Be prepared to hear the comments of the staff regarding your behavior and their expectations. They may have different opinions on what steps should be taken or remarks about behavioral issues that you may not agree with. It is important to get both sides out on the table, no matter how difficult it may be. Believe it or not, this is another very important life skills. Many employers say that a problem with younger employees is that they take any attempt to discuss their performance as a personal attack.
Please don't take what we just said as justifying being treated badly. We have had the pleasure of working with some terrific staff members, and we hope that is the kind of experience you will have. We hope that your involvement in this meeting not only benefits you in developing important life skills and also proves to be a huge help to the staff working with you. Your comments should help the teachers get to know you on a more personal level and discover more facts about you that might help them serve you better.
However, we are not completely naive here at SLC. As Dr. De Mars says, "I was born at night, but it wasn't last night." We have also worked with some people who said things that were SO disrepectful of their students and their families that it made our jaws drop and we just sat there speechless for a moment. If you feel that you are being treated disrespectfully or you simply cannot reach an agreement with the school staff, you have the right to request mediation with a neutral party listening to both sides in order to work through the issues and lessen any conflict.
Try to keep your cool. This may not be easy, especially if things are not going your way and you feel that things are being said about you that are really unfair. Getting involved in your own education can be a very maturing experience, and is not always fun. If you really feel like you are going to lose it, say that you need to take a break, get a drink of water, go to the bathroom. You won't be the first person to leave an IEP meeting, go into the bathroom and cry or pound your fist on the wall.
If you are not satisfied, you have the right to a fair hearing. In a fair hearing, someone who is not an employee of the school district and who can be impartial in the case will be appointed. This person will receive, in writing, from you the facts of your case as you see them, that is, what your concerns are and the solution you propose. This hearing occurs at no cost to you.
After the IEP is agreed upon, it is important to stay involved and track the progress of this plan. If you are not satisfied with what is being done, or are concerned that these measures are not successful, you or your parents have the right to call another IEP meeting to find alternatives. At the same time, if you notice that a decision has been made that is not listed in the plan, you can contest it.
You are entitled to 100% of the school’s time and effort in this matter and as you act as your own advocate, it is vital that you ensure reception of any available services. If the school does not respond to your concerns and comments, or if you aren’t receiving the support you need from them, feel free to contact your local protection and advocacy agency. (If you need to know more about protection and advocacy, we discuss this agency in detail in the legal rights section of our vocational rehabilitation workshop. )
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