IEP Video Available

IEP Video Available

IEP Video Set Now Available

"Successful Individualized Education Programs (IEP's) do not just happen.

Information and preparation will help you avoid an IEP Disaster."

So says Barbara Cheadle, President, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children

(NOPBC), in Part 1. of this extraordinary set of six videos entitled "Avoiding an IEP

Disaster." Edited by Myra Lesser for the NOPBC and produced by the National

Federation of the Blind, these tapes allow you to relax and enjoy a half-day IEP workshop

right in your own living room for only $30. Also, because this "video workshop"

is divided into six different tapes and topics, you can break your viewing time up into

segments as short or as long as you wish. And, of course, you have the tapes on hand to

view and review as often as you need over the years to come.

The set is also unique in that it contains basic information and tips about the IEP

process which apply to all disabilities as well as material specific to blind and visually

impaired children. Parts 1, 3, and 5 are especially suitable for general audiences. Each

tape, although most useful as part of the complete set, may also be purchased separately.

Here is a list of the titles and viewing times followed by a brief description of the

contents of each tape:

"Avoiding an IEP Disaster:

* Part 1: Tips for Parents, Teachers, and Advocates"

* Part 2: Administrative and Legal Perspectives"

* Part 3: Perspectives from Parents and a Blind Student"

* Part 4: Perspectives from Advocates"

* Part 5: The Paraprofessional and Teacher Perspective

* Part 6: Perspectives from a Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired and an

Orientation and Mobility Specialist"

National Federation of the Blind, VHS. This set of six videos is available for $30 plus

$5 shipping and handling (S&H). Individual videotapes are $7 plus $5 shipping and

handling.

Part 1.--33 minutes. Part 2.--29 minutes.

Part 3.--32 minutes. Part 4.--30 minutes.

Part 5.--23 minutes. Part 6.--29 minutes.

Avoiding an IEP Disaster: Part 1. Tips for Parents, Teachers, and Advocates begins with

a mock IEP meeting which quickly dissolves into a disaster. Everyone has good intentions,

but good intentions are no substitute for knowledge about the law; a thorough

understanding of the roles, rights, and responsibilities of each participant; and careful

preparation by parents and professionals. After the mock IEP (which is acted out by

ordinary parents and teachers who have "been there, done that"), Barbara

Cheadle, President of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children, begins a

question-and-answer discussion about the IEP process with parent Margie Watson of

Wisconsin. She answers such questions as, "What are parents' responsibilities and

rights under the law?" "What should a parent do if they disagree with a

recommendation?" The federal law which set up the IEP process—Individuals with

Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)--is referenced and explained in the context of practical

questions and concerns of parents.

Part 2. Administrative and Legal Perspectives further clarifies the definition of the

IEP—what it is and is not—then moves into a discussion of the role of the school

administrator (such as a school principal or his/her designee) in the IEP process. An

attorney who practices disability law describes the steps involved in due process and

mediation and explains when and how to use them. The impact of the new Braille literacy

provisions, which were included in the 1997 amendments to IDEA, are explained by the

Director of Governmental Affairs of the National Federation of the Blind. (This portion of

the video was taped live at the National Seminar for Parents of Blind Children sponsored

by the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children in New Orleans.)

The next tape, Part 3. Perspectives from Parents and a Blind Student features an

interview of two parents and a blind high school student. The parents give practical

advice on such topics as, "What can parents do when communication breaks down?"

" When should both parents attend an IEP meeting?" "Should you tape record

the IEP meeting, and what effect does it have on the meeting?" "How should

parents prepare for the meeting?" In regard to blindness specific issues, the parents

discuss setting appropriate goals and adapting materials for the blind student. The blind

student explains when and how students should begin attending and participating in their

own IEP meetings.

Experienced volunteer IEP advocates share strategies and tips in Part 4. Perspectives

from Advocates. These three advocates (two are blind and one is the parent of an adult

blind daughter) discuss the role of the advocate, how the advocate should prepare for the

IEP meeting, the interaction between parent and advocate, how an advocate should conduct

him/herself in the meeting, and much more.

A representative of one of the most important, yet seldom acknowledged, service

providers—the paraprofessional or aide—is given equal time to describe her role

and services in Part 5. The Paraprofessional and Teacher Perspective. A classroom teacher

also describes her role, and they both discuss their involvement in the IEP process with

emphasis on implementation of the IEP.

The last video, Part 6. Perspectives from a Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired

and an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, provides an extensive discussion of the

central role these specialists play in all aspects of the IEP process, from development

through implementation. The two professionals interviewed for this video discuss the fine

details that are crucial to a good IEP: how to determine frequency and length of

instruction, how to fit services into a full school schedule, how to work with other staff

in the implementation of the IEP, and so forth.

Mail the following order form to:

NFB Materials Center

1800 Johnson Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21230

(410) 659-9314

Fax: (410) 685-5653

IEP Video Set

Name

Address

City State Zip

Please send me:

____ Avoiding an IEP Disaster: Parts 1-6 (all six tapes)

$30 plus $5 S&H

____ Part 1: Tips for Parents, Teachers, and Advocates

$7 plus $5 S&H

____ Part 2: Administrative and Legal Perspectives

$7 plus $5 S&H

____ Part 3: Perspectives from Parents and a Blind Student

$7 plus $5 S&H

____ Part 4: Perspectives from Advocates

$7 plus $5 S&H

____ Part 5: The Paraprofessional and Teacher Perspective

$7 plus $5 S&H

____ Part 6: Perspectives from a Teacher of the Blind and Visually Impaired and an

Orientation and Mobility Specialist

$7 plus $5 S&H

_______ Total enclosed.. Check or money order made payable to National Federation of

the Blind (NFB).

I wish to pay by: [ ] MasterCard [ ] Discover [ ] Visa

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literature, aids, and appliances are available free of charge from the Materials Center

upon request.