Home » Health & Wellness » Brain Injuries » Educational Advocating for your Brain Injured Child - Page 2

Educational Advocating for your Brain Injured Child - Page 2

© Shannon Lester

As a parent, you have this right. You are the only one who really knows your child and what she has been through. You've watched her go through the recovery process, and know what he is capable of. But there are some things you can do to help your child's school year go more smoothly.

What should you do?
• Request that your child has an assigned parent helper to carry books and attend to her needs
• Request shortened assignments
• Visit school administration to discuss your child's progress
• Compromise with educators

There may be times, however, when your attempts are overlooked. If educators don't know why a your child's needs are not being met, the first step to take is to talk to this individual. Try to make them aware of your child's needs. Provide them with solutions of what they should do to accommodate your child. If nothing changes, go to your child's class. Sit through her class, and observe what is being done to meet her needs. Let people know that you want to be an active part of your child's education, and you want to know what is being done to help her.

What you shouldn't do

Try not to show your anger at an IEP meeting if things do not go well. Parents who get angry when dealing with the educational system are quickly labeled irrational. In turn, educators may be reluctant to take your ideas seriously. Though it's difficult, try to remain calm during an IEP meeting, and offer tips on how the school can better serve your child.

Educating your child

Tell your child what to do in the event that she would have to advocate for herself. There may be times when you cannot be there to talk to educators, and your child may need to reaffirm the accommodations she is entitled to. Here are some things you can do to help prepare your child.

• Give her a list of her disabilities and the accommodations she is entitled to
• Keep it in her notebook for reference
• Encourage your child to articulate concerns if accommodations are not being met

  Because brain injuries are so diverse, each child's needs are different. Whether your child has difficulties with memory, has a paralyzed limb, a learning disability, or a psychiatric disability, her needs should be spelled out in an individualized education program. By closely monitoring what happens throughout your child's education, you can ensure her success. Keep up with what your child does at school daily.

The copyright of the article Educational Advocating for your Brain Injured Child - Page 2 in Brain Injuries is owned by . Permission to republish Educational Advocating for your Brain Injured Child - Page 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.