Pop-Up IEP

It is important to have age-appropriate expectations at home as well as at school. Always look for opportunities to promote learning and independence for your child. Be careful not to step in and help too soon. Make a conscious effort to let your child work things out.
If you suspect that your child has an additional disability, make careful observations regarding areas in which your child struggles as well as strategies which have worked. Write these down to share with the IEP team. Even if your child has additional disabilities, you can still have high expectations and provide appropriate learning opportunities and experiences.
Have your child spend time with peers and adults who are blind or visually impaired who are positive role models.
Get connected to other parents whose children with visual impairments experienced typical development. Find out what worked for their children.
Fill in the visual gaps for your child. Ask questions to see where the gaps are and then provide experiences to fill them in. Has your child ever touched the roots of a plant? Does she know applesauce isn’t red and some apples are green? Does he know what facial expressions and gestures mean socially? Go out on field trips. Go for walks (take the cane!) and stop to smell, touch and listen.
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.