Lissa Power-deFur, Ph.D., CCC-SLP has served the field of speech-language pathology across early intervention, rehabilitation, education, and higher education. A triple graduate of the University of Virginia, she holds certifications in speech-language pathology, audiology, and deaf education. As Professor Emeritus at Longwood University, she was the founding program director, department chair, and interim dean.

A longtime leader in the profession, Dr. Power-deFur has served on the ASHA Board of Directors, the Speech-Language-Hearing Association of Virginia Board, and multiple national committees. She continues to contribute through presentations and publications on ethics, speech sound disorders, special education assessment, and legal issues, as well as through her roles as an accreditation site visit chair, Trustee of the Communication Disorders Foundation of Virginia, and community volunteer supporting early literacy and art programs for individuals with dementia.

Determining eligibility can be one of the most complex responsibilities an SLP faces. Evaluations must honor both the letter of the law and the linguistic and cultural realities of the child. This session bridges those two worlds, clarifying how IDEA’s evaluation requirements align with evidence-based practices to ensure accurate, equitable identification for multilingual learners.

Join ASHA Fellow Dr. Lissa Power-deFur, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, as she demystifies the IDEA evaluation process. Through clear explanations and real case studies, Dr. Power-deFur walks participants through standardized and non-standardized assessment tools, the three-pronged test for eligibility, and how to make sound, defensible decisions about eligibility and dismissal.

Angie Neal is the Policy Advisor for Speech-Language Services and Early Literacy at the South Carolina State Department of Education. She is board member with the State Education Agency Communication Disability Council (SEACDC), the recipient of the Rolland Van Hattum Award for contributions to schools (SC) and the Nancy McKinley Award for leadership in SLP (OH). She is a published author and presents on a wide variety of topics across the United States.

When a multilingual student struggles, it can be difficult to determine whether the issue stems from language acquisition or an underlying disability. Misconceptions such as the belief that students simply need more time with English before evaluation can delay needed support and violate IDEA requirements. This course clarifies how to make compliant, evidence-based decisions when evaluating dual language learners and emphasizes the importance of family collaboration throughout the process.

Join Angie Neal, M.S., CCC-SLP, Policy Advisor for Speech-Language Services and Early Literacy at the South Carolina Department of Education, as she outlines how to rule out limited English proficiency as the source of learning difficulties, incorporate meaningful parent input, and apply IDEA standards with confidence and integrity.

Charlette M. Green, M.A., CCC-SLP, CAGS is the Executive Director of 504 and Special Education for the Cherokee County School District in Georgia. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from Florida State University and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Special Education Administration. A former Georgia State Consultant for Speech and Language, Charlette was named an ASHA Fellow in 2014 and became a Board-Certified Specialist in Child Language in 2021. She is widely recognized for her expertise in child language disorders and her practical, empowering approach that helps SLPs deliver confident, ethical, and effective services in schools.

Patti L. Howard, Ed.D., CCC-SLP is the Lead Speech-Language Pathologist for the Cherokee County School District in Georgia, coordinating services for speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists. She earned her B.S. in Cognitive Psychology and M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Kansas and her Ed.D. with a concentration in Speech-Language Pathology and a minor in Autism from Nova Southeastern University. A respected clinician and leader, Dr. Howard has served as Chair of ASHA’s SLP School Issues Advisory Board, President of the Georgia Organization of School Speech-Language Pathologists, and currently serves on ASHA’s Council for Clinical Certification and the Georgia Dyslexia Collaborative. A frequent state and national presenter, she is known for her expertise in school-based practice, her leadership, and her commitment to helping clinicians deliver effective, evidence-based services for students.

Even the most experienced SLPs can feel uneasy when an IEP meeting takes a tense turn. Whether it’s navigating strong emotions, differing opinions, or the presence of an advocate or attorney, these moments test our ability to stay composed and collaborative. This course provides practical strategies to prepare for and manage difficult meetings with confidence, ensuring that every discussion remains focused on the student’s success.

Join Charlette McRay Green, CAGS, CCC-SLP, and Patti Howard, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, as they share real-world insights and proven communication tools to de-escalate tension, stay professional under pressure, and foster productive, student-centered outcomes.