Speech Therapy Jargon: Acronyms

by Jacky G. Legal Issues Speech Therapist
Alphabet Letters

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When you’re a military wife (or husband), you learn a whole new vocabulary. Sea bag. DITY. AWR. GI party (which is most certainly NOT a party). When your child is diagnosed with a speech disorder or delay, it’s pretty similar. You’ll have a lot of terminology to absorb, acronyms to memorize, and at-home speech therapy techniques to use. Not to mention all the legal jargon associated with the process to get your child into special education. Here’s a quick reference guide to help you grasp the basics of speech therapy acronyms. It’s purposefully not in alphabetical order; in most cases, each subsequent acronym adds to the information given for the preceding acronym.

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Resolution Meetings

by Jacky G. Legal Issues
Resolution Meeting for IEPs

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When the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was reauthorized in 2004 by President George Bush, resolution meetings became a mandatory part of due process. The school district must hold a resolution meeting within 15 days after you have filed for due process. Essentially, a resolution session is like mediation, but there is no neutral third party present. Its purpose is to discuss the complaint and to negotiate an agreement.

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Working with Your Attorney

by Jacky G. Legal Issues
Law Books and Gavel

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In an ideal world, parents, educators, and other professionals would always be able to work cooperatively with each other to ensure that the child’s best interests are being served. And indeed, this often occurs. But sometimes an attorney can be helpful if you get stuck in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, if there is a dispute, or if you need to file for due process. An attorney can also help you review the IEP document and other forms. After you have found an attorney, ask for a case evaluation.

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Due Process FAQs

by Jacky G. Legal Issues
Gavel in Courtroom

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Ideally, parents, educators, and other professionals would be able to work together without acrimony or conflict to develop and carry out the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Unfortunately, sometimes ignoring problems for the sake of harmonious communication isn’t always best for the child. When you feel that your child’s best interests are not being served, it’s time to consider due process. Due process is a means of resolving disputes with the school district. The entire procedure can be rather overwhelming; use the following FAQs to develop an understanding of the basics.

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Finding Legal Help

by Jacky G. Legal Issues
Lawyer Cartoon

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Why Hire an Attorney?

When your child is diagnosed with a speech disorder, your first concern is finding a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who can help your child. If your child will receive special education services through the school, you might also need to look for an attorney. An attorney can help guide you through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, attend the IEP meeting with you, and help you resolve any disputes. If you must file a complaint or request due process, an attorney can increase your chances of success.

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Pursuing a 504 Plan

by Jacky G. Legal Issues
Cartoon of Struggling Student

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Your child was found to be ineligible for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). You’ve pounded the pavement and appealed the decision, but the school district will not declare your child eligible for special education. What’s next? You could consult a private speech-language pathologist (SLP). You could also pursue a 504 plan. A 504 plan is similar to an IEP. However, it’s covered under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, not the IDEA law.

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How to File a Complaint

by Jacky G. Individualized Education Program (IEP) Legal Issues
Complaint Form

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There are many different situations that call for the filing of a complaint under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). If you believe that your school district has failed to meet its IDEA obligations or has grossly violated your child’s rights, file an official complaint within a year of the violation.

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Advocating for Your Child

by Jacky G. Individualized Education Program (IEP) Legal Issues
Parent Support Group

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It can be overwhelming when your child is diagnosed with a speech disorder. You’re probably facing mountains of insurance forms and Individualized Education Program (IEP) paperwork. In all likelihood, the last thing you have time for is a parent support group. However, support groups for parents of special needs children not only provide emotional help, they’re also a great networking opportunity. Networking is an important component of advocating successfully for your child. School districts may be more likely to heed the concerns of a group of parents. Plus, you can take advantage of the knowledge and experience of other parents with special needs children.

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Should You File a Complaint?

by Jacky G. Individualized Education Program (IEP) Legal Issues
IEP Cartoon

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In all likelihood, as the parent of a child with a speech disorder, you’re going to be working closely with the school district for years. It’s in your child’s best interests for you and the school representatives and educators to work together cooperatively. This does not mean that you should ignore violations of regulations or your child’s rights for the sake of avoiding confrontation, however.

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After the IEP Hearing: What’s Next

by Jacky G. Individualized Education Program (IEP) Legal Issues
Scales of Justice Cartoon

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After the exhausting ordeal of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) hearing, it’s tempting to hibernate on the couch watching reruns or playing with Pinterest to decompress. Unfortunately, your work is not yet over.

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