Beyond Compliance: Embedding Strengths and UDL in IEPs

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

assessment & IEPs

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

beginner

Age Span:

kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12

Target Audience:

AT specialist
autism specialist
consultant
deaf / hard of hearing
educator
family member / caregiver
K-12 administration
occupational therapist
paraprofessional
physical therapist
special educator
speech language pathologist
teacher of the visually impaired
vision impairment specialist

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

0.01

ACVREP CEs:

1

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Atrium 2

Description:

Move beyond compliance-driven IEPs! This session integrates Strengths-Based Approaches (SBA) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) into effective IEP development and implementation. Understand the shift from medical to social models and why focusing on student strengths builds confidence, motivation, and success while reducing stigma. Learn practical steps to embed SBA/UDL in IEP planning, writing, and daily practice, ensuring goals are meaningful, student input is valued, and supports (like AT) are well-aligned. Engage in a collaborative session applying these concepts to a case study. Leave equipped to create truly empowering, inclusive, and universally designed IEPs. Session includes UDL-informed delivery.

Learning Outcomes:

As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:

• As a result of this session, attendees will be able to explain how Strengths-Based Approaches (SBA), aligned with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, shift the focus of the IEP process towards student empowerment.

• As a result of this session, attendees will be able to identify at least three specific strategies for integrating SBA and UDL principles into the practical stages of IEP development (planning, writing, implementation), ensuring student voice and collaboration.

• As a result of this session, participants will be able to propose strengths-based, universally designed strategies and goal considerations for an IEP based on a case study, incorporating necessary supports like Assistive Technology.

Disclosures:

Brandi Cockerham is the acting Global Revenue Enablement Manager and salaried employee of Everway.
Jenn Rosalino is an acting Content Marketing Specialist and salaried employee of Everway.