Navigating IEP Services: Effective School Communication and Advocacy Strategies

If you've recently learned your child has dyslexia or another learning difference, know that you're not alone. Understanding the services available is the first step toward getting your
child the support they need.

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) provide three types of support:

• Accommodations: Changes in how your child learns—extended time, preferential seating, assistive technology
• Modifications: Changes in what your child learns—simplified assignments, alternative assessments
• Related Services: Speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling

Know Your Rights

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires schools to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) tailored to your child's needs. Your state may have additional protections—check your state department of education website for parent guides.

Documentation matters. Keep records of all emails, meeting notes, and IEP documents. A paper trail protects your child.

When Your Child Resists Accommodations

This is one of the hardest parts.

Your child might say "I don't want to be the only one" or "It's embarrassing." These words sting, but they come from a real place: your child wants to fit in. This is especially true with dyslexia, where the difference isn't visible.

Start by Listening

Before explaining why accommodations matter, acknowledge their feelings:

• "I hear you. Feeling different is really hard."
• "It makes sense you'd want to do things the same way everyone else does."

When kids feel understood, they're more open to conversation.

Reframe It With Analogies They Get

The word "accommodation" sounds clinical. Try these instead:

• Glasses: "You wouldn't take a test without your glasses. Extended time does the same thing for your brain."
• Sports: "A 5'8" basketball player works on their jump shot. A 6'5" player uses their reach. Neither is cheating—they're playing to their strengths."
• Gaming: "You adjust your game settings to fit how you play. Accommodations are just your settings for school."

The big idea: "Your brain works differently—not worse. Accommodations aren't about making things easier. They're about making things fair."

Give Them a Voice

Let your child have input: Which accommodations feel okay to try? How would they explain it to friends? Involving them builds buy-in over time.

Next Steps

1. Review your child's IEP for gaps or missing supports
2. Request a meeting if something needs to change—you don't have to wait for the annual review
3. Connect with other parents through workshops or support groups

You are a really important part of your child's IEP team. Your advocacy makes a difference.