Pop-Up IEP

6. "We’re sorry. We are not going to be able to provide a one-on-one aide to care for your child like you do.” Or “Of course your child will need a personal aide. We can’t expect our teachers to do all that extra work."

Proactive Solutions for Parents

• Communicate respectfully, positively and clearly what your concerns are regarding the educational need for a paraprofessional.
• Expect independence and give your child practice, practice, practice at home. The more your child can practice caring for him/her self at home the more skilled and confident he/she will become at school. Expect your child to learn to “do it him-/herself.”
• Request that the school provide training to the paraprofessional on promoting independence for children who are blind or visually impaired. The goal is for this person to facilitate access and independence, not to “do things for” your child.
• Make sure the paraprofessional has access to your child’s TVI and O & M Specialist*, and knows your child’s strengths and educational and independence goals.
• Paraprofessionals supplement, not supplant the classroom teacher. Make sure your team knows and understand this!
If you disagree with the IEP, make sure to include a written statement noting your objections. Unless indicated otherwise, signing the IEP indicates attendance, but not necessarily agreement.
• *Teacher of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired
  Orientation and Mobility Specialist

Read the Law

Additional Information

Collabortive effort between the
National Center on Severe and Sensory Disabilities
and the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children

Copyright © 2008 National Center on Severe and Sensory Disabilities
Copyright © 2006 National Center on Low-Incidence Disabilities
Permission to use for educational purposes granted.