In this section, you’ll find a variety of resources, including articles, book reviews, updates on Special Education practices, and links to outside information. If you have a particular topic or resource you’re interested in learning more about, contact me at mlg.advocacy@gmail.com with your suggestion, and I will research your request!
ARTICLES AND SPED NEWS
Here’s an article from the Washington Post discussing the impact of the pandemic on the learning of students with special needs.
The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is responsible for administration and monitoring of 504 Plans. Here’s a comprehensive description of what a 504 Plan entails and how it compares to an IEP.
“Bipartisan Team of Senators Raises Concerns About Student Mental Health.”
Council for Exceptional Children
Social-emotional well being for all students during the pandemic has become a front-and-center topic for parents and educators. The Child Trauma Training Center at the University of Massachusetts developed these comprehensive guidelines in mid-March.
The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is the agency that oversees special education policies and procedures at the federal level. In late June, OSEP published an update for parents and professionals on managing dispute resolution during the pandemic.
Watch this joyful dance. Truly beautiful! (Click “skip ads”)
Read about this inspirational teen who wrote and illustrated children’s books starring superheroes with special needs……..
TOOLS FOR PARENTS
“Parent IEP Meeting Prep Checklist”
This is a simple, one-page tool to help parents prepare for an IEP meeting.
“Five Tips for Selecting an Advocate for Your Child”
Need some ideas for finding a good fit? Here are 5 areas to consider when interviewing an advocate.
“Documents! Documents! Documents!”
Feeling overwhelmed by IEP paperwork? This guide summarizes key components of the IEP and explains what’s important about each section.
Tools for Parents-contact Maria LG at mlg.advocacy@gmail.com to request a copy.
RESOURCES
California Department of Education: Procedural Safeguards spell out your child’s protections, and yours, under the law. Ask your school administrator, or your child’s case manager for a copy.
“All kids need is a little help, a little hope, and someone who believes in them”
~ Magic Johnson
“I am different, not less”
Dr. Temple Grandin
“It seems that for success in science or art, a dash of autism is essential.”
Hans Asperger
“Don’t worry about a thing. ‘Cause everything is gonna be alright.” – Bob Marley
The Library
August 26, 2020
Hanging On by Kanwal Singh: I found this book through a colleague on social media. Her feedback and the title were compelling, so I went on Amazon to purchase a copy, and found it’s only available through Amazon India, not accessible to buyers outside of the country! Next, I reached out to the author, and she graciously sent me a copy via USPS. Very kind!
Hanging On is a funny, witty and thought-provoking perspective of inclusive education through Ms. Singh’s extensive experience as an educator. It’s reader friendly, not loaded with jargon, and guides the reader through their own assumptions and ideas about inclusion for students. It definitely got me thinking about inclusion, which has been a driving principle in my practice over the years. More about my thoughts on this on another day. For now, if you’re interested in Hanging On, contact me at mlg.advocacy@gmail.com, and I will connect you with the gracious Ms. Singh to place your order!