Believe in My Child with Special Needs! (Helping Children Achieve Their Potential in School)

Every parent is filled with dreams, fears, hopes, and questions when preparing a child for school—and when that child has a disability, this exciting time can seem overwhelming. This upbeat, reassuring handbook is an invaluable resource to share with parents of a school-age child with a disability. It demystifies complicated issues, encourages parents to celebrate abilities and recognize possibilities, and tells parents everything they need to know to be successful advocates throughout their child's education.

Drawing on her own experiences as a parent of a child with a disability and as an educator, Mary Falvey helps parents

• understand their child's legal rights
• pursue an inclusive education for their child, from preschool to high school and beyond
• collaborate respectfully with educators on their child's IEP
• promote their child's access to the general curriculum and encourage educators to use appropriate modifications and assessment strategies
• support their child as he or she develops friendships
• develop transition plans to help their child achieve their goals after high school

Candid and positive, this easy-to-read guidebook will be a trusted companion for parents—and a helpful source of insight for professionals seeking the parent perspective.