Youth Connections

Giving students a voice in leading their IEP

meeting and in planning their future

The Parent Information Center (PIC) believes that students as much as parents should be involved in the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process. However, for students to become effective self -advocates it takes more than just a transfer of rights from parents to students.

Students need information and skills in order to be engaged in determining their own future.

The IEP is both a document and a process.

Using the IEP as a guide, teachers and parents can help students develop and practice advocacy and leadership skills that will facilitate their successful transition from high school to life after high school.

Here are some activities that will help students find the information and acquire the skills they need on their journey from school to post-secondary education or employment:

• Watching a video of a student-led IEP. Click here
• Providing opportunities for youth to practice leadership skills in all aspects of their school day and supporting their participation in the IEP process. Click here for ideas.
• Exploring resources and information about postsecondary transition for students, parents, teachers and professionals by visiting PIC’s online resource center.
• Staying current with transition activities and events by visiting the DE Transition Community at: www.sharedwork.org/, a website created to share information throughout the state and nationally on secondary transition.

By working together, we hope that all students will have meanigful particpation in planning their IEP's and their future.