Individualized Education Program (IEP) in Hong Kong: A Panel Discussion

The education of children with special education needs (SEN) is guided by a learning support plan, known as an individualized education program (IEP), in both mainstream and specialized schools in Hong Kong.

·  What is an IEP like?

·  How is it formulated?

·  What is the parent experience?

SNNHK has invited SEN professionals and parents to answer these questions, and talk about the IEP process in an online panel discussion. Kim Anderson, Co-founder and Former Chairperson of SNNHK will moderate the discussion. Join us to get informed, get connected and form ideas to support your child in school.

7:00pm – 7:05pm Opening remarks (Kim Anderson, Co-founder and Former Chairperson of SNNHK)

7:05pm – 7:15pm Introduction (Trisha Tran, Parent)

7:15pm – 8:25pm Panel Discussion*

8:25pm – 8:55pm Q&A

8:55pm – 9:00pm Closing remarks 

*Panelists:

Nicole Aschenbrenner

Early Childhood Learning Support Coordinator, Hong Kong Academy

Nicole is the Early Childhood Learning Support Coordinator at Hong Kong Academy. Her dedication and advocacy for nurturing diverse and inclusive communities have led her to work with various organizations, helping to develop an understanding of how children communicate through their behaviour, as well as fostering individual pathways for all learners. Nicole has led school, parent, teacher, and local workshops on inclusive and behavioural practices and has specialised in Early Childhood, Adult Education and Behaviour Analytics for 15+ years. She has a Masters Degree in Special Education, has attained her Board Certification in Behaviour Analysis (BCBA) and  is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Special Education.

Franky Poon

Principal, Hong Kong Red Swastika Society Tai Po Secondary School, JC School Diversity Coordinator

Mr. Franky Poon is the Principal of Hong Kong Red Swastika Society Tai Po Secondary School and the Specialist of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications. ​Mr. Poon was seconded to EDB to provide support to over 80 local schools catering for learner diversity and building an inclusive ethos. He is an experienced speaker and author on supporting students with diverse needs and how to enhance schools' capacity to cater for student diversity. Mr. Poon is the Project Lead of Jockey Club "Diversity at Schools" Project (2018-2021), which aims to enhance primary and secondary schools' capacity to cater for learner diversity.

Julie Tait

Individual Needs Coordinator, Kennedy School

Julie Tait is currently the Individual Needs Coordinator at Kennedy School in Pokfulam.  She started her ESF career in 2001 as a classroom teacher, but has always had an interest in supporting children with special educational needs. Originally from the Orkney Islands in Scotland, she also worked in Spain and Turkey before coming to Hong Kong for the first time in 1993. Julie now lives on South Lantau with her family and in her free time enjoys running, hiking and travelling.

Trisha Tran

Convenor of Parents of Non-Chinese Speaking SEN Children and Co-founder of HopeShare

Trisha Tran, a fellow parent of a child with global development delay, has been advocating for an increase in the number, scope and quality of school places for non-Chinese speaking SEN children since 2014. She has carried out extensive research on private and public schooling options in Hong Kong.

Samantha Wilson

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), Anfield School

Samantha is the SENCo at Anfield School in Hong Kong. She is experienced as a school leader working within the English and international sectors. She demonstrates a wealth of knowledge, skills and expertise across all Key Stages both within SEN and mainstream environments.