Send us a text

Demystifying the IEP process stands at the heart of educational advocacy for students with disabilities. In this comprehensive conversation with Kyla Bishop, staff attorney at Disability Rights Arkansas, we unpack the legal framework, timeline, and practical aspects of Individualized Education Plans that every parent and educator should understand.

Many families first encounter special education through a medical diagnosis or teacher recommendation, but few realize an IEP is actually a legally binding document that obligates schools to provide specially designed instruction at no cost to parents. Kyla walks us through the entire process – from initial referral (which triggers a strict timeline) to the comprehensive evaluation that assesses everything from academic achievement to adaptive functioning.

The mechanics of IEP meetings reveal important parental rights that often go unexplained: parents can request meetings anytime, bring supporters without district permission, and should receive complete copies of all documentation. For students approaching adulthood, we explore the transition of rights at age 18 and the critical transition services that must begin at 16 to prepare students for life beyond high school – whether their path leads to college, vocational training, employment or independent living.

Perhaps most valuable is Kyla's practical guidance on navigating common challenges within the system. She emphasizes that only two circumstances allow schools to end services: when a student either receives a regular diploma or reaches age 21. Throughout our conversation, her message to parents remains consistent: stay vigilant, document everything in writing, and remember you're not alone in this journey.

Whether you're new to special education advocacy or a seasoned IEP team participant, this episode provides crucial insights to help ensure students receive the educational support they're legally entitled to receive. Connect with Disability Rights Arkansas if you need individual guidance on your specific situation.

Support the show

Contact DRA

• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Stay connected
• Show your support
• Email us at info@disabilityrightsar.org

Thanks for listening! Make sure to rate & review!
Become a supporter of the show!

Send us a text

What if I told you there was a time when people with disabilities were routinely hidden away in institutions, segregated from society with no meaningful options for living independently? In this eye-opening episode, DRA staff attorney Derek Henderson takes us on a journey through the evolution of disability rights and services, focusing on the game-changing system known as Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).

Derek explains how shocking exposés of institutional abuse in the 1970s catalyzed a movement that led to landmark legislation protecting disability rights. Most crucially, he breaks down a Supreme Court decision that established a legal mandate: states must provide services allowing people with disabilities to live in their communities rather than institutions, or risk committing illegal discrimination. As Derek puts it, "It's not just some nice aspiration or goal, it's what is required."

But what do these services actually look like in practice? We explore the various supports available through HCBS, from direct care assistance with daily activities to access to medical care and cutting-edge assistive technologies. Derek walks through the differences between services for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities versus those with behavioral health needs, giving listeners a concrete understanding of what support is potentially available.

For anyone who's ever felt overwhelmed navigating the labyrinth of Medicaid services and appeals processes, this episode offers practical guidance. Derek shares self-advocacy strategies, explains how to appeal service denials, and emphasizes the critical importance of meeting appeal deadlines. As he compassionately reminds listeners who may feel lost in the complexity: "You are not alone. We are here to help."

Whether you're a person with a disability, a family member, an advocate, or simply someone interested in understanding disability rights better, this conversation provides crucial knowledge about a system designed to support community living and independence.

Resources: https://disabilityrightsar.org/home-and-community-based-settings-hcbs-rule/

Support the show

Contact DRA

• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Stay connected
• Show your support
• Email us at info@disabilityrightsar.org

Thanks for listening! Make sure to rate & review!
Become a supporter of the show!

Send us a text

What if navigating the dating world could be as empowering as it is challenging, especially when visible disabilities come into play? Join us as we sit down with Disability Rights Arkansas team members, co-host Jamie, and our insightful guests Wensday Kramer and Sherice Smith, to explore the evolving landscape of dating with disabilities. We discuss the pros and cons of online and in-person dating, as Wednsday shares her journey of stepping away from dating apps, and Sherice highlights the accessibility and convenience these platforms provide. Together, we uncover the essence of forming genuine connections, looking beyond societal perceptions, and focusing on authenticity and self-acceptance.

Support the show

Contact DRA

• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Stay connected
• Show your support
• Email us at info@disabilityrightsar.org

Thanks for listening! Make sure to rate & review!
Become a supporter of the show!