Joining the IEP Meeting

Hi, I am Aleah Bristol.  I am from Texas and I work for LAF Sign Language Solutions.

Why do I think it's important to include interpreters in the IEP meeting?   Well, I think it is very important because interpreters, we’re a part of the team and in order to help the students academically we have to know everything that we can know about them.

Whether it be language needs, background, it is very important for interpreters to be part of that IEP meeting that way we know how to interpret specifically for that student

How do I think it was beneficial to me to join the IEP meeting?  Well, I think it is very beneficial because with previous experience working without the IEP meeting or having the knowledge needed, it created a challenge in order to interpret for that student specifically.  So being able to have that information, made a vast difference in how I can assist the student.

What I would like to share on my experience about joining an IEP meeting is not being afraid to ask questions.  Questions are very important and vital in order to meet the needs of the student.  So asking as many questions as it is appropriate helps you to know how to meet the needs of the student.