Best Resources for IEPs
Fine-tuning an IEP for your child can get overwhelming. Here are three of my favorite online resources for crafting better school accommodations for ADHD and other learning disabilities.
Everyone agrees that your child with ADHD needs, and is entitled to, services and accommodations at school. Accessing that support, and making sure it addresses your child’s challenges, isn’t easy, however.
Here are three resources that will clear the way for success.
LDonline.org
Strong suit: Best introduction to ADHD/LD symptoms and accommodations
LDonline.org calls itself the “world’s leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD” for a reason.
The official site of the National Joint Committees on Learning Disabilities, ldonline.org contains soup-to-nuts information on attention deficit disorder and LD for parents, educators, and kids — the basics, expert advice, and personal stories. You’ll find an easy-to-understand overview of IDEA (the federal law that governs the who, what, when, where, and why of special education), followed by links to documents and relevant websites.
Wrightslaw.com
Strong suit: Best source for special-ed law and advocacy
When you’re ready to enter the special-ed world, turn to this site.
The brainchild of attorney Peter Wright and psychotherapist Pam Wright, wrightslaw.com gives parents information about education law and advocacy for children with disabilities.
Browse through dozens of topics on the home page, or use the keyword search to get information on any scenario imaginable. For instance, I turned to the website when I wanted to know which school personnel, other than special-ed teachers, should know about my daughter’s IEP accommodations. I got my answer. You’ll get yours, too.
The Complete IEP Guide
Strong suit: Best source for explaining and implementing an IEP
If you prefer the linear flow of a book to jumping around on a website, pick up The Complete IEP Guide, by Lawrence M. Siegel.
Published by Nolo, known for its series of legal guides, the book takes parents through every stage of the process of securing special-ed services, from requesting an evaluation and attending IEP meetings to resolving disputes. It includes sample documents and pullout forms you can use.
