Students frequently know best what they need and want. Not surprisingly, they are often
their own best advocates. Student self-advocacy is especially important as IEP teams make
decisions about the student’s future and transition to post-school activities. Increasingly,
students are actively participating in their IEP meetings. Teachers and parents will need to coach
and prepare students in order for them to develop the specific advocacy skills that are most
relevant to IEP and transition planning. With adequate support from their teachers and families,
students with disabilities can make significant contributions to their educational plans. They
may assist in drafting their IEPs, present information about themselves at the IEP meetings, and
actually lead the IEP meeting.