Sanford Autism Advocacy Group

At the Sanford Autism Advocacy Group, we are aware of the pending federal changes impacting special education, as outlined this Tuesday 6/16.

Our research shows now benefit to schools, students, or families. Instead, we anticipate potential delays and even more lack of efficiency in the implementation of federal law IDEA and Section 504.

We will continue to be here for our community providing support and updates...

It's y'all 🎊 We had such fun at our recent company photo shoot 📸

We genuinely enjoy working, learning, and doing life together at SAAG 💙♾️

We are all parents and family members to autistic kids so our advocacy alongside families is personal and meaningful. Our director also spent decades working in the public school space, so she understands the perspective from school professionals as well 🏫

At SAAG, we blend our personal and professionals experience to offer HOPE to the neurodivergent community, through conferences, IEP/neurodiversity training, parent coaching, and IEP support. This is what brings us joy ✨️

Connect with us today if you want to learn more about us...
📧 [email protected] or 📲 619.403.9097

Did you know that private school students can access some resources through their neighborhood school district 🤔

Today we are continuing our discussion of lesser known supports through the IEP process. You may/may not know that LEAs (local education agencies/school districts) do have a responsibility to support students who attend private schools in their area 🏫

To clarify, we are referring to private schools, such as faith-based schools and other schools that rely on tuition and donations and have selective admissions.

What school districts can provide for private school students (IDEA Section 300.137):

• Initial and three year evaluations (Child Find under federal law IDEA still applies)

• The development of an ISP (Individualized Services Plan) including appropriate accommodations

• Some districts offer related services (Speech, OT, etc.) or ongoing consultation for parents throughout the school year (from 4-10 hrs/yr)

• Staff development/training for private school staff

For more information, contact the public school/school district in your area.

Save 📩 and share ➡️ with parents who need to know.

Contact us if you have any questions: 📧 [email protected] or 📲 619.403.9097

What does neuroscience say about the cause of Autism....there is no "one cause"...

Thanks Autism Tree for connecting families with cutting edge research 💙🙌🏽♾️

https://youtu.be/L8bmCgNM_t4?is=jy_Sv_0J1TXSbMLu

The Causes of Autism A version of this video with audio description track is available h...

Congratulations to our families who completed the IEP Conference today 💙 ♾️🥳

We are so honored to empower parents and caregivers each month so kids can access the education they deserve 🙌🏽

One question that came up today was who should attend an IEP meeting 🤔

Many voices should be at the IEP table 🏫 per IDEA guidelines, including at minimum:
• Parents/caregivers
• Student (must be invited at age 16, but always welcome)
• At least 1 General Education Teacher
• Special Education Teacher/Case Manager
• Related Service Providers (Speech, OT, etc.)
• Administrator

If any team member is not available to attend the meeting, you should be made aware ahead of time through an IEP meeting "excusal form" 📄

Join us next month to learn more...
📧 [email protected] or 📲 619.403.9097