tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post847899104406187806..comments2024-02-25T10:24:30.868-05:00Comments on Special needs disability parenting BLOOM: Happy Persons with Disabilities DayBLOOM - Parenting Kids With Disabilitieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06901482901008135659noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post-64348907500827202822010-12-07T17:22:15.197-05:002010-12-07T17:22:15.197-05:00also, i do NOT believe in separation based on &quo...also, i do NOT believe in separation based on "ability", whatever that is, even within separate classrooms. the school-aged programs in the districts i work in do that, and it drives me crazy. in EC, i had to really advocate for "my" kids, who tend to have more severe needs, even within my own team of eight professionals who i know to be amazing. the team wanted them all in the same group. i wanted them to have peer models--even though most of the kids are delayed in one area or another, i fully believe they are competent models for each other. it's harder, because even in a "fully" staffed special ed classroom, the supports aren't there. but it's the right thing to do, always.Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04549068155719996908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post-44153395443501658202010-12-07T17:18:26.479-05:002010-12-07T17:18:26.479-05:00hi louise,
to comment in re: ben, it sure sounds ...hi louise,<br /><br />to comment in re: ben, it sure sounds like inclusion would be great for him! and i'm with you...literacy, especially for kids who are already literate, is key. ben's education should absolutely be a curriculum modified to his needs and will be most successful if based on highly motivating things such as star wars--though it is worth noting that "typical" kids have to learn a great deal in school that is not motivating to them (math in my case...sigh); as i type this, i am wondering how to relate that to special ed, and what would be appropriate, but that's neither here nor there in this particular conversation. :) <br /><br />i'm not a fan of separate schools either, and i am sorry there are not many options for ben and for so many other kids. however, in my experience and opinion, for some children, separate classrooms within a typical school are necessary for learning. not all children, and not even most children...but some. i might be wrong. i might be right. i might be both. <br /><br />nobody wants to be reminded of this because it's such a sad reality, but a great deal of special education design is funding-based, and has little if anything to do with the vision that parents and professionals have for these children. parent advocacy to your representatives in government is really the only thing that can change funding levels and thereby the options that are available.<br /><br />have you taken video of ben at home? video is a powerful tool to bring to an IFSP/IEP/SETT meeting to help convince people who only see a slice of ben of all the things he can do.Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04549068155719996908noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post-17090804243067450932010-12-06T09:30:39.010-05:002010-12-06T09:30:39.010-05:00Thanks for your message Mary!Thanks for your message Mary!BLOOM - Parenting Kids With Disabilitieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06901482901008135659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post-79708741125842313892010-12-05T00:23:17.414-05:002010-12-05T00:23:17.414-05:00What's most important is what Ben needs and fr...What's most important is what Ben needs and from everything you write it sounds like he would benefit from an inclusive setting where he is challenged at his academic level using the necessary supports. That's clearly not happening now and it's so great that you are speaking up about it. I have found that we have been more successful when we propose the placement and plan and "just" had to convince the district. In the US, in our state, in our city, it seems that they are reluctant to offer things unless the parent advocates strongly. I do hope it's not the same in Canada, and that the board will come up with something great for Ben with your input. Good luck and keep us posted!!Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11399324383367077919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post-37258814939714434512010-12-03T22:19:58.371-05:002010-12-03T22:19:58.371-05:00Hi Elizabeth -- It's great to hear from you. I...Hi Elizabeth -- It's great to hear from you. I guess I don't believe in separate schools for kids with disabilities -- even though my son attends one. I think all children need to be with a mix of kids -- those with and without disabilities. I like the CACL vision because the emphasis is on inclusion -- with appropriate supports (which of course, don't typically happen). <br /><br />I feel typical children and those with disabilities miss out when they are separated "based on ability."BLOOM - Parenting Kids With Disabilitieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06901482901008135659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post-70029343755411447492010-12-03T22:10:24.867-05:002010-12-03T22:10:24.867-05:00Elizabeth...I'm 100% with you on this.Elizabeth...I'm 100% with you on this.Clairehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13070297384173508509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-447392662850613354.post-15955460425084882942010-12-03T17:59:12.120-05:002010-12-03T17:59:12.120-05:00as a PT working in EI/ECSE, i have a hard time say...as a PT working in EI/ECSE, i have a hard time saying "ALL children" need anything, educationally, other than an appropriate setting--which is going to look different for each and every child--and SHOULD look different, as all the children have different needs! inclusive settings can be wonderful, for many children, but not necessarily for all.Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04549068155719996908noreply@blogger.com