IEP, LRE, ADA, Oh MY!

What do these acronyms mean, and why do I need to know them? How can I keep my emotions in check when the kids struggle poorly in school? What is my role, and how can I help?
Are you asking any of these questions? Are you curious about what is going on in school in support of your kids and/or battling with your kids?

First, let's look at the difference between the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and an Individual Education Program (IEP). ADA is all about accessibility. This Act was implemented in 1990 and is for everyone, everywhere! It is the law. IEPs are all about inclusion for children in school, offering every child a right to learn and grow, considering their individual needs. It is also the law! These are different and work together to support people with different needs and abilities. It is essential to know this difference when discussing disabilities and the needed support in our schools.
Now, how about that other acronym in the title, LRE? What does that mean? It stands for Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and is a part of the Bill of Rights for Special Education. There are six parts to this Bill of Rights. Let’s take a look at them!

1. A free appropriate public education (FAPE). All children, regardless of the severity of the disability, must be provided an education appropriate to their unique needs at no cost to the parent(s)/guardian(s). This principle includes the concept of related services, which requires that children receive other services as determined educationally necessary to benefit from special education. These related services may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, orientation and mobility instruction, and other support services for the child.

2. The least restrictive environment (LRE). Children with disabilities are to be educated, to the maximum extent appropriate, with students without disabilities. Placements must be consistent with the student’s educational needs. Each state is required to provide a full continuum of alternate placements.

3. An individualized education program (IEP). This document, developed with the parent(s)/guardian(s), is an individually tailored statement describing an educational plan for each learner with exceptionalities. Included in the IEP are:

• The present level of academic functioning
• Annual goals and accompanying instructional objectives
• Educational services to be provided
• The degree to which the pupil will be able to participate in general education programs
• Plans for initiating services and the length of service delivery
• An annual evaluation procedure specifying objective criteria to determine if instructional objectives are being met

4. ​Procedural due process. The Education Act affords parent(s)/guardian(s) several safeguards    pertaining to the child’s education. Parents or guardians have the right:

• To confidentiality of records
• To examine all records
• To obtain an independent evaluation
• To receive written notification (in the parents’ native language) of proposed changes to the child’s educational classification or placement
• To an impartial hearing whenever disagreements arise regarding educational plans for the child
• To representation by legal counsel

5. Nondiscriminatory assessment. Prior to placement, a child must be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team in all areas of suspected disability by tests that are not racially, culturally, or linguistically biased. Children are to receive several types of assessments, administered by trained personnel. A single evaluation procedure is not permitted for either planning or placement purposes.

6. Parental participation. I.D.E.A. (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) mandates meaningful parent involvement. This legislation requires that parents participate fully in the decision-making process that affects the child’s education.

The best resource for all parents/guardians is https://www.wrightslaw.com. This is a website that will offer all you need to know about the law and the rights of every child. They have a library, blog, newsletters, webinars, training programs, and so much more. Use the tabs at the top for labels of the different topics. Advocacy and/or A-Z Topics will be most helpful as you start to explore and learn.
The second best part of this resource is their book! It is called From Emotions to Advocacy by Pam Wright and Peter Wright.  The book offers specific guides, templates, questions, and tips for all your educational advocacy needs.                                                                                                                                 

 WHEW – that is a lot of information! Hopefully it has stirred your mind and heart to learn more. I hope you will find some breathing room and an element of hope in these resources!

By Janine Westlund, Family Care Manager