WHY do they have to make this so hard?
By maildumpster
@maildumpster (3815)
United States
July 23, 2007 11:56pm CST
Last week we finally had the planning meeting for my son's therapies to be taken over by the school system. (very delayed but that is another story all together)
I had the law book in hand and showed them that it does say that he is entitled to in home services. They told me that only if he was in danger or there was a similar concern. Hello.... my son is the size of an 18 month old at the age of 3!!! (mind you the evaluation summaries they gave me showed that two of the evaluators were concerned about his health and safety)
Well, today I spoke to the Statewide Parents Advocacy Network and they told me that the school lied. The law does not say a thing about danger being a requirement. It says only that it is an option to get in home services.
In the morning I am going to call the school board and tell them of my new knowledge. I will ask them if they want to do this the easy way or if I have to have the state board of education drag them in front of a judge.
Gggrrrr why do they have to lie and make things so hard? I would appreciate if people could pray that this be resolved quickly and easily rather than via the courts.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@sid556 (30953)
• United States
24 Jul 07
Please excuse my ignorance. I did read back thru some of your posts..but not far enough. For all of us who are just jumping in on your story...What is your son's handicap? I have dealt with school boards on an issue with my daughter. It is not easy and you have to stick to your convictions.
1 person likes this
@sid556 (30953)
• United States
24 Jul 07
I am sorry to hear that. I really don't understand the system at all. My experience was completely opposite. My daughter just didn't talk in school and they wanted to ...insisted on ...giving her all sorts of therapy etc. They said they were obligated to "help". Their "help" only made her feel more self-concious. It was a long 7 year battle...i did win but her ego took a beating. I have to add..she was an honor roll student...very bright. I did find that they will tell you that you are a part of a "team". The team does hold meetings behind closed doors and after they all are in agreement...then they call you in. Obviously your son needs the therapy and they are required to provide it for him. Don't give up. These people can be very trying to work with.
@GardenGerty (169489)
• United States
24 Jul 07
In an ideal world, everyone would be looking at what is best for the kids, unfortunately it is not an ideal world. It may be that "this is how we have always done it" is how they are viewing providing the services. It also may be that they are trying to optimize the time the staff has, and be more convenient for staff. If he has health concerns that prevent him from doing well in a group setting they should be aware of that, and accommodating. It may be that they do not know the law. People do have to be advocates for what is best for their own children. Good job.
1 person likes this
@maildumpster (3815)
• United States
24 Jul 07
They have been willing to provide him with a one on one aide to "keep him safe". They are even willing to get him a car seat should I choose to allow him to be bussed. They are willing to try.
I still don't feel secure. I also don't like the fact that I won't be there for his therapies which I have been doing since he started therapies.
My biggest concern is his emotional health (beyond his safety) what if he is miserable? He doesn't have the verbal skills to tell me. His behavior would deteriorate at home or something. One thing he does when he is upset or frustrated (which happens a lot during therapy sessions) is bite his arm.
I am calling them soon and hope that they will choose the easy route and not court.
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
24 Jul 07
In NY you are entitled to a free lawyer to act on the behalf of your child. If you can not get the school to give you what you need, I would definitely consult one.
