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How do you get services for your deaf child? Simply put, get it written into the IEP (Individual Education Plan). If it is not written in the IEP, it does not have to be done and most likely won't be done. It doesn't matter if the service is a hearing aide, speech services, or another communication device. If it is not in the IEP, legally the school does not have to do it.

I have 12 years experience as an educational interpreter in the school systems and I have always found it sad to see how hard parents have to fight to get services for their child. They have to fight from day one and they are fighting for what is supposed to be their child's basic right to an education. They shouldn't have to fight but if they don't, their child just slips through the system getting a very minimal education at best.

Parents learn your rights and your child's rights. The school has this information for you in a booklet. It is usually called the Parent's handbook or something close to that. There are support groups for parents of special need children and there are advocacy groups also. I strongly suggest taking an advocate with you to any IEP meetings. That way you don't feel so gained up on by the experts. Some of these people sitting around the IEP table have never worked with your child or have minimal experience with your child but, they are the "experts". You know your child better than anyone. An advocate will suggest services to help your child and knows your child's rights. They are going to suggest a service or idea to help your child whether it costs the school money or not. They are not biased.

I have seen time and time again services promised to parents that never happen. They won't happen until it is in the IEP. When a service gets put into the IEP, it is the law. The school has to obey it. If they don't they are out of compliance and can be brought to due process or be sued. The best advice I can give a parent of a deaf child is to make sure services are written into the IEP. This is the only true way to make sure services are given.

Learn more about this author, Heather Junker.
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