Hi, I wanted to get an opinion on something I was thinking of doing for my son to help him advocate for himself. I have told him what things he is allowed to have accommodated for him however, he doesn’t always remember and is shy to ask for help. I wanted to write down a simplified list of what his iep says he is allowed and put it in his folder. I figured if he realized he had an alternative to what he is doing unsuccessfully in class, if he had the list it would put a little emphasis in his request for the alternative. I am thinking especially with teachers he has on a short time basis(electives). I would also write a note to go with it stating that these are accommodations listed on his iep in case the teacher questioned it, she/he could look it up(if they were so inclined). My son is now in 2nd yr of middle school, I am trying to get him to be more responsible for himself.
On the other hand I would not do this if I thought it was the wrong thing to do, just wanted to get some teacher input. Would it offend teachers for the kid to ask for something if it is reasonable and is part of the iep? Or should we adults be the ones to take care of any little things that might pop up? Just trying to be proactive here. Thanks y’all.
Re: self advocacy
Actually he is the shy, quiet type who won’t ask for help on anything even when he needs it. I was hoping to get him started on kind of standing up for himself a bit more. I talked with his case manager yesterday about it, she thought it would be a good idea, she also made sure Chris knew he could come to her if he needed help with teachers or schoolwork, she is new to me this year,( the teacher from last yr got married and moved over the summer), although she was an in class aide last year so my son knows her. Keeping my fingers crossed. I guess I should make it clear to him that accommodations are things he is allowed to do in reg. classes but don’t get him out of doing what the teacher tells him to do.Thanks for your reply.
Re: self advocacy
A parent who is on this site asking the question you posed, in my opinion is not a parent who would encourage their child to “get out” of anything. It is good to hear that you have a case manager that is taking a proactive position for your son, there are so many complaints on these boards about lack of interest on the part of the members of the CST. Good luck to you and your son.
Re: self advocacy
Thanks Beverly,
I am just trying to raise a responsible, hard working boy who wants to go to college, I know he will need to learn how to ask for things and to stand up for himself, Mommy won’t always be there to hold his hand(even though I might want to!) or make things all better when he gets older, he already is trying to be more independent in so many things. Just trying to also make him feel more competent and confident in himself.
I have had students REFUSE to do their homework during their Study Hall because their IEP does not state that they are to do this. If this is not the kind of attitude that your son is likely to have, I would say it is a great idea. Tactfully asking for help is something all students should be taught. As long as he is not the confrontational type, it will go a long way toward helping him in school.