IEP and Work question

I have never heard of an employer accepting an IEP as proof of a disability. Maybe the IEP’s supporting documents - a signed psychological evaluation, signed medical reports, etc.- but not simply the IEP. And 10 years is a long time. Even IEPs get redone with a new psychological eval every 3 years - at least around here.

That’s my experience during almost 30 years of doing vocational counseling with people with disabilities.

If it was me, I’d want a new evaluation to get an up-to-date set of recommendations.

John

I’d agree — the IEP is very old, and geared to education, not work. Is there a way you can figure out how the infomration in the IEP applies to work, and just what accommodations will work? (If you’re in a “we don’t want to help you” situation that’s a different story, but often if you can figure out the accommodations and present them so that it’s less work for them to do it than it is to hire somebody new, you’re back in good graces again from a totally bottom line standpoint.).

I’m afraid I have to agree. Your employer shouldn’t show so much refusal to help; however, the IEP is too old. I got re-tested last year in part because I knew my reports were 12-13 years old, and if I was going to apply to grad school (which I did and got accepted!) and get disability help, I needed updated reports. Frankly, I’m surprised your college accepted the old report. The rules must be different in the area in which you went to college.

This thread also brings to mind somethimg that bothers me—that there’s no real evaluation for LD as it relates to the workplace. When I was tested last year, I was hoping for more explanation of my processing difficulties. However, it only showed the IQ deficit and two minor “specific learning disabilities”. That, to me, doesn’t even scratch the surface of the difficulties I deal with at work and beyond. So few people out there (including my supervisor at work) seem to realize that LD doesn’t just affect academic performance; it impacts your day-to-day life. That is definitely the case for me. I feel more comfortable in an academic setting sometimes, which I know may sound quite weird.

I’m sorry to get on my high horse—I do get carried away sometimes :)

Good luck!
Christine

I guess I just feel a little backed into a corner, like Ball said why do I have to go the extra mile. OK so my next question is where do I go to get re-tested, and what was the cost is that covered under medical insurance. I know every medical insurance policy is different, I just don’t have $500.00 sitting around to get tested right now. Just the thought of having to sit through 6 hours of testing like when I was in school makes me break out into a cold sweat, I always hated testing even though its helping me. I just wanted to also say thanks for all the comments too its good to know other people are working through this stuff too.

I am just dropping in, I was looking for something on case managment. But this caught my eye. I think you might be looking for a 504 plan. This is a federal plan that sorta takes the place of an IEP from high school. I would start looking for the DORs (Department of Rehabilitation) center. I am not an expert but I have some experience. I keep track of IEP/special education records in a public school system.

And contacting your state rehab agency is a very good suggestion.

Saving a job is very important, and usually easier than helping someone find a new one, and a good diagnostic evaluation will pinpoint the things that need to be done on the worksite.

John

Hi Cyberpunk,

Cyberpunk,

You might want to try your local colleges. Alot of places operate clinics in which you would see a student who is supervised by the professionals. It is done on a sliding scale basis.

Before you go for testing, I would find a copy of Sally Shaywitz’s book, “Overcoming Dyslexia”. She specifically mentions that the tests given to children to assess Dyslexia are not appropriate for adults.

I have had testing through the Voc rehab department and a private neuropsychoologist. I was extremely dissatisfied with most of the reports. So please choose your provider very carefully and ask specifically what tests will be given and why so you don’t get any surprises.

You might even want to have a consultation even though it would be more expensive But doing so might save you alot of agony in the end.

Also, if you are unhappy with the report and feel it is inaccurate, you have the right to request necessary changes. Gosh, I sure wish I had known that but if I can prevent other people experiencing my pain and frustration, it will be well worth it to me.

PT