Dealing with Schools

Educators are truly invested in seeing you or your child succeed in school.  This is not to say that difficulties with schools don’t often arise when parents or mature students are seeking the best possible education plan.  Here are some tips to successfully avoid conflict:

1. Develop realistic educational goals based on past performance and up-to-date evaluations.
2. Take the time to know and appreciate education law so that you completely understand your rights and their responsibilities.  This will enable you to become an active participant in establishing an educational plan.
3. Know exactly what your school/college has to offer in the way of programs and usual and customary disability services.
4. Be prepared with supporting documentation when meeting with teachers, special education departments and school officials.
5. Communicate.  Communicate.  Communicate!  Work with your educational team to let them know about your disabilities and abilities.  Establish contact as soon as your team has been created and discover the best way to maintain ongoing correspondence.
6. Let the professionals who are supporting you or your child know that you are grateful. 
7. Enlist the support of an educational advocate when you feel that you need additional help.