February 25, 2013, 1:47 PM

Dear Trudy,
Again I can't speak for Heather, or anyone, but I of course understand the current and likely in our lifetimes need for IDEA, and IEP process and existence in general. and I think heather does too. That is not to say we do not wish or work for it to be out of date as no longer needed...or to fail to address the many  problems within that process, some of which seem inherent, and also to acknowledge that not a few have indeed had NO IEP whatsoever and that has been appropriate and best because there was no need...and some have chosen the 504 path. in my advocacy I never did find a case personally in practice where I recommended chuck the IEP because terrific advocacy and legal reinforcement was indeed required...but i do know of not a few blind adults who did not have or need such a thing. And wouldn't that be nice...and isn't that our Ultimate goal?
Crrie
Sent from my iPad

On Feb 25, 2013, at 12:41 PM, Trudy Pickrel <tlpickrel at hotmail.com> wrote:

> Heather and Carri
> 
> I may be coming in at the end of a discussion as usual but I think one thought that is missing is the fact that we as advocates for our children know and hold the counties to the needs of our children. But I know from advocating for many children as the State President of the POBC IN MD. There are so many children that would not get service Braille or even a basic cane training if it were not for a IEP process. 
> 
> Trudy L Pickrel
> President MD Parents Blind Children
> 
> 
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