Navigating Strength-Based IEPs with April Rehrig

Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 55 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with April Rehrig, Special education advocate, school psychologist and founder of Rise Educational Advocacy, a firm based in California offering affordable and accessible advocacy support to families and schools nationwide. With her extensive experience as a school psychologist and a mother of three, April provides valuable insights into navigating the complexities of the IEP process. Tune in to the episode to hear about:  * April's Journey: Learn how April transitioned from being a school psychologist for 20 years to an advocate dedicated to reforming strength-based IEPs.  * Navigating Assessments: Key strategies for parents to request assessments effectively, including using the right terminology and knowing what to ask for.  * Accommodations vs. Modifications: Clear definitions of accommodations and modifications, their differences, and how they relate to IEP goals.  * Collaboration Tips: How parents can collaborate with schools to make IEP meetings more productive and ensure their child's strengths are highlighted.  * Empowering Students: The importance of involving students in their IEP meetings and how it can lead to greater self-advocacy skills, especially before transitioning to college. Learn more about April Rehrig:  * Connect with April on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilrehrigspecialeducationadvocate/   * Follow Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting® on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rise-educational-advocacy-and-consulting/  * Visit Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting®’s website: https://www.riseeducationaladvocacy.com/   * Follow Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting® on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riseedadvocacy/   * Follow Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting® on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riseedadvocacy/   * Follow Rise Educational Advocacy and Consulting® on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/riseedadvocacy/  Read the whole transcript of this interview on https://shefterlaw.com/blog/ *********************************** Stress-Free IEP®:  Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need. Watch more episodes of Stress-Free IEP®:  * On website: https://shefterlaw.com/blog  * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCff0foIeCETrWbtsQSDwckQ Connect and learn more from your host, Frances Shefter:  * https://shefterlaw.com/#contact-me  * https://shefterlaw.com  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesshefter  * https://www.facebook.com/ShefterLawPA  * https://twitter.com/shefterlawpa  * https://www.instagram.com/shefterlawpa  * https://www.tiktok.com/@shefterlawpa