Last week, we kicked off our first theme of the year with a broad look at student-led IEPs. We discussed who student-led IEPs are for and provided a a brief overview of what the process looks like before, during, and after the meeting.

If you missed episode 193, go back and catch up...it’s a great foundation for today’s discussion, so be sure to check it out! 

This week, I’m excited to continue the discussion of student-led IEPs with a conversation with Dr. Daniel Biegun who is here to build relationships and spread the word about engaging and equitable instruction. 

We’re taking a closer look at how student-led IEPs can foster genuine ownership and essential life skills and exploring ways to help students feel like active participants rather than passive attendees.

Highlights:

• Emphasize “Nothing about me without me”—students should be spoken to directly about their goals and strengths to build trust and confidence
• All students, regardless of communication style or cognitive ability, can meaningfully participate in their IEP meetings with the right supports in place
• Support non-verbal students by practicing introductions, offering choice-based questions, or creating visual slide decks to share their input
• Many students report initially feeling confused about their IEP meetings until they understood that their voices mattered, shifting their perception of the process
• Starting student-led IEPs early helps develop key life skills such as communication, collaboration, decision-making, and self-advocacy over time

Your challenge:  
Whenever your next scheduled meeting is, turn over a little bit of control to the student.  Then celebrate when it is a success!

About Daniel:

As an educational specialist for the Virginia Department of Education's Training & Technical Assistance Center at Old Dominion University, Daniel’s areas of focus include transition, self-determination, Universal Design for Learning, and content instruction for students with intellectual disabilities. 

In 2020, Daniel founded his company, Visionary Teaching, as a means of offering engaging & innovative professional learning opportunities to practitioners across the country. 

Connect with Daniel:
Website: www.visionaryteaching.com

Email: [email protected]

X: https://x.com/daniel_biegun

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbiegun/

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