The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand the students' perspectives of attending and participating in their own Individual Education Program (IEP) meeting. The conceptual frameworks of disability theory and empowerment worldview highlight the need to better understand perspectives from the students themselves with regard to their own educational planning. The study was conducted with eight high school students and one college student, all of whom had an IEP and attended public schools located in the western suburbs of Chicago. During the data analysis, four themes were identified as either supports or barriers to student participation in their IEP meetings. These themes were (a) students experience stress and anxiety when participating in their own IEP meeting, (b) students view their IEP meeting as a way to receive positive feedback and plan for their futures, (c) the format of the IEP meeting coupled with student readiness are barriers to student participation in their own IEP meeting, and (d) opportunities for self-advocacy and independence promote student participation in their own IEP meeting. The following conclusions show that the participants' general understanding of an IEP differs from their personal experience of attending their IEP meeting. All participants shared both positive and negative aspects of the IEP process. Reasons for this can be attributed to the formal and rigid IEP meeting process and regulations that create barriers to student participation. On the other hand, participants identified preparation and practice as meaningful support for their participation in their IEP meeting. Most participants shared that more support would improve their IEP meeting experience. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]