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.
Listen to a student talk about his experience with his SLIEP process:
Student Spotlight
Kylee is a student in a PA school. She has been working on leading her IEP for several years. She created a book mark to remind herself, and to help other students, of some of the steps to remember in a SLIEP. She also created a booklet with questions , thoughts to consider, and explanations about leading an IEP. (When you print out the booklet pages, you can put them on top of each other and fold them into a booklet.) Way to go, Kylee! Thanks for sharing your expertise!
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)
How would you describe your awareness of your IEP process?
How are you participating in the IEP process? What are you doing to participate?
What do you know about the IEP process? How can you show what you know?
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.
