Comments on: Lets talk about ESE, shall we?

By: jess

jess — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:25:11 +0000

heather, i followed the link you left at my place and made my way here thinking i'd poke about, read a bit, perhaps find out a little something interesting about you and your family. what i found here nearly knocked the wind out of me. i read emma's story through rolling tears. your account of the fight that your incredible, beautiful little girl has had to endure in her short time on this planet is nothing short of heartbreaking, but it's also nothing short of divine. the inspiration in her story (and yours) is beyond measure. you never, ever gave up on her. from not signing the dnr to finding the transplant, to finding THE doctor you needed, to getting a hold of the tissue .. and on and on and on (and on). damn woman. jenny, meet an actual warrior. sounds like you're facing an uphill battle with the school. funny, though .. after reading a little bit about you and emma, i'm not the least bit concerned. doesn't sound like there's much that can stop (either of) you. jesss last blog post..recovery

By: In Which My Head Explodes… : Especially Heather

In Which My Head Explodes… : Especially Heather — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:17:05 +0000

[...] you are just coming into this discussion, you will need to read this post [...]

By: jessica

jessica — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:26:04 +0000

I was that teacher who lost her job due to budget cuts… I had to take a yr off anyway so I could care for my own special needs child but did consider my students my own. I began as an ESE IA to get experience and had a degree in education and social work, took the certification tests and the many CPI hold trainings, Autism workshops, etc. I taught the teachers how to include special needs students into their classroom, we call it inclusion some call it mainstreaming. I made it work, when the teachers “freaked” about having a student that needed more help or assistance, I was there, I cared, I was asked to move to another school because the funds were not avail to keep my position there. I refused to leave the students I care so much about. My son needs me, and I will take the cut, but it really hurts seeing other teachers take over what they once complained about. It makes me sick to see seniority rein over someone who really makes a difference for families. I appreciate your post. Come on over and meet my little 24 week miracle.

By: Christina

Christina — Sun, 24 May 2009 18:26:56 +0000

I have a son who I don't think would be reading right now (11 years old) if not for his special ed teachers who have been teaching for more then 10 years. This made me so made. If they are complaining now about America's children being behind, what do they think the future will look like if they cut back on public education. I can only guess. Christinas last blog post..Kris Allen

By: toni

toni — Sun, 24 May 2009 17:21:40 +0000

There has to be a happy medium, imho. If the public schools are placing autistic children in mainstream classes, then there should be mandatory specialized training for teachers so they can effectively address the needs and IEP’s of their autistic students. THEN layoffs by seniority would be logical (and fair; senority should count as well, a logical reward for more time dedicated to one’s job).

If autistic children are in specialized classes, then layoffs should be within each group (mainstream teachers having one round of layoffs and specialized teachers have a seperate round). Again, jmho.

By: Dad

Dad — Sat, 23 May 2009 00:08:41 +0000

I think you already know how I feel about "It"... and about you, and the "Wonder Child". I'm not too happy about "It", I'm Crazy Proud about you two. Dad Dads last blog post..The Opinionated Jesus: 2

By: Racer

Racer — Fri, 22 May 2009 22:42:08 +0000

As the mom of a boy with autism, I echo your same sentiments. Our district is doing cuts the same way. And our state, well, they are cutting special needs services left and right. So frustrating. I applaud you advocating for Emma Grace. Racers last blog post..some photos

By: Dawn

Dawn — Fri, 22 May 2009 20:53:51 +0000

Our school district was sued by the federal government about 10 years ago for not having sufficient and proper opportunities for special needs kids. I’m not sure who started it, but you may need to start something like that rolling!

By: Sheryl

Sheryl — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:27:50 +0000

Keep fighting the good fight! So much of who stays/who goes ahd which programs stay/go is pure politics at its worst. As an earlier commentor wrote, sometimes it's the vocal parents that ultimately make the difference. One of my college professor just told us this morning that a nearby community "fired" their whole school board because of issues similar to this. Sheryls last blog post..~* Dedicated to...*~

By: Allison

Allison — Thu, 21 May 2009 23:46:15 +0000

AMEN! you so often speak the things i am thinking but in a much more effective way. i am very apprehensive about the teacher grace will have next year (1st grade) not that i think she is unable, i just don’t feel the compassion for the job coming out of her. i keep praying that i will have more peace about it.

keep on the good fight for emma! you are her biggest hero!

By: Ashley

Ashley — Thu, 21 May 2009 23:11:26 +0000

Hi Heather, I don't usually comment but I just wanted to say that I totally understand! I quit my job (because of a big move) as a tutor at a place called the Comprehensive Autism Program. I spent most of mornings going into classrooms working with different children and providing support to the teacher. There were a few teachers that we had a lot of problems with for this same reason. They were just thrown in there with no real training and we oftentimes had to step in and train THEM on how to handle different situations. Many of our children who had grown leaps and bounds and had overcome many obstacles and behaviors were completely regressing and old behaviors were resurfacing. This was all due to these under qualified teachers being thrown into the classroom, throwing off the schedule, throwing off the routine, and not handling behaviors in the appropriate manner. I hope things get worked out so the qualified teachers will be able to stay in the appropriate classrooms because it makes a world of difference when it comes to your daughter and all children with autism. Ashleys last blog post..Honeymoon is Booked finally

By: Debbie

Debbie — Thu, 21 May 2009 20:07:25 +0000

Are you aware of this blog – http://mommylife.net/
Barbara Curtis has several special needs children and has fought hard to make sure they are getting the education they need. She would be a good person to talk to and may be able to suggest additional resources.

By: Lila Stansbury

Lila Stansbury — Thu, 21 May 2009 19:29:47 +0000

I have a dear friend who has a son who is a special needs child….(cerebral palsy) she was assured by a local school they had a sound special needs teacher…her son was left out during play time unattended….maybe that teacher was out eating lunch..her child fell and left to endure pain from fire ants (all over him)…not only pain of the ants… but for her to find another school who assured her they had a qualified teacher with an assitant..the assistant was laid off and the teacher moved to kindergarten….she was caring and loved special needs children…my friends only choice was to quit her job and homeschool..she knew nothing about homeschool. I keep him when ever I can so she can have SOME income for a few extras…the local goverment is too busy with other dumb things..how to keep historic buildings as in the Summerhouse on Siesta Key..I am sure tourists say let’s go to Florida to see the Summerhouse..in Sarasota well take a picture people, along with Frank Lloyd Wright houses.. bah take another picture and add it in a history book …stop this…does this make any sense?…I am mad and sad that all education is taking a back seat for other “worthy things”..Did this make any sense Heather?…I want to scream ..he is not autistic but also needs a qualified teacher who loves her/his position..

By: Robyn

Robyn — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:40:01 +0000

Hi Heather,
Have you heard of the group Aut 2B Home? Contact Tammy Glaser she has a lott of information, my daughter is autistic but I homeschool her. :0)

By: pendy

pendy — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:37:04 +0000

As a retired special needs teacher, I echo your sentiments. I know you will not give up as an advocate for your child. Sometimes a parent not backing down is the tipping point for getting needed services. pendys last blog post..Eight Months Old!

By: Dana~Are We There Yet?

Dana~Are We There Yet? — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:15:23 +0000

Two of our five children have disabilities (austism, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, low vision, etc.). I admit that I gave up trying to fix our broken system and decided to teach the children myself, at home. I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart on behalf of children you will never know for your dedication to their best interests in public education. Take heart, faint not and do not grow weary in well-doing. Dana~Are We There Yet?s last blog post..Did You Bring Your Brain? Can I Pick It Please?

By: Kathy

Kathy — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:06:05 +0000

Heather – I am sure that you are already aware of this site, but just in case

http://www.wrightslaw.com/

I understand your fight – keep fighting!!! You may just be the parent who is heard!! KB