In this episode of The Precious Perspective, I want to highlight a topic that is very dear to my heart: Disability Awareness. Our society would greatly benefit from a better understanding of this issue.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has a long and important history. It has been a cornerstone since its establishment in 1975, its reauthorization in 1990, and its most recent updates in 2004.  Despite its long journey, experts like myself will tell you that society still struggles with fully including the disabled population. 

It’s ironic that we face challenges with accepting a group that is the very embodiment of the word “inclusivity” – the disabled community. Alongside you’ll find dedicated mothers supporting their children with disabilities.   A mom expects that by her side stands committed teachers, dedicated administrators, and strong support personnel but so often this group of mom’s stand alone in facing the challenges of navigating systems!  

Below I’ve listed the disability categories recognized by IDEA, with brief descriptions:

1. Autism
2. Deaf-Blindness
3. Deafness
4. Emotional Disturbance
5. Hearing Impairment
6. Intellectual Disabilities
7. Multiple Disabilities
8. Orthopedic Impairment
9. Other Health Impairment
10. Specific Learning Disability
11. Speech or Language Impairment
12. Traumatic Brain Injury
13. Visual Impairment Including Blindness

Awareness Fact: April is recognized as Autism Awareness Month.   

I am a proud mother of a beautiful daughter who lives with Autism.   We have navigated the public education process, but not without facing numerous challenges.   As you may know, I work as an Educational Advocacy Coach and many of my clients are currently navigating the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process.   

There are two types of IEP teams that families experience:

1. The Trustworthy IEP Team, where the family feels comfortable and confident in the support their child is receiving. 
2.  The Distrusted IEP Team, where the family feels alienated and their concerns are often dismissed or ignored.  

Having a trusting team should be a given, as everyone involved should be working towards the best interests of the child.   This creates common ground and a foundation for effective collaboration.   All parties that know the child should be encouraged to share their expert opinions and use data -formal or informal -to back up their observations.   Unfortunately, this is not always the reality. Are we seeing this happening in schools?  My guess is that the answer is more often “no” than “yes.”   How’s that for a little awareness?

Two times a year are especially exciting for moms and their child(children): the first day of school and the last day of school.  During this time, you’ll experience banquets, award ceremonies, promotion, prom, senior recognition, and, of course, graduation.   Embrace the positive energy, and no matter what anyone says, celebrate your child fully!   These are once-in-a-lifetime moments that can’t be repeated! Do what feels right to celebrate your child in a way that defines the ultimate experience for each of these milestones.  

Students with disabilities are first and foremost general education students.   In some cases, mothers may notice that their child in a general education setting is struggling and can benefit from accommodations.   This student may have a disability and still maintain overall functional control but does not qualify for an IEP.   For these students support can come in the form of a 504 Plan.   

What is a 504 Plan? 

Purpose:
A 504 plan ensures that students with disabilities who don’t require specialized instruction (like an IEP) can still access and participate in the general education environment. 

Eligibility:
Students are eligible for a 504 plan if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as learning, walking, seeing, breathing, hearing, speaking, or self-care. 

Accommodations:
504 plans outline specific accommodation stailored to the student’s, ensuring that they can participate in education effectively. 

Mothers of all students will benefit from the resources linked in this edition.   We provided a comprehensive calendar of events that is consistent year after year,  as well as a list of common acronyms to help navigate conversations in California’s education system.  

Below you’ll find a guide for all parents to follow each year, with timelines related to key educational actions and activities, along with a list of helpful acronyms to support your understanding of The Precious Perspective:   

Categories of Disability Under IDEA nder IDEA

Historic Evolution of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Acronyms and Initialisms – California Department of Education

Calendars – Long Beach Unified School District

In closing, I encourage you to “Marvel in Motherhood!” Don’t forget to reach out if you have a specific education topic you’d like us to cover. Until our next episode, be well, and stay aware! 

Sincerely,

Precious Young 

Precious Young of Erin’s Hugs Foundation

Special Note: This blog is for information purposes only.