Strength-based IEPs focus on the strengths and skills your child already has instead of focusing on limitations or deficits, positioning students with disabilities as valuable, capable, and contributing members of their classrooms and communities.
On September 23, 2021, Dr. Caitlin Solone — education advocate, teacher educator, and faculty at UCLA — talked with us about why vision statements can be transformative tools, why strength-based IEPs are more important than ever, and how to navigate the least-restrictive environment now that many kids are back at school. For some highlights, check out the clips below or watch the full recording with transcript here.
Need a template for including your vision statement in your child's IEP? Check out the one Dr. Solone helped Undivided create:
Some parents hear the phrase "strength-based IEP" and worry that by only focusing on the positives, their children won't get the services and supports they truly need. But rather than avoiding talking about deficits at all, creating a strength-based IEP means approaching those areas of need with tools for making progress. Listen to this clip for Dr. Solone's explanation of how to use a child's strength to structure their IEP goals.
