IEPs for dyslexia students

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) offers help to students struggling in school due to a learning disability. It’s a special education program that can help your child get quality education that accommodates their difficulties.

Dyslexia is one of the 13 disabilities listed in the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). That’s why dyslexic students are entitled to support and various accommodations.

There are four accommodation categories that encompass different types of support to dyslexic children:

• Presentation accommodations (large print, Braille, human or text to speech readers, etc.)
• Response accommodations (calculators, tape recorders, word processors, etc.)
• Setting accommodations (in-class distraction reductions, small groups, etc.)
• Time accommodations (additional time, more breaks, flexible schedules, etc.)

These classroom accommodations will help your child complete their academic and extracurricular tasks as conveniently and effectively as possible. But how can you ensure your child has everything they need?

How to get an IEP for your child

You don’t need to file a special request for an IEP. In fact, you may not even have to do this yourself. Rather, your child’s school may start an IEP evaluation process, which is the first step. Of course, you can also schedule an evaluation with a third-party provider.

The evaluation will determine whether your child meets the two eligibility criteria:

• They have a disability listed in the IDEA (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, etc.)
• The disability requires special accommodations

An IEP team will assess your child’s situation and hold a meeting to determine if they’re eligible for the program. Accommodations may differ between states and according to learning differences, so there’s no universal program.

Instead, you’ll be a part of the meeting alongside a therapist and school professional. You’ll discuss the student needs and come up with a tailored plan. After the IEP is defined, your child will enroll at the start of the school year.

Benefits of having an IEP

1. More opportunities for your child
Thanks to the various accommodations, an IEP will help your child maximize their potential. Assistive technology like apps and note-taking platforms will help them learn more easily and boost their academic performance.

Plus, they can get special reading instructions, extra time for written assignments, and many other forms of help that will level the playing field.

2. Structure and clarity
An IEP is a detailed program. Consequently, you, your child, and their educators can all stay on the same page and ensure your child meets their academic goals.

You can track their progress through quizzes, homework assignments, and other means that will show the results the program is yielding.

3. Individual approach
Some learners struggle with math problems, others with decoding information or other obstacles associated with dyslexia. Every case is different, so every child should get the best accommodations for their needs.

That’s why the IEP evaluation process is so thorough; the goal is to determine the best tools and methods for your child’s education. The result is a personalized approach that will help with dyslexia remediation.

How to work with school staff to create an effective IEP for your dyslexic child

Creating the best IEP for your child involves a lot of input. The evaluation report will require you to fill in information about your child’s current learning abilities, goals, and other important aspects. Here’s how to ensure your child’s IEP meets their needs and goals.

1. Talk to your child
The first step to creating an IEP is determining the so-called “present levels of academic achievement.”

You’ll need to assess various aspects:

• Academic skills
• Sensory skills
• Behavior
• Vocational skills
• Mobility

Some of these are objective factors, but others might require you to discuss them with your child. The same goes for their goals and needs. You’ll need to set realistic and measurable annual goals that will determine the best accommodations. Ask your child for as much input as you can so that they’re involved in the process and get the program that works for them.

2. Discuss progress tracking with school staff
One of the most important components of IEPs is progress tracking. It’s the only way to know if your child is benefiting from the program. You should discuss the methods adopted by your child’s educators.

For instance, they might measure your child’s reading skills in accuracy percentages and track them monthly. In other cases, there might not be such specific measurements but rather milestones your child should accomplish, like different forms of physical activity.

Talk to the school staff about progress evaluation to ensure accurate and timely updates. As the IEP progresses, you can adjust the child’s goals accordingly.

3. Consider services and supports
The IDEA encompasses a variety of services and support for dyslexic children. These include occupational therapy, medical or counseling services, and parent training.

Plus, there are many assistive technology options you’ll explore to find the most suitable tools. Text to speech platforms like Speechify can be covered by an IEP alongside many other apps and devices. Assess your child’s need thoroughly, ask the school staff for recommendations, and find the services and supports that will maximize your child’s progress.

Get Speechify – a text to speech tool to help your children with dyslexia flourish

If you’re looking for a tool that can make a world of difference to your child’s education, Speechify is an excellent option. It allows you to turn any text into high-quality audio.

Whether it’s digital content or physical paper, Speechify scans the text and turns it into natural-sounding audio files. Your child can listen, absorb information more effectively, and study more easily.

The app was developed by Cliff Weitzman, who was diagnosed with dyslexia in 3rd grade. He said it was the best moment of his life, as he finally understood that he wasn’t broken or lazy like some teachers had thought. When he identified his learning difficulty, Weitzman knew exactly what he was up against. Today, millions of people use his platform to overcome learning difficulties.

FAQs

What are IEP accommodations for dyslexia?

IEP accommodations include tools and practices that help a dyslexic child learn more efficiently.

What should I ask for in an IEP for dyslexia?

You should ask for special education, assistive technology, modifications and accommodations, and support from the school staff.

Should dyslexia be used in IEP?

Dyslexia is among the qualifying disabilities for an IEP, so the program is applicable to children suffering with the condition.

What are examples of IEP accommodations?

Some examples include schedule adaptations, text to speech tools, audiobooks, and magnification devices.

Should dyslexia be used in IEP in order to get accommodations?

If your child is experiencing dyslexia, you should make a note of all of their symptoms to find the best IEP accommodations.

What are some dyslexia accommodations?

Examples of dyslexia accommodations include voiceovers, spell checkers, extended time for tasks, and a flexible schedule.

What accommodations should be requested for a dyslexic student?

The accommodations will depend on the extent of the student’s dyslexia and the symptoms. There are no universal accommodations, so find those that will help your child the most.