Independent Living Program - Florida's Center for Child Welfare

Tips For TeamLeadersHere are a few tipsfor the team leader,whether it is thestudent, a familymember, a friendor professionaladvocate ...Preparing for YourEducation PlanningMeeting• Read and get familiar with thelaws that cover the youth’s rights.Bring copies to the meetings• If an agency representative says, “It’snot our job,” research the issue and youmay be able to respond, “Yes, it is”• Know the agencies and organizationsthat are equipped to help. Somewill give you invaluable information,some will provide services and somewill advocate to enforce the law ifnecessary. Others may need prodding• Remember that any of the plans can beamended to add services whenever necessary.Should you learn of one that would help youattain your goal, get it written into the plan18• Make your requests in writing and getthe answers in writing. If the youth isdenied services, request in writing thatthe decision, its reason and the groundsfor denial be provided in writing• Go up the chain of command. If an agencyrepresentative denies a service and youdisagree, go to that person’s supervisor,then to the agency head. Then follow theagency’s appeal procedures. If you don’tknow the rules and procedures, ask forthem. They should be available in writing• In dealing with denial of servicesand other problems, you can obtaininformation and referral, and possiblylegal representation from the AdvocacyCenter for Persons with Disabilities oryour local legal aid program• Make certain the plans contain measurablegoals. Without measurability, it is difficultto determine if the student is makingadequate progress toward his or her goal• Ask for an assessment to show theneed for services. For example, instead ofrequesting speech therapy for a child,