Person-centered planning is a process that allows individuals, family members, and friends an opportunity to share information to develop a personal profile and a future vision for an individual. This article describes strategies and technology that teachers can use to promote parents' participation and facilitate communication while maintaining…

When considering developing educational programs for students with disabilities, one often thinks first of the annual goals and short-term objectives that are included in the individualized education program (IEP). It is important, though, to connect the short-term objectives (the "now") to long-term goals and dreams (the "future"). Making that…

Program development for children with special health management needs calls for acquisition of intake information from the child's family and service professionals, a continuum of options for health services, an individualized family service plan or individualized education program, an emergency protocol, and consideration of legal issues. (JDD)

Specific suggestions are offered to promote the participation of Asian families of young, special-needs children in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) process. Suggestions address: enhancing one's own cultural awareness, overcoming language differences, holding effective family conferences, and developing family outcomes in the IFSP.…

Guidelines are proposed for development of early intervention educational goals and objectives that reflect daily functioning skills. Guidelines are presented as questions to pose when developing individualized education programs (IEPs) and individualized family service plans IFSPs). They cover functionality, generality, instructional context,…