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A student-driven IEP process allows students to demonstrate self-awareness, goal-setting, problem-solving, and self-advocacy as well as helps them to understand their IEP, disability, and accommodations better than if they were not active participants in their IEP team meeting. Students who lead their own IEPs and take an active role in transition planning are more likely to be engaged in school and in achieving their goals. There are many resources to help support students as they prepare to lead their IEP. A few of them are listed below.
A wonderful resource comes from UMass Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research. They have created comics for students to help them understand the IEP process, transition planning, and the importance of the student being involved in them.
The I'm Determined project, from the Virginia Department of Education, has created four videos below. Explore student involvement in the IEP process by utilizing the I'm Determined Tools.
The University of Massachusetts also created a guide on supporting students in their student- led transition planning with lessons 3, 4 and 5 focused on leading their own IEP.
The Pacer Center is a National Parent Center on Transition and Employment provides assistance and support to families, youth, and professionals on transition topics. They created a document, which can serve as a starting point to student-led IEPs. This document provides examples of ways students can participate in their IEP meeting. My IEP Owner's Manual can be used as a template and example of a student- led IEP.
Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network created a site dedicated to the student-led IEP process, sharing information on what is an IEP to where to start. They have sections for youth, families, schools and educators.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has a resource that will help families and students understand what Special Education is, especially an IEP. Pieces of this resource may be helpful for students as they grow to understand what an IEP is, the importance of being a part of it, and to gain a better understanding of the whole process.
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