Inclusion and ADVOCACY for a child with autism

As promised...here are the inclusion and advocacy links & info.:


Websites supporting inclusion:

http://www.positivelyautism.com/volume2issue1.html
http://www.pbs.org/parents/inclusivecommunities/index.html
http://www.paulakluth.com/inclusive-schooling.html
http://www.iser.com/CAadvocacy.html

Websites on autism law:

http://www.iser.com/CAadvocacy.html
http://www.aboutautismlaw.com/sample_chapter.html
http://autism.about.com/od/termsanddefinitions/g/nclb.htm

Websites specific to Michigan:

http://www.northernautismnetwork.org/
http://www.wmin.org/events.htm
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism-Michigan/

Helpful resources for parents & teachers:

www.childcareland.com
www.positivelyautism.com
http://members.aol.com/Room5/strat.html
www.specialed.us/autism/structure/str10.htm
www.chileda.org/resources/teaching.htm

What is the law? What should you know going into an IEP?

1. Definition and description of Autism & it's symptoms for uneducated teachers/professionals
a) how autism is mantifested in your child
b) Mom hints on working with your child

Here are some ideas to print off:
-http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=about_whatis
-http://www.autism.com/autism/


2. Key terms to understand & use regarding Autism & Law

LRE: Least Restrictive Environment
- to the maximum extent, children with disabilities should be educated with children who are not disabled; this might mean that supplemental supports be included (which must be spelled out in an IEP)

IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Act
- to insure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.

FAPE: Free And Appropriate Public Education
-spec. education and related services that are provided in an IEP designed to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability, meet state standards, and are provided at state expense (free to the individual)

NCLB: No Child Left Behind
-improve education by focusing on accountability for results, freedom for states and communities, proven education methods, and choices for parents. Much of this is evaluated through testing. Children with autism may take the tests with accomodations such as extra time, or support from an aide.