by Common Ground | Feb 5, 2020 | Parents, Professionals, Students, Teachers, Watch This
Our friends at the Regional Center for Independent Living (RCIL) in New York made this fun video, Get the Job… Keep the Job! on seeking work for young people. This student production contrasts the right way — and the wrong way — to apply for a job in person,...
by Common Ground | Feb 3, 2020 | Parents, Professionals, Students, Teachers, Uncategorized
Students can learn a lot in a classroom, but a good field trip lets them see, feel, and touch the curriculum in ways that make learning come to life. When trips are well planned, relevant, and linked to classroom instruction, students gain a better understanding of...
by Common Ground | Feb 3, 2020 | Better IEPs, Parents, Professionals, Students, Teachers
By Denver Leigh When we talk about IEPs (Individualized Education Plans), often the goals, objectives, accommodations and modifications get all the attention. True, those four components form critical parts of an IEP; however, in my experience as both a parent and...
by Common Ground | Oct 29, 2019 | Parents, Professionals, Students, Teachers
There are many “myths” surrounding special education. Here are 5 we are “busting.” Myth #1: If parents say they can only attend an IEP meeting on a weekend, the school has to schedule it at that time. Fact: IEP meetings should be held at a “mutually agreed upon time...
by Common Ground | Jan 24, 2019 | Parents, Professionals, Students, Teachers, Watch This
Self-advocacy is one of the most important skills a young person with a disability can have. Here are 10 tips for self-advocacy for young people with disabilities, by young people with disabilities, produced by...
by Common Ground | Jan 24, 2019 | Features, Students
By Josie Badger, PhD Inclusion is Fantastic and… As an individual with a significant physical disability, I was fully included in mainstream education classes, and I believe in the academic and social importance of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). I graduated...
by Common Ground | Jan 24, 2019 | Better IEPs, Parents, Professionals, Students, Teachers
There are many ways to include students in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and every student is different. Below are some essential tips to remember when encouraging student participation in IEP meetings. Speak openly with your student about...
by Common Ground | Jul 26, 2017 | Students
By Jordyn Zimmerman “They told me I’d never go to college but I just finished my freshman year — what about all the other students with autism?” A few years ago, I was on track to receive a modified high school diploma. I was spoken to using basic English with minimal...
by Common Ground | Jun 5, 2017 | Parents, Professionals, Students, Teachers
The College Board has overhauled its request process for testing accommodations, making it easier for eligible students to receive the support they need on College Board assessments. Beginning January 1, 2017, the vast majority of students who are approved for and...
by Common Ground | Feb 26, 2017 | Students
By Asher Zerbib What I remember most about high school are the long, gaping hallways. Perhaps the architecture of a school is not what is relevant, but it is what I recall first when I think of high school. I also recall that the scheduling threw me off a bit –...
by Common Ground | Dec 12, 2016 | Students
by Jeremy Einbinder Because cerebral palsy is neurological, my brain is my body and my body is my brain. The physical impairments associated with cerebral palsy may be my most obvious issue, but it’s impossible to completely separate my physical issues from my social...
by Common Ground | Jul 29, 2016 | Students
By Sam Huber As someone on the autism spectrum who has also coached ASD college students, I have noticed that there is this “I am an outsider” feeling. That’s because an ASD person needs accommodations to complete his college courses, making our college experience...