Presenters:
Anita Engiles, Mediation Specialist, CADRE, Eugene, OR
Melissa Mueller, Social Worker, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Washington, DC
While there are established programs and a growing dialogue regarding student-led IEPs, youth involvement in peer mediation and parent/teen mediation, relatively little information has surfaced on the inclusion of students with disabilities in their special education mediations. How does a students presence affect the relationship between the parties? Does the students presence impact the power of the mediation agreement? What role does the students age play in determining the appropriateness of his or her participation? This interactive session will explore the benefits of and considerations for including students in their special education mediations, and address recommendations for successfully facilitating mediations in which the student is involved.