Get educated about your school system's rules & regulations.

The first thing you'll need to do is get educated yourself. Learn your school systems rules and regulations and any state or federal regulations that may affect the kind of services you may or may not be entitled to. Some school districts make special accommodations for children with the MD because someone before you has paved the way through advocacy and policy change. Other states and school districts seem to know very little about this disease and need help understanding the true needs of a DMD child.

Some things to look out for are:

Educate Your Child's Teacher, Principal and other administrative staff.

Prior to school starting each year, plan to reach out and visit with your child's new teacher to help him or her understand the real physical and educational needs your child has. We have found that most teachers genuinely want to listen and help in anyway they can, so approach them as your ally and friend, and you will be surprised how willing they will be to step up and proactively meet the needs of your child.

Tips on Better Managing IEP Resources for your Child.

Getting involved with your school's IEP program can make a significant difference in the quality of their education and adjusting to the new educational demands your child faces each year.

Here are some tips we have found make all the difference when it comes to IEP and your child:
 

Teacher Resources

Event Logs & Other Resources

We recommend the following resources from PPMD:

In some states and school districts you can apply for a dedicated aid to help your child throughout the day. In Mitchell's case, and in the case of many other children we know of, this resource and make a significant difference in the life of your child and with their educational experience.

You will want to pay close attention to the teachers use of the aid. In rare circumstances we have seen a teacher utilize this student aid as a teacher aid helping with general education issues and ignoring the needs of the child. If your child's teacher begins to use that aid as a resource for class, it defeats the purpose of having a dedicated aid for your child.