23/02/2026
School meetings can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re advocating for a young person with additional needs.
Recently, after attending several school meetings, I’ve been reminded how real the power imbalance can feel for caregivers of young people with disabilities. So here are five important things every family should know before walking into any school meeting:
1️⃣ You have the right to bring an advocate or support person.
These meetings can be emotional and complex. Having someone beside you — whether that’s an advocate, OT, social worker, DECD rep, or trusted support person — is absolutely your right. You deserve to feel supported and heard.
2️⃣ You do NOT have to sign anything on the spot.
IEPs, behaviour support plans, learning plans — you can take them home. You can review them. You can seek professional input. You are entitled to time to process before signing anything.
3️⃣ Know what “reasonable adjustments” actually mean.
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, schools are required to provide reasonable adjustments as a minimum standard.
Reasonable adjustments are considered based on:
• Cost to the institution
• Impact on the individual
• Impact on the broader school community
If there is little to no cost, minimal impact on the school community, and clear benefit to the young person — that adjustment is likely reasonable.
Examples might include:
• Changes to uniform requirements
• Locker relocation
• Adjusted start or finish times
• Modified classroom supports
4️⃣ You are part of the team.
You do not attend as a passive observer. You are a decision-maker. Your OT, social worker, psychologist, or disability advocate can and should contribute. If there is ever an attempt to isolate you from your supports, remember: you have control over who participates in that meeting.
5️⃣ It’s okay to pause or stop a meeting.
If you feel unsafe, disrespected, pressured, or overwhelmed — you can stop the meeting. You can reschedule. You can request written communication instead. Protecting your dignity is more important than finishing an agenda
Parents and caregivers have rights.
Professionals have rights.
Young people have rights.
Those rights should never be overshadowed.
True collaboration means shared power, shared respect, and shared decision-making. If that balance isn’t present, it’s okay to advocate for it.
You are not “difficult” for standing up for your child.
You are doing your job.