Six months ago,we had no clue what we were doing when we had Baby K’s first IFSP (“IFSP” means Individualized Family Service Plan, which is a plan that outlines the early intervention services that your family and your child will receive). We were dealing with the news that Baby K was profoundly deaf. So, at our initial IFSP, we candidly talked about Baby K’s strengths, our concerns, and our priorities without understanding what services Baby K was legally entitled to receive from the County.
But, now, six months later, in prepping for Baby K’s six month IFSP, we’ve read the law, learned what our rights are as parents, understood what type of services Baby K is legally entitled to, and negotiated with the County to obtain appropriate services for Baby K.
Understanding how the IFSP process works is daunting, but remember that your child’s best advocate is YOU! Learn as much as possible and talk to other parents with deaf / hard of hearing children in your county to see if they have any tips. Here are some of our tips.
1. Know the law.
The federal government passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act — or IDEA — which sets forth the law regarding special education and related services for infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities. Here’s a link to the law: http://idea.ed.gov/
The federal government recently passed Regulation C to IDEA, which pertains to special education and related services for infants and toddlers. Here’s a link to the regulations: http://idea.ed.gov/part-c/search/new
Check your state laws and regulations too!
2. Do your homework and come prepared to the IFSP.
Before the IFSP meeting, brainstorm about your child’s strengths and needs as well as your concerns and priorities. Once you’ve narrowed down the key points for each category, pull out a piece of paper (or laptop) and write it down. Use clear and concise sentences with the exact wording that you would want to use in the written IFSP. Then, during your IFSP, you can read directly from your “notes.”
Also, you may want to bring copies of any prior IFSPs, letters in support of additional services, etc. with you.
3. Think Creatively and Negotiate!
At the end of the IFSP, if you’re not satisfied with the services that the County is offering for your child, work with your service coordinator to see how you can get the services you want for your child. Think of creative solutions that can achieve what the County is legally entitled to provide and what your child is legally entitled to receive.
Here are some other resources that may be helpful:
http://cochlearimplantonline.com/site/your-ifspiep-tool-kit/
Baby K learning to hear 
very good tips for parents! I know that IEPs and IFSP’s are scary for a lot of new parents, but they are very necessary. What services is baby K getting along with your family? Have you guys received a Deaf Mentor yet (or did you know that was even a possibility)?
Baby K is currently receiving two hours of one-on-one therapy per week. He also attends a baby group with other children who have hearing impairments.
We’ve never heard of a Deaf Mentor, but it sounds like it could be a wonderful resource for us and for Baby K. Do you know where we could get information about it? Thanks so much!