Inclusive IEP Meetings: Perspectives From All Sides of the Table

IEP meetings are critical for developing effective support plans, yet they can unintentionally create tension and hinder collaboration between caregivers and school teams. This course helps speech-language pathologists identify common practices that contribute to contentious meetings and explore the stressors caregivers face throughout the IEP process. Participants will learn proactive strategies to foster meaningful collaboration, enhance shared understanding, and create more inclusive and effective IEP meetings. Through a focus on culturally responsive communication and strategies to reduce caregiver stress, this course equips speech-language pathologists with tools to improve outcomes for students and their families.

Explore Course

This course examines how specific practices during IEP meetings can unintentionally create tension and hinder collaboration. Participants will explore common caregiver stressors that impact engagement and discover proactive strategies to foster understanding, reduce stress, and promote meaningful caregiver participation. By emphasizing culturally responsive communication and inclusive practices, this course equips speech-language pathologists with tools to create more unified and effective IEP meetings, ultimately supporting better outcomes for students and families.

*Fulfill your culturally responsive practice/DEI requirements for ASHA with this course!

Presenters

Caroline Gaddy
MFA, MA CCC-SLP
Caroline Gaddy, MFA, MA, CCC-SLP (she/they) is a speech-language pathologist, AAC specialist, disability advocate, and neurodiversity educator. Through Vibrant Minds, LLC, they provide education on neuro-affirming and anti-ableist practices. Caroline is a Learning Consultant for Tobii Dynavox and presents nationally on neuro-affirming practices, AAC, and autistic communication. They are passionate about disability justice and believe communication is a fundamental right.
Bobbi AdamsBrown
MA, CCC-SLP
Bobbi AdamsBrown, MA, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric SLP with degrees in speech pathology and elementary education. She founded Anchor Creek Speech Therapy Inc. to transform support for neurodivergent children and families. Bobbi is committed to addressing social determinants of health, improving family systems through parent coaching and counseling, and mentoring professionals to increase culturally competent services for marginalized communities.

Learning Objectives

Identify at least three common practices that unintentionally create contentious IEP meetings.
Describe the specific stressors caregivers experience during IEP meetings and their impact on caregiver engagement and collaboration with the IEP team.
Develop at least three proactive strategies to reduce caregiver stress, enhance understanding, and promote meaningful participation in IEP meetings, leading to more unified and effective outcomes.

Agenda

5 minutes	Speaker Introductions and Disclosures
15 minutes	IEP Experiences and Perspectives
15 minutes	Supporting Research and Application
20 minutes	Case Study Scenarios and Discussion
5 minutes	Conclusion

Disclosures

Financial Disclosures:	Caroline (she/they) is the owner of Vibrant Minds, LLC through which they receive compensation. They are a full-time employee of Tobii Dynavox. Bobbi (she/her) is the owner of Anchor Creek Speech Therapy, Inc. through which she receives compensation for therapy and consulting services.
Non-Financial Disclosures:	Caroline (she/they) is on the board of the disability caucus of ASHA. Bobbi (she/her) does not have non-financial relationships to report.
Content Disclosures:	Caroline has no additional content information to disclose. Bobbi has no additional content information to disclose.

ASHA

This course is offered for .1 ASHA CEUs, Introductory Level, Professional Area

Inclusive IEP Meetings: Perspectives From All Sides of the Table: $25.00
Fulfill your culturally responsive practice/DEI requirements for ASHA with this course! IEP meetings should be collaborative, not contentious. This course helps SLPs identify practices that create tension and explores the stressors caregivers often experience during the IEP process. Learn proactive, culturally responsive strategies to foster trust, reduce stress, and create more inclusive, effective IEP meetings that lead to better outcomes for students and families. Includes access to the recorded course and optional ASHA reporting.