Special education doesn't look at all like what we experienced when we were children. With added restrictions about visits, it's hard to know what this looks like, what other parents ask for as far as IEP meetings go, and feel like you don't have a seat at the IEP table. In this episode, learn the parent role in the IEP, what LRE means, and a little about service providers, too. Check out www.parentfriendlyot.com for shownotes and free downloads mentioned in the episode!

Who is this case manager person, and what do they actually do? Do I have any control over who I get, and what happens if they aren't helping me advocate for my kid? 

Case managers are super important in the IEP process, as they can make your job as a parent advocate so much easier, or so much harder. 

Don't know if you have a "good" case manager or a "bad" one? We go through that as well. You'll have to listen to find out!

Before I get into these amazing tips and stories from parents and parent-friendly professionals alike, we need to back up a sec. 

We need to talk about how the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) came to be and why it's the best vehicle to advocate for your child with a disability. We need to go over what IDEA is and what the intention was, the update in 2004 and how it raised the inclusion bar, and why it's the best way to advocate from a legal and timing perspective!

Beth Liesenfeld, occupational therapist, shares the mission of the Elevate Your Advocacy Podcast: to help parents of disabled children get the most out of their advocacy efforts through understanding and leveraging the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process. Expect to hear from parents who have been through the process, quick tips and explanations, stories of real life parents and students, and interviews with the most Parent Friendly educators and special service providers. Follow @ParentFriendlyOT on Instagram and Facebook for even deeper content and access to freebies! You can also find more freebies and information at www.ParentFriendlyOT.com