2017 TASH Conference

Focusing on how to reframe the IEP as a tool for building authentic inclusive communities for students, this panel compiles the voices and perspectives from self-advocates, family members, educators, and researchers on how the IEP is more than mere compliance. And how, when developed strategically, it works to shift the focus away from procedural compliance to one of meaningful programming that builds inclusive lives for individuals.Based on a current issue of the TASH Connections magazine, “The Individualized Education Program as a living document”, this panel is comprised of the authors and editor. The panel will discuss what the IEP as a living document means and how to implement such a vision in your meeting or school. The information within this issue and panel may reignite the commitment to free appropriate public education by its encouragement of an inclusive community and authentic partnership and programming, using the IEP as a proactive tool, rather than seen as an object of mere compliance.

Learn more about the IEP as a living document in TASH's latest podcast episode with Amy Toson.

Ian Nordling, Tom Pruyn, Huan Pham, Matthew Lager and other members of Growing Kids Therapy Center's "Tribe" are young adults with non-speaking autism who spell to communicate. This pack of close-knit friends meet frequently to learn, advocate and support each other. They'll share their life changing stories about how finally being able to communicate is allowing them to break down barriers. Their accomplishments the past year include: *Participation in college course with neurotypicals Gen Zers *Community Outreach *Local Government Advocacy *Partnership with local school *Presentation at community events *Deepened friendships and strengthened relationships with family There is much more work to be done and while these spellers face challenges everyday they are determined to keep pushing society to include them. They want to partner with others so they can continue to shatter the barriers and misconceptions facing those who spell to communicate.

As written by DJ Savarese (Deej), co-producer of his movie: “I won the lottery when my parents adopted me from foster care; I won it again when they included me in regular education. Now, I seek to help kids much less fortunate than I by showing people what a nonspeaking student with autism can do. In Deej, the camera intrudes on every aspect of my life. If seeing truly is believing, then perhaps eyes can be opened to the full potential of kids with significant disabilities. Shot over a six-year period, Deej reveals not only what the ideal of full inclusion requires but also what it can accomplish.”  Shows six years of Deej’s life, from high school through his first two years of college. A panel of self-advocates will host a Q&A session following the film.