Pop-Up IEP
7. "We are concerned about your child’s safety. We can’t
let him/her be involved in that activity because we don’t want him/her to
get hurt."
- Comments like this might also be heard in community or religious activities,
or among extended family members. Let others know the confidence you have
in your child and her abilities by sharing positive comments.
- Make sure your child can "walk the talk” by having high expectations,
providing many opportunities to practice skills, and expecting independence
at home.
- When your child is about to try something new, the two of you can explore
ahead of time how people who are blind or visually impaired participate safely
in that particular activity. Then share this information with the sponsor,
instructor, or coach so that adaptations can be prepared.
- Collaborate with the teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired
(TVI), orientation and mobility specialist (O&M Specialist) and other
teachers or coaches who have successfully taught other children who are blind
or visually impaired to do the activity your child is interested in. Encourage
your child to talk to the teacher or coach.
- Remind yourself that you may have felt the same way before you knew about
the skills and tools for blindness and visual impairment. Now that you know
better, encourage and reassure anyone expressing doubt as many times as needed
with a smile on your face.
- 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.
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.