I am running into a problem at school......Need suggestions...

[Guest guest]

BRIEF HISTORY: My son (6 yr old achon) attended kindergarten last year. The

school was wonderful and were able to accommodate him in every way. He had a

bathroom in his room and we had a step made for the toilet and sink and had a

smaller seat to fit the regular size one. These items stayed in the restroom

and he used them as he needed. It was NO problem all year. Other

accommodations were made and he adapted very well --- all involved were pleased.

CURRENTLY: We went to register for first grade today. There are no restrooms in

first grade rooms. I was told that would have to use the restroom he

used last year (in the kindergarten room ) which happens to be right next door

to his room. This is fine, except for the fact the other boys will go to a

bathroom with stalls and urinals and the fact that he will be interrupting the

teacher and her classroom each time he has to use the restroom. Plus, there

will be times when there may be no one in the room and he may be in there

alone---(they suggested a " buddy " go with him each time). Their reasoning is

that they are building a NEW school and they will be in it by December and are

not going to waste any money in this old school. That is fine, however, they

are not making any accommodations for in the new school either.

The principal told me when he mentioned the scenario to the Superintendent, he

said " We would have to fix EVERY bathroom in the new school " . In other words,

he is not going to do anything to remedy the fact that can't reach the

urinals, toilets, or sinks. I have mentioned in each and every letter I have

written to the principal and the superintendent that when the new school is

being built, I wanted them to keep in mind and anything that could be

adapted for him would be appreciated.

I have called to make an appointment to speak to the superintendent. What do I

need to say? I have never had a problem before and I don't want to make a first

impression as being " pushy " , although I will be if I have to. I want to see

what I can get done without having to " threaten " him. Should I mention the ADA?

Also, where can I get a copy of this to hand to him when I meet with him? I

appreciate any feedback ---- I need it quick though, school starts Monday!!!

THANKS!!!

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[Guest guest]

I agree with getting the step stool and that toilet seat. I'm not

sure what toilet seat you are refering to...I've never had a seat,

just a step stool. Anyways, I don't think you should have the school

pay for this because, they may not let you take it when you need it

someplace else.

I had Vocational Rehabilitation pay for my chair here at work. If my

WORK had paid for my chair, it would have to stay here, and I would

have to go through this again at every job I went to. And what would

my office do with a chair that no one could use? It would probably

stay in storage.

So, Voc Rehab paid for it. I can take the chair every office I go to!

Their goals are to help people go to work.

I don't think that a step stool and a special toilet seat will cost

too much. I think that something you shouldn't bother worring about,

and getting the school all upset for.

My parents always came up with suggestions, but they were willing to

help out as well. My father has made me a special stool for me to put

my feet on! My mother let me use one of her couch pillows for my

back. The schools were always very accomodating for me, but we didnt'

want them to go out of their way for me. Unless it was very

reasonable.

a

> This might work as a compromise:

>

> Imagine a toilet seat that is also a foldable step stool. It has

handles on

> the side to keep the child from falling and is very light-weight

(it's made

> of plastic). My nieces used one when they were little, so I'm sure

that it

> would fit your son. If kept in the bathroom close to his class, he

should be

> able to go unattended and manage by himself. I believe that it was

sold at

> ToysR'Us and wasn't much more than a regular potty chair, but it's

more

> " grown up. " It's like a toilet seat with steps.

> I would make the school pay for it, though.

>

> luthien

[Guest guest]

I'm jumping on the bandwagon late here, but wish to second what Vita and

others have said. The school probably doesn't need to change the plumbing in

the restrooms, if platforms, stools, etc. would work. Those seem to work

for most dwarf kids.

They do need to make accessible to the kid, the door hardware that the child

would normally be expected to be using, but not all over the school (although

they might have to do more next year, etc.) Whatever that takes. New

schools should have all lever handles. If the child still can't reach them,

then they must devise a way to make it work for him. They can do it

electronically, they can provide an aide, they can lower the door pressure,

add a rope and disable the door latch, so he can just swing it open, whatever

it takes, there are many options, once they get used to the idea it's their

job to make it work. I'm not crazy about the aide idea, unless the kid

really really needs it for safety reasons. It's not the " least restrictive

environment " , ie the kid isn't as independent as possible. We are stigmatized

enough. Of course a really talented aide would ensure that the other kids

didn't even know who she/he was there for, but I wouldn't count on it.

The custodial staff is usually very interested in the unique challenge of

creating adaptations, things like door handles and platforms.

Enough from me. If anyone wants a collection of school articles copied from

the old LPA Parent committee newsletters, let me know: RICKERRUTH@...

(not this email address, I probably wouldn't see it.) I know Dan and

are in the process of moving them back online on www.lpaonline.org, but if

you need such in the meantime, email me your mailing address.

Ruth

rickerruth@...