Advocacy Tips: Field Trips and Students with Disabilities
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...Better IEPs: Five Strategies for Developing an Effective PLAAFP
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...Mythbusters: IEPs, Student Privacy, Facebook…
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...Watch This: 10 Tips for Self-Advocacy
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...Student’s Perspective: Josie Badger
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...Tips: Encouraging Student Participation in IEP Meetings
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...Student Perspective: It’s Time to Prepare ALL Learners for the Future
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...College Board Simplifies Request Process for Test Accommodations
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...Student’s Perspective: Looking Back, Looking Ahead – Advice for Students and Teachers
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 –...Student Perspective: The Partially Defined Struggle
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...Student’s Perspective: The Song Remains the Same
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...NJCommonGround.org, and the Common Ground E-newsletter are projects of the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities
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- The Right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education
- What to Do if You Suspect Your Child has a Disability Impacting Their Education
- Initial Special Education Evaluations and Eligibility
- The Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Special Education Placement
- Q&A: What are Extended School Year (ESY) Services?
- Q&A: Dispute Resolution