6. "We're the professionals, we know what's best for your child."

See also #2 , "We're not convinced your child needs that"

Problem:

When professionals perceive that because they have had training and experience in the issues involving deafness, that they automatically know what is right for every child, they are not respecting the information and expertise that you as the parent being to the table. They are forgetting that every child is different, and that without the input of parents, who are equal partners of the IEP team according to the law, they will not be able to get the individualized plan your child needs and deserves. If you hear this "hurdle talk", a lot of times it feels very demeaning and condescending. Resist the urge to get angry and emotional. We know, it's hard. Here are some responses to this statement:

"I can appreciate the fact that you have many years of experience and training. But as Jason's parents, we want to make sure this team has taken into consideration our perspective as parents."

"This may be a great time to talk about "parent training" as required by IDEA. As parents, we need to be trained about the issues involving deafness, so that we can jointly make good decisions for Meg, and support the implementation of her IEP"

The Law:

(Sections 300.343(c)(iii) and 300.346(a)(1) and (b)) Parents are considered equal partners with school personnel in making these decisions, and the IEP team must consider the parents' concerns and the information that they provide about their child in developing and implementing the IEP.

(Section 300.24(b)(7) Parent counseling and training means

(i) assisting parents in understanding the special needs of their child.
(ii) Providing parents with information about child development, and
(iii) Helping the parents acquire the necessary skills that will allow them to support the implementation of their child's IEP or IFSP.

Parents of children with disabilities need information that helps the parent understand the rights and responsibilities of their children under part B. Section 1481 (a)(5)

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