Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs)

Visual impairment or blindness affect the ability to learn, and each child with additional disabilities has unique educational needs. These academic needs and goals and the methods selected for reaching them are detailed in the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Developed by a team of the student's educators and parents, the IEP outlines is reviewed and updated throughout the student's academic career.

For Parents

Facts on Hand: IEP Goals and Objectives, Families and Advocates Partnership for Education (FAPE) (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
This two-page fact sheet provides parents with a basic introduction to IEP goals and objectives, including some specific examples.

IEP Services Checklist for Parents of Blind Children, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
This checklist is "a tool to help parents who want to make sure that their child receives the special education and related services listed in their IEP."

IEP (Individualized Education Program) Strategies, Future Reflections – National Federation of the Blind
Barbara Ebenstein lists ten strategies for parents regarding the development and monitoring of the IEP; reprinted from Exceptional Parent Magazine.

Planning Your Child's Individualized Education Program (IEP): Some Suggestions to Consider, Technical Assistance Alliance for Parent Centers/FAPE
In this two-page fact sheet, parents learn what they can do before, during, and after the IEP team meeting; available in Spanish, Hmong, Somali.

Pop-Up IEP for Parents/Advocates, National Center on Severe and Sensory Disabilities (NCSSD)
This site lists common objections made by educators and administrators when learning there will be a child with visual impairments in the classroom. Each objection is countered by a thoughtful, respectful reply that offers a solution and affirms the child's rights.

Your Child's Educational Team, Family Connect for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
Family Connect describes the role of each member of the educational team. There are links to related documents, including strategies for success, the role of the paraprofessional and the TVI (Teacher of the Visually Impaired).

Your Child's Individualized Educational Program: Your Blueprint for Services, Family Connect for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
This page describes the essential elements of the IEP, offers checklists of keys points, what to do before, during and after an IEP meeting, a checklist of key points, and advice for keeping educational records.

For Educators

Aligning IEP's and Curriculum for Deafblind Students with Statewide General Curriculum, National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness
In this Power Point presentation, Mary Zatta talks about bringing a student's educational plan into alignment with state's curricular requirements, with specific examples from the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), U.S. Department of Education
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 ensures "services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities."

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