When families and schools work together, children thrive. Whether your child has an IEP or 504 Plan, your voice matters. As a parent or caregiver, you bring deep knowledge of your child’s strengths, needs, and experiences. This section will help you feel confident, informed, and prepared to actively participate in developing and supporting your child’s educational plan—because you are a vital member of the team.
How do I prepare for annual meetings?
Click on the links below for resources from Understood.org for answers to common questions.
What is the difference between an IEP meeting and a Parent-Teacher Conference?
What are Assistive Technologies?
Assistive technologies are tools, devices, or software that help children with disabilities learn, communicate, and participate more fully in school. These supports can make a big difference in helping your child do things more independently—whether that’s reading, writing, speaking, moving around, or staying organized.
Some assistive technologies are simple, like a pencil grip or a picture schedule. Others are more advanced, like speech-to-text software or communication devices for children who don’t speak. Every child’s needs are different, and schools can work with you to find the right tools to support your child’s learning and success.
Check out resources from OCALI’s Assistive Technology & Accessible Educational Materials Center and Lending Library.
What if my child has a low-incidence disability?
Some children have less common disabilities that may require specialized support, services, or equipment at school. These are sometimes called low-incidence disabilities because they don’t happen as often as other types of disabilities. For example:
- Blindness and visually impaired
- Deafness or hearing loss
- Multiple disabilities
- Traumatic brain injury
- Significant physical or intellectual disabilities
- If your child has a low-incidence disability, schools are required to provide specialized supports, services, and personnel tailored to their individual needs.
You might notice:
- More individualized planning and collaboration with outside specialists.
- The need for assistive technology, accessible materials, or modified learning environments.
- Involvement from professionals with expertise in your child’s specific disability (e.g., orientation and mobility specialists, teachers of the visually impaired, sign language interpreters).
You are not alone in this process. The school must ensure your child has equal access to learning and the chance to thrive. As a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in advocating for and shaping a plan that truly fits your child.
OCALI can help! Visit them here.
