Aubrae
04-06-2007, 05:38 PM
Hi, as a public school teacher, and parent, I encourage any parents out there to make sure your child is receiving adequate accommodation by your school. This could include something as simple as your child having a big letter keyboard for visual problems, to having wheelchair-accessible entry (you would think this would be a given in a public school, right? Unfortunately, not necessarily).
Remember, your child does not necessariy have to have an IEP or be classified as "Special Needs" to be entitled to adaptation. There are various medical situations - such as your child needing to be temporarily in a wheelchair or on crutches, to medical situations, such as fibromyalgia or diabetes, where your child may need a few minutes rest or time to eat/take meds, etc.
I, along with other teachers I know, have encountered problems in trying to assist students in gaining adequate adaptive devices. I have found we get much further with the powers that be if the parents also become the "squeaky wheels", in contacting principals, local school board members, representatives, etc. The US gov. also has a department of architects who will advise/analyze problems with entrances/facilities in public places. This includes even private schools receiving federal funding. A complaint usually has to be made, and really has to be done by the student and parents.
I know that many school districts are strapped financially - but believe me, sometimes just a few simple and logical accommodations can make all the difference in helping a student keep up or fall behind in class, and in having a positive classroom experience.
Thanks for your time!
Remember, your child does not necessariy have to have an IEP or be classified as "Special Needs" to be entitled to adaptation. There are various medical situations - such as your child needing to be temporarily in a wheelchair or on crutches, to medical situations, such as fibromyalgia or diabetes, where your child may need a few minutes rest or time to eat/take meds, etc.
I, along with other teachers I know, have encountered problems in trying to assist students in gaining adequate adaptive devices. I have found we get much further with the powers that be if the parents also become the "squeaky wheels", in contacting principals, local school board members, representatives, etc. The US gov. also has a department of architects who will advise/analyze problems with entrances/facilities in public places. This includes even private schools receiving federal funding. A complaint usually has to be made, and really has to be done by the student and parents.
I know that many school districts are strapped financially - but believe me, sometimes just a few simple and logical accommodations can make all the difference in helping a student keep up or fall behind in class, and in having a positive classroom experience.
Thanks for your time!