{"id":944,"date":"2012-06-28T16:38:30","date_gmt":"2012-06-28T16:38:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.speechbuddy.com\/blog\/?p=944"},"modified":"2015-02-17T13:53:26","modified_gmt":"2015-02-17T21:53:26","slug":"preparing-for-the-resolution-meeting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.speechbuddy.com\/blog\/legal-issues\/preparing-for-the-resolution-meeting\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing for the Resolution Meeting"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"School<\/a>

Image source: nichcy.org<\/p><\/div>\n

If you do not agree with the school district\u2019s proposed Individualized Education Program (IEP)<\/a> for your child, you can try to negotiate with them. If that fails, you have the option to file for due process<\/a>, which is a legal procedure by which disputes are resolved. There are several different components to due process. The reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)<\/a> in 2004 mandated that the first step in due process must be a resolution meeting. Resolution meetings are similar to mediation in that the primary objective is to work out differences before resorting to a formal hearing. However, you should be aware that there is no neutral third-party present to moderate the discussion.<\/p>\n

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Preparation<\/strong><\/p>\n

A huge part of dealing with legal issues in speech therapy is preparation. You prepped for the IEP meeting, you\u2019ll prep for the resolution meeting, and you\u2019ll prep for the due process hearing, if it comes to that. Having a child with a speech disorder creates a never-ending workday. However, your exhaustive preparation is crucial to achieving a favorable outcome for your child. There is no formal, set agenda for resolution meetings, so you\u2019ll have to create your own. Do not allow the school district representatives to take the reins for the whole meeting; walk in there with checklists, agendas, statements, and evidence that supports your objectives.<\/p>\n

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\"Special<\/a>

Image source: mygreatkid.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Getting Organized<\/span><\/p>\n

The first step is to organize all of your documents. Review notes from your child\u2019s teachers, his speech-language pathologist (SLP), and any other professional who has worked with him. Review evaluation reports, progress reports, school records, and recommendations. Review the IDEA regulations and copy the applicable sections.<\/p>\n

Writing a Statement<\/span><\/p>\n

With those documents, write a statement that specifically describes your child\u2019s needs, his strengths, and his weaknesses. Give concrete examples whenever possible. For example, make a note of how many times your child\u2019s teacher has told you about his lack of attentiveness. Offer specific solutions for each issue that you raise in your statement. You might point out that moving your child closer to the blackboard will help him pay better attention to his teacher\u2019s instructions.<\/p>\n

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\"Public<\/a>

Image source: akshatrathi.wordpress.com<\/p><\/div>\n

If you have trouble writing the statement, ask yourself these questions:<\/p>\n