In the world of advertising “effective frequency” is the number of times a person must be exposed to a message to make an impact. The reality of marketing a program, and the added truth that there is so much turnover in special education, makes frequency even more necessary. The existence of your facilitation program must be constantly highlighted, and the great stories of success, bear repeating often. Although having a website with carefully crafted messages about your facilitation program and easily accessible forms is essential, regular formal and informal presentations about IEP facilitation with stakeholders is also critical. You can’t do this on your own, so developing relationships with others, including school personnel, parent centers, parent groups, and other associations, goes a long way to keeping your program in the forefront of people’s minds.
Critical Considerations
- Which agencies or institutions could effectively tell others about your facilitation program?
- What materials do you need to provide for others to disseminate?
- Have you developed a consistent message for others to share about your program?
Lessons Learned
- Identify many options for getting your message out to those who might need it.
- Get flyers into the hands of special education teachers, parent centers, and school staff.
- Contact professional organizations who might give you space in their newsletter.
- Speak about your program whenever you’re given the opportunity.
- Consider the audience and highlight facts about your program that will speak to them. Special education professionals might appreciate that someone else handles the meeting so they can focus on participating. Parents may respond to the benefit of a non-school person running the meeting and ensuring all voices are heard.