United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Well, today was very interesting and informative. I don't know if any of you read my post about talking to the supervisor and not changing kids because of Union rules, but here's the update.
I was told that Michaela does not qualify for an Individual Education Plan because her disability does NOT affect her academically.She performs all the things her other classmates do with no problems and is in fact advanced. She does qualify for 504 and we're starting on that. I'm not giving up on the IEP. I went to the site Rich gave me and read some but have decided it might just be best to start with an attorney to keep from wasting time.
I told them I didn't want her in special ed that wasn't my concern. Being behind in her dressing and care skills is a major issue,especially now that she's in the splint.We discussed what happened with the teacher and changing Michaela and they were appalled. They being the school OT, counselor and nurse. Evidently after I called the supervisor yesterday phones started ringing. The teacher lied to the school nurse and told her Michaela didn't have a change of clothes and that's why she called me. Michaela had 2 sets of clothes at school and a winter set in her back pack bacause of the recent weather. I told her the ones in the backpack were the ones I changed her into. She wanted to know how she got brought into it and I told her of my friend who changes kids in the clinic in a neighboring school.
The school nurse checked into the union rule that the teacher and the supervisor says won't allow them to change kids and it does NOT state that they can't, just that they don't have to if they don't want to. I was then asked if Michaela could wear a pull-up to school. I told them that I have no problem with that but she can't get them up and down because they are so snug fitting and I already buy the next size up going by the weight on the package because she uses them at night.So then they asked What if someone helped her and I said that's what she would need if she wears them. So the school nurse went to ask the teacher if she would be willing to help her and she said NO!!!!! By this time they were on my side! So we got the principal in on it.The principal said that if the clinic assistant didn't mind helping Michaela it would be no problem, but he couldn't make her do it.The clinic assistant had no problem with it since she already help 2 other handicapped students in the school. So the teacher has created her own punishment for being so cold hearted. This is the plan.Though she probably won't need it Michaela will wear a pullup to school and still be expected to go to the bathroom. I will supply 2 extra for just in case. Since the teacher won't help her, every time Michaela has to go to the bathroom she has to tell the teacher and the teacher has to walk her to the clinic for the clinic aid to help her go to the bathroom. This is really overkill but the teacher did it to herself!
This program Michaela's in is called Early Intervention program. The counselor says it's a separate program from the regular school programs that start at Kindergarten. If a child wets 3 times they're out for 30 days but in regular school they change Kindergardeners and first graders all the time and she thought this whole situation was ridiculous!! I told them I didn't want Michaela to get SPECIAL treatment, just given what she needs and treated with dignity, not standing in the bathroom in wet clothes while the others are on the playground, because of an inconsiderate person and I'm tired of being quoted rules all the time about things like this when there is clearly an exception and common sense should take over. Her reaction was Oh, I see,She's using the rules as an excuse and making no accommadations for the fact she's in the splint or previously limited and my replywas, you finally got it.I don't want her treated different but with common sense and respect. What does my child think when an adult refuses to help her, when she clearly needed it? What's she teaching my child. So as it stands now, no IEP, 504 in works, and Michaela gets help going to the bathroom! Nanananana!!!!LeeAnne

LeeAnne,

Good job in fighting for your daughter's rights! I seldom post but his topic was making me angry for you. I hope the teacher is embarrassed by her own behavoir.

I just wanted to add one thing. Pull-ups are very snug fitting, but GoodNights are not. I used to used them for my daughter and she was able to pull them up herself. The are more expensive, but it might be worth it for Michaela to give them a try. (lovely name, by the way)

Good luck!
Donna

Thanks, Donna. I appreciate it. We're using Good nites and Michaela weighs 60 pounds and we use the 65 to 85 pound size. She's just very strong and muscular in her lower body and unfortunately built like her MOM, bottom-heavy. Then when at school she gets all sweaty and it makes it even harder to pull down. As the school nurse put it I don't think I could balance that splint and bend over to pull up my support hose one handed. Anyway thanks for the empathy and advice! Smiles, LeeAnne

Hi LeeAnne,

I have read all your post but waited to reply until I saw what happened today. GOOD JOB, MOM!! It is our job as parents to make sure the best interest of our children is met. If others have a problem with that, then it is THEIR problem. It bewilders me when someone reacts the way this teacher did. You are not asking for your child to be given special treatment. Your request was fair and not over the top.

I guess my only concern at this point is do you think you should leave Michaela in this woman's class? There is an obvious personality conflict. Do you feel she will treat Michaela fairly? I would imagine the teachers "pride, ego" has been damaged. With her behavior to date I really wonder if she will be able to be positive toward Michaela. Just something to think about.

What part of Florida are you in? I live in St. Cloud. We must be fairly close because when you talked about how cold it was the other morning we had the same temp. Down right cold!!!

Good Luck.
Joy

I just wanted to say that I think you are a terrific mom!

Nancy

Thanks, Nancy for the comment. Joy, Yes, I'm concerned about leaving her in the class and have already paid for this month and can't get it back. I'm going to see what happens and by payment time in 3 weeks I'll have decided. Looking at other options now. I know the teacher doesn't want her in the class, but she's also the first disabled child they've had in the program and what happens when another comes along. The law insists we put them in classes with nondisabled peers and with teachers who are clearly not trained to deal with the physical challenges or the emotional turmoil a disabled child will go through. Am I paving the way for others by not letting her rights be violated?
I also don't want Michaela to perceive she is being punished by this surgery in any way and to take her away from all the wonderful friends she has made in the class I feel might convey this message, especially at this time of conflict with the teacher. Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital sent me a packet of info on how to deal with a child having surgery and it was listed by age groups and we used alot of the info before our trip. It said that for Michaela's age group(4 to 7) they may perceive it as a punishment and their biggest fear is mutilation. We were so very careful to explain that Dr. Nath wouldn't remove anything, she would be the same person after,her arm would still be there, and she was NOT being punished.So, I want to continue letting her know she is not being punished for wearing a splint and needing help going to the bathroom.
Hopefully, in the next 3 weeks I'll find a solution. And believe me before it's all over I will tell this teacher what I think of her,just been waiting to calm down. LeeAnne

Congratulations on your very good meeting! I think you did very good and I wish you yours all the best!

Lenni