United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I was wondering what if anything that I should bring to the IEP meeting with the school. This is going to be my first meeting with them and I'm lost as to what I need and or should bring with me.

Amanda (mom to Jamie 33months old ROBPI)

Amanda:
Chances are, the people you are meeting with have no idea what a bpi is, nor the limitations it can create. If you have some back copies of Outreach, I suggest bringing them. This way, they can read (if they care to) about our community and what it is like for kids and adults.

You will also want to have made a list of what Jamie's limitations are. I know it is a hard list to make, but you need to think about everything she does and how difficult it is for her. Some of the subjects they will (at her age) want to know about:
-toileting, pants up/pants down
-donning and doffing coat/sweatshirt
-climbing stairs
-carrying objects
-playing appropriately
-bilateral use of hands
-balance issues/weight-bearing issues (it is a safety issue)
-speech; any delays or impediments
-sensory issues
-general developmental delays
-ability to use, safely, the playground equipment

It might help to watch Jamie with another child of the same age.

At 3 years old, the issues they are looking for a vastly different than at 5. At 3, they want to know more about general development and how they can get her on target. At 5 it has more to do with "education".

Don't forget that you don't have to sign off on the IEP if you are not satisfied. If, for example, they say that she doesn't need PT because this is an "arm issue", tell them that you will bring in a letter from a bpi specialist that says that this is a whole body issue. Make a date for a new meeting--and don't sign the IEP agreement. Call your bpi specialist(or email) and tell him or her what the problem is. I haven't met a bpi specialist who wouldn't write a letter like that. My daughter recieved PT thru the school district for 3 years using a letter like that. I had a kid who would just fall over! And they told me that it wasn't a bpi issue. Once they had a letter from the docs....it all changed.

I suggest you bring someone with you (husband, sister....) the meetings can be very tough and it helps to have another person there with you. I did it alone for years until I had to fight the district. Then i brought in my sister. It just helped to have her there. Plus, she helped keep me on point when it was clear I just wanted to jump across the desk and throttle the head of spec ed for our district (he is an ass).

The most important thing to remember is that you know what she needs. Stick to that. Use phrases like "I'm not comfortable with that." "I believe she will fall behind if you do that and I know we all want her to gain and not lose." Make it seem as though you are a TEAM. Even though you should know going in that you are not a team. Be interested in their point of view, they are "educators". Offer to educate them on bpi. Ask them: do you know what a bpi is? have you ever dealt with it? would you like me to explain what happened and her resulting injury?

good luck,
claudia

Providing as much information as possible (without being too technical-not MRIs etc) is best so bring what you can. Any doctor info or therapist info so they know how your child will be impacted in the school and what they can do. If B-3 is coming, they'll help. My child is too young so I can't help you with too much, but I've been on the school side. I've read on these boards that the kids can have sensory issues or may need to incorporate stretching into school etc. That kind of info would be helpful, but if you forget at the meeting then you can always add more to the IEP later. The only reason the meeting will be difficult is if there is a question of qualifying for services. If IEP isn't an option, know that a 504 plan is. Good luck!

Claudia responded at the same time and she knew way more! I'll have to read that again when I get to the age of moving over to the schools!

Claudia,
Thank you so much. I'm going to print off your responce so that I can make that list. I'm going to be bringing my mom with me. I'm on the younger side 24 but I look a lot younger than that and sometimes i'm not taken seriously. We go on the 25th of this month.

Amanda

Amanda:
That's a great idea to bring your mom.

Please keep us posted as to how it turns out.

claudia

I sure will. I'm going to start going through papers to bring with me.

Amanda

Good Luck, Amanda. I think it's great that your Mother is going with you.

Let us know of the date for your IEP and we'll send you positive thoughts and a prayer at your meeting time. BTW, what time zone are you in?

HUgs,
Carolyn J
LOBPI/69


Message was edited by: Carolyn J

we go the 25th os this month at 8:30am. I guess i'm in the eastern time zone because I live in New Hampshire.

Amanda,
Believe it or not, I am up and walking my dog Maggie at 5:30AM Pacific time!!...that's how I keep my good looks and stay spry to keep up with all you young'uns on UBPN!...LOL

HUgs,
Carolyn J
LOBPI/69
ps...I put a post it on my calender for the 25th.


Message was edited by: Carolyn J