United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi everybody
I want some information about the different types of services that their kids are getting in their respective primary schools. Like OT services, special transportation, etc.
I want to know more because Jocey is not receiving direct occupational therapy from the school. I asked her if somebody goes to visit her at her classroom and she said no.
She got the special transportation because Dr. Nath wrote a letter to the school where he stated she can not ride the regular school bus. Also the school where Jocey is attending limit the parents visits at the lunch time to twice a week this semester.
I do not know what is going on at her school but I can't trust in them and the help they will promised. They said will provide somebody to help her at the lunch time. The principal sent a letter to the parents to tell about this change in the visits at the lunch time. I request a meeting with the teacher and the principal to let them know my disagree with this matter. I'm not agree with the school services provided here in the Cy-Fair School District in Houston, TX.
Jocey will have appointment with Dr. Nath next Monday and I will explain to him what is going on with her at school. Thanks,
Ivelisse

Jennifer, helping your daughter learn how to manage her clothes and other school activities is therapy. Yes, it's different from medical OT. I think of myself as building bridges between the child and the school. For instance, sometimes I help the child learn to do write faster, sometimes I advocate for the child with the school "he's writing as fast as he can, so pass him the paper first & only ask him to do the even numbered problems". Sometimes I attack the problem from both ends. It's still therapy, even though it's not estim & exercise.

From my experience you have to fight(not literally) for everything you get from the public school system. It's pretty sad but they are in the business of treating everyone the same and don't really care about differences unless someone wakes them up. You said the school has cut visiting down to 2 times a week...I could see if the child had no problems but if your child needs help then they should allow it even if you have to have it included in an IEP...afterall eating lunch for a youngster can be as educational a time as any. If necessary she could get a assigned helper to help her with her lunch tray...etc.
My son ate lunch in the teachers lounge when he had his mod quad splint on. He needed a little help but later he was fine. One time a mean kid tripped him in the cafeteria and he went flying and so did the food tray....the stupid thing is that the kid who tripped him ended up getting hit with the flying food and cryed his little head off and my son was in trouble (or felt like he was)until he told what happened. The school treats everyone as if they are wrong until the truth comes out but I still think this is damaging to our kids self esteem.
Anyway, I'm rambling...good luck to you and don't be afraid to follow your gut feelings...you are probably right!
T.

I don't know about OT and special services in schools because my son is 3 1/2. But I can tell you that Houston Schools in general want to fight about everything. Call the school board. If your child needs special help then they cannot stop you from helping her. Also, FYI, the school's in TExas are the reason we know live in ILLINOIS