Parents Comments: What to Include in an IEP

From the Ped-Onc listserve, parent's suggestions for accommodations to be included in an IEP. (Most of these are directed for children on treatment; for off-treatment suggestions directed towards late cognitive effects, see the ped-onc page on cognitive late effects.)

my son would participate in classes and activities "as tolerated"
we did put that our daughter tires more easily than other students and may need to be able to rest in a quiet place- away from the noise and hubbub of the rest of the class
special passes made up so he could use the lav, see the nurse, or just go home
the ability to rest whenever she needed
when she's tired, let her stay in from recess and sleep
he was allowed to have a water bottle (a clear one) -- as he became dehydrated very easily
his hat for when he was losing his hair
not being in the hall with massive amounts of people because of the platelet problems
another set of school books to keep at home so that he wouldn't have to carry those heavy things around
no timed tests
verbal tests, which just meant that they provided someone to read the test to him, or listen as he read the test aloud
more time for tests and if she was having a bad day- assignments could be dictated to an adult
writing is laborious, and her class does a lot, so I want them to give her a xeroxed sheet with the info, not require her to copy it
"Advanced organizers", meaning an outline of the material covered. Chances are the teacher has such an outline, a copy for a child who couldn't write or comprehend at the speed of the rest of the class was a big help. Sometimes this translated into copies of the overhead sheets the teacher was using. This was high school, not sure how it would work in lower grades.
Information as to when reading was to be done and tests were to be held. Basically, letting him know when something was coming up.
We also put that she might have problems figuring out where to begin, but from there she can take off on her own.
PE- she needs to be able to progress at her own rate. She may not always be able to keep up with her classmates- especially on the running and walking distances.
Our biggest hassle seems to come from PE. We have to sign a contract stating that she will make up every missed class by staying after school for a half an hour plus doing a written assignment. I have signed this contract but noted what parts I do not agree to and that I will not allow her to be responsible for. Last year's PE teacher was great, he was very protective of her and kept an eye out on her all day long. (He even pulled her out of class one day and walked her to the nurses office and told her she was going to lay down- no grade was that important.) This year's teacher, I have no idea yet. She hasn't said a word since I sent in her contract with the exceptions noted. I even put on there that I Will not allow anyone to put her health in jeopardy by demanding such requirements.
We also requested a keyboard (here they have alpha smarts that are key boards that connect into any computer and the teacher can grade work straight form the computer- this is supposed to be available all over Washington we were told) for her to do book reports and such on.
preferential seating
reduced paper/pencil tasks by 25%
She has the option of using a "Dreamwriter" to do writing assignments. (It's like a small laptop.)
No penalties for poor handwriting or other activities requiring fine motor skills, like art projects.
Bean bag chair for rest time should she need it.
Restroom priviledges on request (not following a class schedule).
Spelling tests dictated individually by an aide in a quiet area if necessary (so far she has done fine in regular classroom.)
Individual speech therapy 2x a week, and therapist visits classroom 1x per week.
Visits to school psychologist at request or teacher discretion.

General Disclaimer

These pages are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to render medical advice. The information provided on Ped Onc Resource Center should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you suspect your child has a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.

contact webmaster/ped-onc home/last updated 7/05