Inclusion
The
first thing that every parent of a disabled child should know is
that "YOU" know what is best for your child. Others can make
suggestions and educated guesses based on past experiences of
other disabled children in similar situations. What you as a
parent need to remember is that every child, disabled or not, is
an individual and doesn't deserve to be treated as a stereotype.
You are your child's voice, advocate, advisor, lawyer and
teacher. It is your job to educate yourself as to what your
child's needs are. That means that if your child needs enlarged
print to enable them to read then it is your job to make sure
that they are getting this. If your child can function in an
able-bodied classroom then don't stand by and allow others to
place your child in a disabled class. The law states that each
and every child should be educated in the "least" restrictive
environment possible.
You know your
child's abilities better than anyone, believe in your judgment,
learn the laws, document everything, ask for copies of all
papers and testing concerning your child and read them.
If you don't agree with something then let your feelings be
known.
There are
many educators and school districts out there that really do
care about your child and will work with you, willingly, to
create an educational environment that will benefit your child.
These teachers and districts need to be commended for doing
exactly what they were set up to do, for following the laws,
and for setting wonderful examples for those districts that
have, as yet, not updated their facilities or programs to make
accessibility possible for disabled children.
For
those parents who are dealing with districts that are not up to
code yet, there are a few things that you should know to get you
started in your fight for equality, accessibility and acceptance
for your child.
(many of these laws are American laws and
apply only to American citizens. If you are from another country
or providence and need to know the laws and educational rights
of your child, please feel free to contact me through e-mail and
I will do whatever I can to get you the information desired.)
1.
Document everything! Ask for copies of all reports, tests,
correspondents, etc. Make sure that you have been given 'all'
parts of your child's IEP, psychological evaluation, learning
consultant evaluation, social workers evaluation, teachers
evaluation, etc.
2.
Make all requests in writing, keeping copies for yourself, and
send the request by registered mail. This includes not only
requests for paperwork but for testing, placement evaluations
and new placement.
3.
Make it clear that everything is to be in writing! If someone
feels that something will benefit your child, request that they
put this information in writing. If they disagree with your
assessment of the situation request that their feeling be put
into writing.
4.
Bring a friend or advocate
(some one familiar with the law)
to all meeting with you, even the informal ones. If no one is
available, take a tape recorder and set it in the middle of the
table and tape all proceedings. the tape recorder can be used
even if you have someone with you.
5.
Know that every child, regardless of the severity of their
disability, has the right to a free and equal education in the
least restrictive environment possible.
Many of the laws have recently changed. They have been updated
and revised to suit the growing needs of the disabled community.
You can get copies of these laws by calling your Senator or
Representative and asking for a copy of the IDEA laws
(ask for
S.717/H.R.5)
or you can download copies from one of two site on the internet
IDEA Website
-
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
(OSERS),
at the Department of Education
