United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Something funny I wanted to post about. At my last school meeting (my son was leaving kindergarten and entering 1stgrade--so the meeting was about 1st grade services). Almost the entire meeting (about 45 minutes) the committee was representing they would not be continuing my son OT and speech. Even though the OT and speech teachers presented that he would benefit from it, the committee was presenting he didnt need it, etc, etc. So I had lots of info that Rich had posted and and started reciting exactly what Rish just posted--It's a LAW that the OT's job is to work to prevent regression and deformity!!!---Well within 5 minutes the committee changed their minds and approved my sons IEP and services. A few weeks after the committee meeting ALL the teachers (kindergarten, OT and speech)at the meeting took me aside and said what a great job I did advocating for my son. They said too many parents just give in to the committee and end up with no services for their children--that it happens often that the committee kinda bullys the families into thinking they dont need services (school doesnt want to pay for anything they dont have to). I guess the best advise we can give each other is just keep stating the laws and reciting anything and everything to the committee--Good luck.

bump for recent inquiry off the board

A note to all parents learning to advocate[read "fight"] for everything during school years. First, please know that I fought for 28 yrears in educational systems in 3 states for my son,now 34. Anyway, I want to ensure that you know that whatever "label" you have to allow your child to be "labeled" to get the PT and OT or other services(like aqua therapy)it will be OK....once children leave school systems, once they enter real world of employment,even secondary vocational or college,earlier school labels do not follow unless you or your child bring them up. This is our experience.
Hugs,
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI

Thanks, Rich!

I'm printing this off for my next meeting about IEP/504 (coming up soon). They are giving Emma a 3 year review and trying to say she doesn't need therapy anymore because her sschool work is not affected!

Curiously, we just had an "incident" last week at school with Emma not turning in her homework (possibly due to a bully in her class who wants Emma to do his homework! but I didn't find this out until 2 days after I spoke with the teacher).

Peggy

Well,I just realized this was a post from last year, but it still helps me out for right now!

Peggy

Thank you for bumping this up. We are getting ready for our yearly meeting and this will help quite a bit!

BUMPING UP for Alannah.

HUGS,
Carolyn J

Bumping Up for Marlyn and other parents whose children are starting School soon.

God Luck everyone.

HUGS all around,
Carolyn J
LOBPI adult and chronic poster