Step Three: Insert your list of needs

This is your opportunity to see that the team considers each and every need documented in all your reports, evaluations, research, and personal observations. This is where you go into great detail. Do not worry about the length of the list. Do not worry about whether everyone will pay attention throughout your reading of this portion. The important thing is to get it into the written record of the meeting for consideration. Number each need. By numbering each need, each team member, including you, can track which needs have been addressed and which ones have not been addressed. You have a quick reference tool, in writing.

Parents often find reading articles and books on the relevant disability or disabilities helpful when assembling this list of needs. Such a book or article can put into words what we as parents often know but have difficulty putting into words. After all, we are not professionals. As you read, pick out those things that make you think “That’s Johnny!” and “Yep, that is him!” or “It is like they wrote the book about Johnny!” Of course not everything will apply, as no two children are alike. Parents must be very careful to select only those characteristics that really describe their child. This exercise can help add the appropriate details onto your portrait canvas.

Step Four: Summing it up

It is important to end the portrait on a positive note. This is a great place to write a brief description of your child’s dreams for the future, what he or she wants to become, whether the child wants to go to college, live independently, etc. Include your dream for your child as well.

Again, keep this paragraph very brief if you want to keep the team’s attention. Often parents want to include a statement that they want to see their child become a successful adult with a career and able to live independently.

Points to remember

• Be sure to take enough copies for everyone on the team to have their own copy.

• Keep yourself on task by reading the entire Portrait uninterrupted.

• Write on the document that you wish the Portrait to become part of the written record, as it is part of your parent input to the meeting.

• Do not list any recommendations in this document. The portrait is simply your assessment of present levels of performance.

• Write a second document of Recommendations for Team Consideration and present it when the team reaches the point of considering what services and placement are needed. (Trying to mix the two into one document dilutes the effectiveness of both.)

• Remember to take plenty of copies so each person can follow along and digest the information as you read it out loud.

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