For Youth

With help from the other members of your IEP team, you can learn how to become part of your IEP process. This is one of the best ways to self-advocate for yourself. “Self-advocate” means you are able to share about yourself, what you need, what you like or don’t like; and, you are able to work with others to get the supports you need to succeed. You can practice using your advocacy skills with people you know.. You will join the other members of your team to plan special education services to help you learn and grow . Click below to get ideas on how to start on your own, with your family, or with your teacher/school.

The Student-Led IEP process benefits YOU - the student!  Look at the ways the skills, information, and practice you gain from being part of a SLIEP help you for the rest of your life.

A pyramid containing 6 circles that depict how getting involved in the IEP benefits the student. Three circles on the bottom of the pyramid represent the student, family, and school/educators. Access the link of a word document What’s in it for Students? For more information

Listen to a student talk about his experience with his SLIEP:

Here is a quick introduction to the Student-Led IEP process:


You are an important member on the IEP team.  Check out the video to learn more about how YOU can play a role on the team. 

Your family, teachers, school staff, and others can be on the team. Click below to see a playlist of many people who could be on your IEP team.

Use the rubric below to decide where you are now with your involvement in the IEP meeting and how to move on to new steps(a tool from I'm Determined.org)

The first step is to know what you are doing at this time.  Then, look at the next level to see where you should be going  for a future goal.  Work with your IEP team to plan what steps and supports need to be put in place so that next year, you have moved up a level in one or all of the IEP areas.

Table listing a student’s involvement in an IEP in the following areas: IEP awareness, participation, and knowledge of IEP content. Access the link of word document Student Rubric for IEP Participation for more information.