2017 ACB Special Education Presentation

As parents and teachers of children prepare for their annual Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for the coming year, the American Council of the Blind (ACB) is pleased to offer parents and student advocates this two-part podcast, Improving advocacy Inside and Outside of the Classroom. Presented in partnership with ACB’s Special Education Committee, this two-part series provides an overview on existing laws, regulations, procedures and best practices for assuring that your student receives the best possible care. Part 1 of the podcast consists of four special education leaders from the vision loss community. Additional documents to accompany some of the presentations are available as well for download. Part 2 of the podcast expands the scope, discussing how parents and advocates can get involved on a larger scale, using existing legislation as an overview on how change can take place on a national level. PART 1 (1hr 51min): Introduction (0:00:17) — Debbie Grubb, Chair, ACB Special Education Committee Presentation 1 (0:05:50) — “Explanation of Commonly Used Terms in VI Special Education,” Lori Sarfe, MSW President, ACB of New York Inc. Presentation 2 (0:14:34) — “Special Education Services to which Every Child Who Is Blind And Visually Impaired Is Entitled” Pam Cox, TVI, Kentucky School for the Blind, Presentation 3 (0:29:57) — “Decision Making About Appropriate Placements: What Proper evaluations Look Like, Setting Meaningful IEP Goals, What a 504 Plan Is and How It Differs From an IEP” Kim Avila, Ph.D, COMS Assistant Professor, Helen A. Keller Institute on Human Disability, George Mason University Presentation 4 (1:01:53) — “Advocacy at the State and Local Levels for Braille, Low-Vision and Media Services, and Appropriate Assessments for Such Services; the Practical Steps that All Advocates Can Take to Advance These Importnat Issues; How to Hold States and School Districts Accountable for Appropriate Services; Credentials and Certifycation of New TVI” Rebecca Sheffield, Ph.D Senior Policy Researcher, American Foundation for the Blind PART 2 (38 min 20 sec): “Conversation on Federal Advocacy” Mark Richert, J.D Director of Public Policy, American Foundation for the Blind Tony Stephens Director of Advocacy & Governmental Affairs, American Council of the Blind Click Here for Part 1. Click Here for Part 2. Below are additional resources accompanying these presentations: Kim Avila's presentation notes (PDF file)