What’s buzzing in the Undivided community this week? Parents are talking IEP assessments and second opinions, getting young adults ready to vote, swapping stories about neurodivergence and hypermobility, and more. Here are the hot topics we’re following this week — starting with what to do when an assessment report just doesn’t sound like your child.
Permission slip: You don’t need to know EVERY assessment.
There are many kinds of evaluations a school can perform, but should you ask for them by name? Non-Attorney Education Advocate Lisa Carey talks requesting specific assessments, why it’s not always the best idea, and what to do instead.
Dear Undivided
“Can I get a second opinion on the school’s assessment?”
Yep! If the school’s assessment doesn’t seem to capture your child or their needs, you can ask for an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) — basically, a second opinion from a qualified professional outside the school district — paid for by the school. Start by putting your request in writing to your school’s special education admin.
“Can I request an IEE for a transition assessment?”
A good transition assessment will identify your child’s strengths, interests, preferences, and needs as they prepare for life after high school. But most transition assessments fall far short. Learn how to request an IEE for transition assessments in our brand-new article here, with tips for using the assessment to craft ITP goals.
“Does a reading screening test my child for dyslexia?”
All California students in kindergarten through second grade now undergo reading screening in the fall. Did your child’s results flag possible reading difficulties? It doesn’t automatically mean dyslexia. Ask the school what further assessments they recommend and what reading support your child can get in the meantime.
The right to vote
If your young adult is nearing age 18, there are a lot of big changes on the horizon, including registering to vote. But if your child has an intellectual or developmental disability, are they still eligible to vote? What if they’re under guardianship or conservatorship? What if they need accommodations to access their ballot? We break it all down in our new parent guide to voting here. Voting registration deadlines are quickly approaching in many states, so don’t sleep on this one!
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This week in our parents-only Facebook group: neurodivergence + joint hypermobility, bullying, virtual and in-person events, and more. Join the discussion→
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How do you know if you need an IEE? Hear from education attorney Dina Kaplan on our YouTube channel→
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If your child uses AAC, their teacher can help normalize it for the whole class. Check out these tips on Instagram→
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Check out top stories and news in the disability community. Connect with Undivided on LinkedIn→
Undivided Voices Podcast
Season 3 Episode 2 – Special Needs Parenting: Burnout, Grief, and Finding Your People
🎙️ Lindsay Crain, head of content and community at Undivided, sits down with Jessica Patay, founder of We Are Brave Together, to talk honestly about the exhaustion, overwhelm, and isolation that so many caregivers carry, and the grief that can come with an altered motherhood journey. Grab your favorite fall drink and tune in! Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and anywhere.
