RE: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

[Guest guest]

,

I like that you compared the MD with a chiropractor. I agree with everything you say. So then this discussion is no longer about the STAR program, but rather the quality of the curriculum/education our kids are getting, right? I must admit I do not know what other counties are using for this type of kids (kids who are not yet ready to access the gen ed kindergarten curriculum). The schools in Broward have a long way to go. Much needs to be done. Are you in Broward? Remember there are practically no behavior specialists at the schools. Those who were there last year were laid off, and I heard today that more program specialists may be laid off in the near future (yes, this is crazy, and yes, where are our tax dollars?) So , where does ABA fit in here? Should all cluster teachers be trained in ABA? How should this be done? Please explain this to me.

The cost factor? That all depends on who does the budget, don't you think?

2. I have yet to hear anyone saying that the schools are meeting all of our kids' needs. How can they? The kids are not getting enough speech, OT or good instruction. Then again, if you pull them out for these services every day, they will miss reading instruction or math. This is the nightmare. Even cluster teachers will tell you that. I know you'll get upset now, but I still will say this: Most parents seek outside help because the schools can't possible provide every kid with everything, and the parents themselves are unable to help their kids. Do you feel that you are able to meet you kid's needs? I can't blame everything on the school system (although there are days when I do...). What do you think???

Subject: RE: Re: Broward County Star ProgramTo: sList Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 3:10 PM

Liz, I¢m sorry I wasn¢t able to answer your reply earlier, put it appears others have done it for me. Here are some more observations of mine:

1. It seems to me that there is a real riff between the Educator and Behaviorist. The Educator has a Masters or Doctorate Degree in Education and if you are not from this mold, you can¢t educate. It¢s like the view doctors have of chiropractors. So, I am not surprised to see what Educators think of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). A lot of Research states that this method of teaching has a definite and positive bearing on the progress of an Autistic child. Schools and school districts treat ABA as voodoo as if it can¢t possibly help a child as much as the Education Plan. The Education Plan can only work with autistic children if the Plan includes

strategies to remove the obstacles. The Broward School District¢s STARS Program doesn¢t tend to these obstacles because it drops an essential part, ABA. Also more emphasis needs to be placed on academic goals since these children are neither mentally retarded nor Intellectually deficit as they have been classified in the past. I don¢t buy into the cost factor. Parents of autistic children play taxes just like anyone else. The waste in taxpayers money is not using the proper ABA personnel but in not using them.

2. If the schools are doing their job, why do so many parents choose to go outside for additional help?

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Lizzie BergSent: Sunday, December 14, 2008 5:16 PMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: Re: Re: Broward County Star Program

,

Nothing. Nothing was in place before. That's why this is good. It's good because at least it is a start. Get it?

Liz.

From: Heifferon <gary00001msn (DOT) com>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Sunday, December 14, 2008 9:35:02 AMSubject: RE: Re: Broward County Star Program

What was in place before?

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Lizzie BergSent: Sunday, December 14, 2008 1:21 AMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: Re: Re: Broward County Star Program

,

what do you mean when you say "yes". Yes to what? These are my questions:

Have you looked at the program? What part of it don't you like?

Do you know what was in place before Broward implemented it? Would you like to know?

Lizzie

From: Heifferon <gary00001msn (DOT) com>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 2:28:47 PMSubject: RE: Re: Broward County Star Program

yes

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Lizzie BergSent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 1:05 AMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: Re: Re: Broward County Star Program

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[Guest guest]

Our children should never suffer due to budge constraints. You can't

tell me the school does not have the money to provide a Free

Appropriate Public Education as they are required to. Nowhere does it

say that they will provide FAPE if it does not cost too much, if they

can afford it, or have enough staff.

To add more services, why do they need to be pull out? Why can't

additional services be provided in the classroom? All therapies can

also provide additional assistance and time in the classroom. Maybe at

reading time the speech therapist comes in and does small group

instruction. Or during art and recess OT and PT come in and add small

group instruction. Everything does not need to be pull out and this

can provide assistance to other students in the classroom as well.

2008/12/16 Lizzie Berg :

> ,

>

> I like that you compared the MD with a chiropractor. I agree with everything

> you say. So then this discussion is no longer about the STAR program, but

> rather the quality of the curriculum/education our kids are getting, right?

> I must admit I do not know what other counties are using for this type of

> kids (kids who are not yet ready to access the gen ed kindergarten

> curriculum). The schools in Broward have a long way to go. Much needs to be

> done. Are you in Broward? Remember there are practically no behavior

> specialists at the schools. Those who were there last year were laid off,

> and I heard today that more program specialists may be laid off in the near

> future (yes, this is crazy, and yes, where are our tax dollars?) So ,

> where does ABA fit in here? Should all cluster teachers be trained in ABA?

> How should this be done? Please explain this to me.

>

> The cost factor? That all depends on who does the budget, don't you think?

>

> 2. I have yet to hear anyone saying that the schools are meeting all of our

> kids' needs. How can they? The kids are not getting enough speech, OT

> or good instruction. Then again, if you pull them out for these services

> every day, they will miss reading instruction or math. This is the

> nightmare. Even cluster teachers will tell you that. I know you'll get upset

> now, but I still will say this: Most parents seek outside help because the

> schools can't possible provide every kid with everything, and the parents

> themselves are unable to help their kids. Do you feel that you are able to

> meet you kid's needs? I can't blame everything on the school system

> (although there are days when I do...). What do you think???

>

>

>

>

> Subject: RE: Re: Broward County Star Program

> To: sList

> Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 3:10 PM

>

> Liz, I'm sorry I wasn't able to answer your reply earlier, put it appears

> others have done it for me. Here are some more observations of mine:

>

> 1. It seems to me that there is a real riff between the Educator and

> Behaviorist. The Educator has a Masters or Doctorate Degree in Education and

> if you are not from this mold, you can't educate. It's like the view doctors

> have of chiropractors. So, I am not surprised to see what Educators think of

> Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). A lot of Research states that this method

> of teaching has a definite and positive bearing on the progress of an

> Autistic child. Schools and school districts treat ABA as voodoo as if it

> can't possibly help a child as much as the Education Plan. The Education

> Plan can only work with autistic children if the Plan includes strategies to

> remove the obstacles. The Broward School District's STARS Program doesn't

> tend to these obstacles because it drops an essential part, ABA. Also more

> emphasis needs to be placed on academic goals since these children are

> neither mentally retarded nor Intellectually deficit as they have been

> classified in the past. I don't buy into the cost factor. Parents of

> autistic children play taxes just like anyone else. The waste in taxpayers

> money is not using the proper ABA personnel but in not using them.

>

> 2. If the schools are doing their job, why do so many parents choose

> to go outside for additional help?

>

[Guest guest]

I had a school board person in Broward say that my son was not entitled to the "cadillac" of devices and aids when I asked for him to be given a laptop....he types and has great frustration when not understood and can not express his thoughts clearly due to his apraxia...

-------------- Original message from " Heifferon" : --------------

A school will never tell you that anything is too expensive but actions speak louder than words. As far as pulling the child out of class, it depends on the child and how severe his autism is. Sometimes you can’t keep the child’s attention if he is in a group. Also I don’t think the IEP is accurately followed. Say for example your child is approved for 30 mins of Speech. The group size is 3 children. Does he receive 30 mins of Speech or a fraction of 30 mins? And if you do the division, he is probably getting 10 mins of Speech. Furth more I don’t believe the child will necessarily learn from the others in the class, especially if they are not at the same level. If you are constantly breaking up the speech exercises for the child the child has to start over each time the teacher returns. Give me 30 mins of Speech, period.

From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of HawkSent: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 12:18 PMTo: sList Subject: Re: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

[Guest guest]

I personally believe ALL teachers should have ABA training as it is just good teaching practices.

ABA is a methodology of teaching, which is NOT all discrete trials.

Re: Re: Broward County Star Program

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[Guest guest]

My son has his own laptop at home, uses a computer at school. We were able to get a little 9inch laptop with Windows on it for a little over $300. It has wireless on it and we installed Open Office. He loves it. I see no reason that schools can not use these for students who have outgrown an Alpha Smart and they are even cheaper.

I had a school board person in Broward say that my son was not entitled to the " cadillac " of devices and aids when I asked for him to be given a laptop....he types and has great frustration when not understood and can not express his thoughts clearly due to his apraxia...

-------------- Original message from " Heifferon " : --------------

A school will never tell you that anything is too expensive but actions speak louder than words. As far as pulling the child out of class, it depends on the child and how severe his autism is. Sometimes you can't keep the child's attention if he is in a group. Also I don't think the IEP is accurately followed. Say for example your child is approved for 30 mins of Speech. The group size is 3 children. Does he receive 30 mins of Speech or a fraction of 30 mins? And if you do the division, he is probably getting 10 mins of Speech. Furth more I don't believe the child will necessarily learn from the others in the class, especially if they are not at the same level. If you are constantly breaking up the speech exercises for the child the child has to start over each time the teacher returns. Give me 30 mins of Speech, period.

From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of Hawk

Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 12:18 PMTo: sList Subject: Re: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

[Guest guest]

You can go to Florida Institute of Technology and take online classes. they are less expensive than Nova and yu can complete them generally in your own time. The professor is really brilliant and very, very knowledgeable about his field. The co-instructors are great also. I wish they all lived closer and I would pay millions to have them teach my son.

Nova's classes are about 1500 per class and you need 3 towards becoming a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst, along with supervision hours. If you want to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, you first need a Master's Degree in a related field then you take 2 additional classes to the first 3 and again, obtain supervision hours.

FIT's classes are $750-790 per class depending upon when you register. I love the classes and have learned a lot.

If you have more questions, either about the classes or ABA, let me know!

RE: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

[Guest guest]

My son receives a new computer ever 2 yrs as part of a 2002 due process settlement. Getting something like that from the districts I've spoken with/did IEP's with definitely don't just give them up. You generally request it to be on the IEP, it's not granted... you file due process....they have their lawyer who is on retainer and charging them from it..call you. You call back..play some phone tag..then go to mediation and be strong with that one point. give him the computer or we continue...this works much better with Administrators when a Due Process is pending. If anyone in our large community wishes to file a due process .. after that CNN report which I believe will have a follow up...the time is NOW. Don't forget that paying an attorney is not

necessary.. if you learn as you go you will be a much stronger advocate for your child and others - there's always some helpful 'input' - not advice !Please go and register, comment to vote & Let others know ASAP to do the same(Add this link to your email sig. for the next 5 weeks if you can.....for the kids)http://www.change.org/ideas/view/accept_and_sign_the_autism_reform_act_of_2009I appreciate your support in helping children with Autism and other disabilities.http://officeofadvocacy.spaces.live.com/ under construction but it's there.. E. , Sr. Founder The Office of Advocacy for Autistic ChildrenThis electronic mail message and any attached files contain information intended for the exclusive use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is proprietary, privileged, confidential and/or exempt from disclosure under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, (18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-2521.) To: sList Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 8:10:12 AMSubject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

I had a school board person in Broward say that my son was not entitled to the "cadillac" of devices and aids when I asked for him to be given a laptop....he types and has great frustration when not understood and can not express his thoughts clearly due to his apraxia...

------------ -- Original message from " Heifferon" <gary00001msn (DOT) com>: ------------ --

A school will never tell you that anything is too expensive but actions speak louder than words. As far as pulling the child out of class, it depends on the child and how severe his autism is. Sometimes you can¢t keep the child¢s attention if he is in a group. Also I don¢t think the IEP is accurately followed. Say for example your child is approved for 30 mins of Speech. The group size is 3 children. Does he receive 30 mins of Speech or a fraction of 30 mins? And if you do the division, he is probably getting 10 mins of Speech. Furth more I don¢t believe the child will necessarily learn from the others in the class, especially if they are not at the same level. If you are constantly breaking up the speech exercises for the child the child has to start over each time the teacher returns. Give me 30 mins of Speech, period.

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of HawkSent: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 12:18 PMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: Re: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

[Guest guest]

, if his IEP contained individual Speech Therapy (one-on-one)

for pre-k, how does it get knocked out for K? If he needed it then why doesn’t

he need it now?

From:

sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf

Of Hawk

Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 10:07 PM

To: sList

Subject: Re: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

Maybe that did not come out right. I have had the schools tell me it

is not in the budget, that they just don't have the money or the

resources. The services our children should receive should depend on

what they need, not what is in the budget.

My child (and no family I know) has received individual speech therapy

after pre-k. All my son's speech and even his OT is in small groups

and I wish there were only 3 in a group. The only thing he receives

individually is counseling and I fought to have that as one on one.

> A school will never tell you that anything is too expensive but actions

> speak louder than words. As far as pulling the child out of class, it

> depends on the child and how severe his autism is. Sometimes you can't

keep

> the child's attention if he is in a group. Also I don't think the IEP is

> accurately followed. Say for example your child is approved for 30 mins of

> Speech. The group size is 3 children. Does he receive 30 mins of Speech or

a

> fraction of 30 mins? And if you do the division, he is probably getting 10

> mins of Speech. Furth more I don't believe the child will necessarily

learn

> from the others in the class, especially if they are not at the same

level.

> If you are constantly breaking up the speech exercises for the child the

> child has to start over each time the teacher returns. Give me 30 mins of

> Speech, period.

>

>

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found in this incoming message.

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10:16 AM

[Guest guest]

Tina,

what does it cost to be ABA trained, and where can I do this?

From: Heifferon <gary00001msn (DOT) com>Subject: RE: Re: Broward County Star ProgramTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comDate: Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 3:10 PM

Liz, I¢m sorry I wasn¢t able to answer your reply earlier, put it appears others have done it for me. Here are some more observations of mine:

1. It seems to me that there is a real riff between the Educator and Behaviorist.. The Educator has a Masters or Doctorate Degree in Education and if you are not from this mold, you can¢t educate. It¢s like the view doctors have of chiropractors. So, I am not surprised to see what Educators think of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). A lot of Research states that this method of teaching has a definite and positive bearing on the progress of an Autistic child. Schools and school districts treat ABA as voodoo as if it can¢t possibly help a child as much as the Education Plan. The Education Plan can only work with autistic children if the Plan includes strategies

to remove the obstacles. The Broward School District¢s STARS Program doesn¢t tend to these obstacles because it drops an essential part, ABA. Also more emphasis needs to be placed on academic goals since these children are neither mentally retarded nor Intellectually deficit as they have been classified in the past. I don¢t buy into the cost factor. Parents of autistic children play taxes just like anyone else. The waste in taxpayers money is not using the proper ABA personnel but in not using them.

2. If the schools are doing their job, why do so many parents choose to go outside for additional help?

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Lizzie BergSent: Sunday, December 14, 2008 5:16 PMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: Re: Re: Broward County Star Program

,

Nothing. Nothing was in place before. That's why this is good. It's good because at least it is a start. Get it?

Liz.

From: Heifferon <gary00001msn (DOT) com>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Sunday, December 14, 2008 9:35:02 AMSubject: RE: Re: Broward County Star Program

What was in place before?

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Lizzie BergSent: Sunday, December 14, 2008 1:21 AMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: Re: Re: Broward County Star Program

,

what do you mean when you say "yes". Yes to what? These are my questions:

Have you looked at the program? What part of it don't you like?

Do you know what was in place before Broward implemented it? Would you like to know?

Lizzie

From: Heifferon <gary00001msn (DOT) com>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 2:28:47 PMSubject: RE: Re: Broward County Star Program

yes

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Lizzie BergSent: Saturday, December 13, 2008 1:05 AMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: Re: Re: Broward County Star Program

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[Guest guest]

,

I agree with most of what you said but let me just note that not ALL children with autism are visual learners. I believe that probably the majority may be. However, my child and many others I know are not visual learners in the least bit. This is a big problem for them as most of the school programs are based on this "stereotype" if you will.

Basically the school "programs" (STAR, TEACCH..etc) will never work because all these try to do is accomplish "one size fits all" approach which will NEVER work with our kids. Is the alternative way too costly and difficult to implement? Probably yes, but IDEA does not recognize this excuse as a way to avoid compliance with the statute. Fran

Subject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star ProgramTo: sList Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2008, 12:51 PM

Liz,

The STAR program is where everything starts. It appears the school district has taken bits and pieces from a program. For some its too much and for others it isn’t enough. In any case it seems to classify all the children the same and therefore they receive the same instruction. I don’t think it is fare to say that once they don’t need the program they move on. It would be better to say that once the child masters a certain task you should move on. For example, autistic children as a whole are visual learners and very often have vocalization problems. If the child learns a visual cue that cue should be transitioned into a verbal cue only. We should always strive for the normal activity that typical children do. Also it spends too much time on teaching proper behavior and it forgets the academic. A lot of these activities are performed over and over, five times a week. This in

itself should allow academic instruction and at least starting the preliminary instruction of the 3 R’s. I don’t think we necessarily need Circle Time 5 days per week. Academically we should be striving to accomplish what a normal pre-scholar does. Maybe this is a little too much for some but surely not too much for all.

As far as ABA goes I think the only plausible approach would be to contract out the service. This were it becomes expensive: ABA by its nature is a one-on-one approach to correcting problems. We have all heard the refrain, “We don’t do one-on-one.”

Parents seek outside help not because the school can’t provide with everything but because the school won’t provide what every child needs in order to succeed.

Maybe in addition to ranking a schoo’ls academic achievements, we should also rank schools for their accomplishments in Special Ed.

From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of Lizzie BergSent: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 11:10 PMTo: sList Subject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

[Guest guest]

In the Broward schools there is usually only one SLP for the cluster covering all the cluster students.If there are 30 students in the cluster, there is no way every student can get one on one. It does not matter if it in the IEP or not, because it is physically impossible. If a kid shows up at a school with an IEP goal, the SLP will maybe provide a few minutes one on one with the student. However, some clusters have only two or three classes, and there the kids get on on one unless the speech goals call for group interaction.

Liz> A school will never tell you that anything is too expensive but actions> speak louder than words. As far as pulling the child out of class, it> depends on the child and how severe his autism is. Sometimes you can't

keep> the child's attention if he is in a group. Also I don't think the IEP is> accurately followed. Say for example your child is approved for 30 mins of> Speech. The group size is 3 children. Does he receive 30 mins of Speech or a> fraction of 30 mins? And if you do the division, he is probably getting 10> mins of Speech. Furth more I don't believe the child will necessarily learn> from the others in the class, especially if they are not at the same level.> If you are constantly breaking up the speech exercises for the child the> child has to start over each time the teacher returns. Give me 30 mins of> Speech, period.>>

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[Guest guest]

Tina,

Oh my goodness, thank you so much for the info. I will check it out.

Liz

From: Heifferon <gary00001msn (DOT) com>Subject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star ProgramTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comDate: Wednesday, December 17, 2008, 5:51 PM

Liz,

The STAR program is where everything starts. It appears the school district has taken bits and pieces from a program. For some its too much and for others it isn’t enough. In any case it seems to classify all the children the same and therefore they receive the same instruction. I don’t think it is fare to say that once they don’t need the program they move on. It would be better to say that once the child masters a certain task you should move on. For example, autistic children as a whole are visual learners and very often have vocalization problems. If the child learns a visual cue that cue should be transitioned into a verbal cue only. We should always strive for the normal activity that typical children do. Also it spends too much time on teaching proper behavior and it forgets the academic. A lot of these activities are performed over and over, five times a week. This in

itself should allow academic instruction and at least starting the preliminary instruction of the 3 R’s. I don’t think we necessarily need Circle Time 5 days per week. Academically we should be striving to accomplish what a normal pre-scholar does. Maybe this is a little too much for some but surely not too much for all.

As far as ABA goes I think the only plausible approach would be to contract out the service. This were it becomes expensive: ABA by its nature is a one-on-one approach to correcting problems. We have all heard the refrain, “We don’t do one-on-one.”

Parents seek outside help not because the school can’t provide with everything but because the school won’t provide what every child needs in order to succeed.

Maybe in addition to ranking a schoo’ls academic achievements, we should also rank schools for their accomplishments in Special Ed.

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Lizzie BergSent: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 11:10 PMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

[Guest guest]

You said it doesn’t matter

if it is in the IEP. Has there been a change in the law???

From:

sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf

Of Lizzie Berg

Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 11:30 PM

To: sList

Subject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

[Guest guest]

I think every autistic child in

a special program needs his own lesson plan. But traditional plans are done for

students who meet “normal” standards. Autism is so different for

every child it requires different approaches to different children. For a

typical class a lesson plan becomes pretty much the same year after year

because those students meet certain learning standards. For autistic children

this isn’t the case. This highlights the importance of a good, creative

teacher. But she can only do so much in a system which doesn’t adequately

address the problem.

From: sList

[mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of e c

Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 11:09 PM

To: sList

Subject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

[Guest guest]

no device and was pulled out of the Public School system and uses McKay...the middle of the road kids seem to have a hard time with middle school...currently no deviced but is getting frustrated these days as receptively he gets it all,

-------------- Original message from " Heifferon" : --------------

what kind of device does he presently have?

From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of JeanCbellsouth (DOT) netSent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 1:10 PMTo: sList Subject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

[Guest guest]

,

I did not mean that this does not "matter to me". It matters to me, of course. I think there is something very wrong here when an IEP says 30 minutes of individual SLP services, and the child gets maybe 10 minutes or in many cases, nothing at all. This of course, matters to me. However, what I was trying to say is that SLPs are unable to provide individual services in most cases. Tell me this: What should the school's ESE specialist and the SLP do when they receive children with IEPs that ask for individual services? We now assume that the SLP is booked up all day with other students. Who should decide how much SLP services a student can have? Should non-verbal students be provided with more SLP than the kids who can express themselves? Is 15 minutes a day of SLP services for a moderate to severe kid enough? Is it even useful?

Liz> A school will never tell you that anything is too expensive but actions> speak louder than words. As far as pulling the child out of class, it> depends on the child and how severe his autism is. Sometimes you can't

keep> the child's attention if he is in a group. Also I don't think the IEP is> accurately followed. Say for example your child is approved for 30 mins of> Speech. The group size is 3 children. Does he receive 30 mins of Speech or a> fraction of 30 mins? And if you do the division, he is probably getting 10> mins of Speech. Furth more I don't believe the child will necessarily learn> from the others in the class, especially if they are not at the same level.> If you are constantly breaking up the speech exercises for the child the> child has to start over each time the teacher returns. Give me 30 mins of> Speech, period.>>

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[Guest guest]

Fran,

the Teacch and the STAR will help every kid. Teacch involves the structure of the room from the way the furniture is set up to the type of activites that are implemented in the class. It promotes independence. So please tell me Fran, what is it about the Teacch or the STAR that you don't think applies to your kid? I don't need a bunch of examples, just tell me one little thing, will you please?

Liz

From: Heifferon <gary00001msn (DOT) com>Subject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star ProgramTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comDate: Wednesday, December 17, 2008, 12:51 PM

Liz,

The STAR program is where everything starts. It appears the school district has taken bits and pieces from a program. For some its too much and for others it isn’t enough. In any case it seems to classify all the children the same and therefore they receive the same instruction. I don’t think it is fare to say that once they don’t need the program they move on. It would be better to say that once the child masters a certain task you should move on. For example, autistic children as a whole are visual learners and very often have vocalization problems. If the child learns a visual cue that cue should be transitioned into a verbal cue only. We should always strive for the normal activity that typical children do. Also it spends too much time on teaching proper behavior and it forgets the academic. A lot of these activities are performed over and over, five times a week. This in

itself should allow academic instruction and at least starting the preliminary instruction of the 3 R’s. I don’t think we necessarily need Circle Time 5 days per week. Academically we should be striving to accomplish what a normal pre-scholar does. Maybe this is a little too much for some but surely not too much for all. As far as ABA goes I think the only plausible approach would be to contract out the service. This were it becomes expensive: ABA by its nature is a one-on-one approach to correcting problems. We have all heard the refrain, “We don’t do one-on-one.” Parents seek outside help not because the school can’t provide with everything but because the school won’t provide what every child needs in order to succeed.

Maybe in addition to ranking a schoo’ls academic achievements, we should also rank schools for their accomplishments in Special Ed.

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Lizzie BergSent: Tuesday, December 16, 2008 11:10 PMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

[Guest guest]

Liz,Thank you for your kind words. As a concerned parent I ended up in the place I am now in life, with my own battle for my son (which is a pretty one sided battle now.. I should callit more of a 'clash' recently). I started the Office of Advocacy because back in the mid 90's Advocates were hard to come by, and I paid one that I had to tell to Leave Now - in the middle of an IEP...my son was 3 at the time. That IEP led to due process and I was fortunateenough to have a very knowledgeable Advocate and a good ol' friend that has his own law practice now and taught me how to write Legislative Proposals..and also taught mevery well how to extend or come to a quick end in a Due Process..learning how to Motion isone very big thing that parents representing

themselves should learn. If you are going tofile a due process take a look at some others already done.. Upon filing any due processthere is always a "Honig" stay put motion...which is automatic anyway but allows you togo to what IEP should be the stay put one..and if the response to your motion *any motion*is not timely.. you get it granted. In one case I was asked by a hearing officer if I could'please slow down the rapid motions or consolidate them, but I can't force you to'.Now in that case I slowed them down and consolidated them..a Hearing Officer is like a judgethat is sometimes * or alot * biased towards the district as it is part of the same state thatpays him/her. This is why in the Reform Act we will not allow this. Hearing officers mustbe Federal Employees who report to the same Oversight Committee that is in Item 1. on theProposed ACT. Many things have been

changed and will continue to be...what you seeon the 'idea' is not at all close to what the ACT will cover. Parents have contributed countlessamounts of information and it is being compiled to add to the final draft.. which has a deadlineof Jan. 10th. So any input from anyone concerned is appreciated. Some of the input is not actually even given to me.. it's what is on these yahoo lists.. parental concerns that I see duplicated in different ways. It's unfortunate but once you get into a leading positionin the 'idea' campaign.. you go under attack.. I saw the same thing happen to Dr. Stolleras what is going on with the 'comment' section on the Autism Reform Act site..this is unfortunate but anytime we try to do good we will always see the negative along with themost important part.. which is the positive input. The surge of votes after the CNN airingput the ACT in First Place at

the current time with a pretty wide margin..but keep votingparents and others !!! ( I had to throw that in there !!)... Liz, your commentary is veryaggressive, somewhat like I am, which at times will throw people off - but I find it tobe intelligent and articulate...we need answers to problems we as parents have..andsometimes people just don't want to hear those answers. Sometimes there is NO answer !!I think that as long as we continue to come into one accord on multiple issues we asa community will move forward..we will always have differences of opinion but that's whatmakes this world so interesting !! E. , Sr. Lil Mikey's Dad Please go and register, comment to vote & Let others know ASAP to do the same(Add this link to your email sig. for the

next 5 weeks if you can.....for the kids)http://www.change.org/ideas/view/accept_and_sign_the_autism_reform_act_of_2009I appreciate your support in helping children with Autism and other disabilities.To: sList Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2008 7:30:58 PMSubject: Re: Re: ,Broward County Star

Program

,

your views are interesting because you have a kid on the spectrum who is 15. I listen carefully to what you have to say. It is your opinion as a dad I pay attention to. I also like that you are compassionate and eager to share your views. Whenever I am able to log on in the evening, I always read your postings first

Liz> A school will never tell you that anything is too expensive but actions> speak louder than words. As far as pulling the child out of class, it> depends on the child and how severe

his autism is. Sometimes you can't

keep> the child's attention if he is in a group. Also I don't think the IEP is> accurately followed. Say for example your child is approved for 30 mins of> Speech. The group size is 3 children. Does he receive 30 mins of Speech or a> fraction of 30 mins? And if you do the division, he is probably getting 10> mins of Speech. Furth more I don't believe the child will necessarily learn> from the others in the class, especially if they are not at the same level.> If you are constantly breaking up the speech exercises for the child the> child has to start over each time the teacher returns. Give me 30 mins of> Speech, period.>>

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - http://www.avg. comVersion: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.19/1855 - Release Date: 12/18/2008 10:16 AM

[Guest guest]

I have a grandson 4 years old in

complex place.

From:

sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf

Of Lizzie Berg

Sent: Sunday, December 21, 2008 3:18 PM

To: sList

Subject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

[Guest guest]

Liz,To add to your post to , I often get permission from a Parent in writing to observe the classroomof their child and the other area's which the child is in. I do this professionally and in a very calm butastute manner. I ALWAYS ask nicely if they have a 'Time Out' room, however with the CNN story outthere it may be harder to get that answer. I also ask Aides and Teachers..and anyone else Especially Janitors !!Janitors know about the entire school and seem to be more into their work then any political happeningsor news. This is not a statement about all janitors.. it's just that many have told me EXACTLY wherethese rooms are...they also show me other areas of concern. Janitors are some of the BEST Advocates !! E.

, Sr.http://www.change.org/ideas/view/accept_and_sign_the_autism_reform_act_of_2009I appreciate your support in helping children with Autism and other disabilities. E. , Sr. Founder The Office of Advocacy for Autistic ChildrenThis electronic mail message and any attached files contain information intended for the exclusive use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is proprietary, privileged, confidential and/or exempt from disclosure under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act,

(18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-2521.) To: sList Sent: Saturday,

December 20, 2008 7:03:56 PMSubject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

,

I did not mean to be snippy, but please don't fall asleep on me as I tend to lose sleep over these problems...

, why can't you observe schools???I do it all the time. Don't you have a kid in the school? Of course you can observe. You are allowed an hour every so often and all you need is to otify the teacher that you are coming (they want to be notified 48 hours in advance). If you don't have a kid who is in school now, just hook up with other people's kids and ask the parents if they allow you to either go with them or give you permission to do it on your own. You can always tell the school you are a parent advocate, because that is what you are.

Liz

From: Heifferon <gary00001msn (DOT) com>Subject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star ProgramTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comDate: Friday, December 19, 2008, 2:56 PM

You said it doesn?t matter if it is in the IEP. Has there been a change in the law???

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Lizzie BergSent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 11:30 PMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - http://www.avg. comVersion: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.19/1857 - Release Date: 12/19/2008 10:09 AM

[Guest guest]

,

I appreciate very much your lengthy explanation. You are so informative, and listening to you is such a learning experience. My experience is, as I said before, very limited. I read a lot, but hearing things from people who have been in difficult situations means more than anything to me.

Until the CNN story I learned about here on this list, I had not heard about "Time Out" rooms. I am thinking, that from now on, I want to know where children are taken if they "go off". If a BIP is in place, I would think the school has to have a plan for where the students should be taken, and I should have the right to see it. Are schools really hiding this? If so,then this is horrible.

Ok, says I am snippy , and now you tell me I am aggressive . So far, nobody has said I am boring I am a very kind and peaceful person, if you can imagine that:)

Happy Hannukah to all who celebrate that.

Liz

From: Heifferon <gary00001msn (DOT) com>Subject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star ProgramTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comDate: Friday, December 19, 2008, 2:56 PM

You said it doesn?t matter if it is in the IEP. Has there been a change in the law???

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Lizzie BergSent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 11:30 PMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - http://www.avg. comVersion: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.19/1857 - Release Date: 12/19/2008 10:09 AM

[Guest guest]

Liz, Happy Holidays to you too,Well I guess being snippy or aggressive are good things !I'm blunt and aggressive, I prefer to replace the snippiness with candor ..aka Sarcasm !I save that generally for non compliant Administrators or other parties that tend to deserve it head on.. but I'm sure it follows me wherever I go !!Yes - School's ARE doing that. When I state I have hundreds of emails not to includingonlist postings regarding time out rooms that parents have never seen and parents thathave pulled their child out of school to be homeschooled due to this.. I am quite seriousabout it. My first run in with time out rooms that are built as barbaric punishment for children that most of the time do not understand it is punishment and may keep up their

Maladaptive Behavior due to being brought to the 'quiet room'...either that or somethingmuch worse happens as CNN reported. I have had cases with kids pulling out hair, pullingskin off, picking at themselves, coming out and being sent home after defecating on themselvesand urinating on themselves. The sad part of all this doesn't all go with the kids.. that is a frighteningpart for all concerned people and parents. The truly sad part is that these people deserve to be prosecuted aggressively..not a parent/advocate such as in the following story:-----------------------------------"Autism Advocate Faces 150+ Years in Prison"

Over School District Intimidation Tactics.

By Barry , AutismNews.com

Ray Parenteau is a parent of a child with autism and the co-founder

of AutismAdvocate.net . He has stood up countless times and

advocated for the educational rights of children with autism and

other disabilities in this small central Arizona town of Prescott

for the last several years.

In just the last 90 days he has filed and prevailed in 8 Arizona

Department of Education complaints and one due process complaint

while representing 6 students.

Yesterday he met with Prescott Unified School District's

superintendent Kapp and officials the Department of Justice

from Denver Colorado and came to a resolution agreement concerning

the discrimination of a hearing impaired child with down syndrome.

It was there second time out in a little over a year.

In this case the principle of the junior high school told a students

parents "that it would be too upsetting to the regular students" for

the disabled child to attend here" the family was told. The student

was unable to attend his home school for over one month while the

problem was sorted out.

At 7am this morning Mr. Parenteau he was awakened to a half dozen

plain clothes detectives with guns drawn serving a warrant for his

arrest He was charged with 1 count of fraud and 31 counts of forgery

resulting from a contract between his company and the district from

a due process complaint to educate his son.

"I have done nothing wrong. "This is a clear case of intimidation

between the Prescott Unified School Distinct and myself to prevent

me from helping the kids that need it the most." states Mr.

Parenteau. I was just trying to hold them (the district)

accountable and give the kids a chance to succeed."

READ MORE AT: (copy and paste)

(That is if you want to read the biased version - Mike)

http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?

SectionID=1 & SubSectionID=1 & ArticleID=62649 & TM=32274.19

AutismNews.com

PUSDinCRISIS.com

Please send this email to everyone you know. Ray is my advocate for

my two kids with autism. I know it is a smear campaign and he will

be found innocent!--------------------------------------------------------------Now in this case this Advocate/Father is looking at a century and a half behind barsfor coming to a settlement (that means it's settled..right ? Wrong...) with the districtregarding payment for an inhome program. Who knows how long this father paid forit out of his own pocket. But because he paid someone half of what the district gavehim AND because he is an Advocate.. he is facing fraud charge and other chargesbased on keeping part of what he was probably already owed, and that 'part' isthe key word. We must send a message to our President Elect, to all of thosethat wish to go after Advocates like we are some kind of 'wanted' people onpictures in the post office. If someone were to break the law and takesome funds that they were owed back to them in an 'unwritten agreement',

would they be charged with anything.. and would they have even broken the law.Just as an Advocate is not allowed to directly quote the law based on a circumstance(Although we do), A school district that admitted they had not given the childhis Civil Right should as well be accountable. This father has done nothing morethen what should have warranted a warning or at the most a lawsuit asking forthe funds back..then he could have countered on the fact they owe him even more.Instead state troopers come in with guns in hand and ready to shoot a Fatherof a child with Autism who wants to help others.. and instead of going after himfor helping others they are making a media parade about how he 'helped himself' andomitting the face that they did not help the child which led to a due process which ledto a settlement - a far cry from someone committing a crime that would call for even a day and a

half behind bars.. let alone 150 years.. When are we just going to say" ENOUGH ALREADY !!! " I have already stated this and will continue to do so.In this last week we've seen the CNN reports.. and now we see this. They wantall Advocates to shake in their shoes. I will not. Instead we shall shake their shoes,vote for the Autism Reform ACT and let them know.. this isn't a request to further my agenda.. the ACT is already in the lead by far, but I think we should" lay the hammer down " on this and let our future President know that weshall not be intimidated through tactics such as this. I refuse to be.http://www.change.org/ideas/view/accept_and_sign_the_autism_reform_act_of_2009 E. , Sr. Founder, The Office of Advocacy for Autistic Children

I appreciate your support in helping children with Autism and other disabilities.Another very strong idea that should be looked at by all to help so many that need this.. Regarding Medicaid Waivers being fully funded . please look at this and vote accordingly - this will change the future of many.. the site for the Medicaid Reform is at:http://www.change.org/idea/view/fully_fund_medicaid_waivers_for_the_developmentally_disabledThis electronic mail message and any attached files contain information intended for the exclusive use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is proprietary, privileged, confidential and/or exempt from disclosure under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, (18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-2521.)

To: sList Sent: Monday, December 22, 2008 4:40:27 PMSubject: Re: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

,

I appreciate very much your lengthy explanation. You are so informative, and listening to you is such a learning experience. My experience is, as I said before, very limited. I read a lot, but hearing things from people who have been in difficult situations means more than anything to me.

Until the CNN story I learned about here on this list, I had not heard about "Time Out" rooms. I am thinking, that from now on, I want to know where children are taken if they "go off". If a BIP is in place, I would think the school has to have a plan for where the students should be taken, and I should have the right to see it. Are schools really hiding this? If so,then this is horrible.

Ok, says I am snippy , and now you tell me I am aggressive . So far, nobody has said I am boring I am a very kind and peaceful person, if you can imagine that:)

Happy Hannukah to all who celebrate that.

Liz

From: Heifferon <gary00001msn (DOT) com>Subject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star ProgramTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comDate: Friday, December 19, 2008, 2:56 PM

You said it doesn?t matter if it is in the IEP. Has there been a change in the law???

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Lizzie BergSent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 11:30 PMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - http://www.avg. comVersion: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.19/1857 - Release Date: 12/19/2008 10:09 AM

[Guest guest]

If I may…I’ve been called “intense”

and I like to replace it with “passionate.”  Maybe “aggressive”

can be replaced by “passionate” also…seems more suitable to

me…

From:

sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of E. , Sr.

Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2008

4:02 PM

To: sList

Subject: Re: Re: ,Broward

County Star Program

Liz, Happy Holidays to you too,

Well I guess being snippy or aggressive are good things !

I'm blunt and aggressive, I prefer to replace the snippiness with candor ..aka

Sarcasm !

I save that generally for non compliant Administrators or other parties that

tend to

deserve it head on.. but I'm sure it follows me wherever I go !!

Yes - School's ARE doing that. When I state I have hundreds of emails not

to including

onlist postings regarding time out rooms that parents have never seen and

parents that

have pulled their child out of school to be homeschooled due to this.. I am

quite serious

about it. My first run in with time out rooms that are built as barbaric

punishment for

children that most of the time do not understand it is punishment and may keep

up their

Maladaptive Behavior due to being brought to the 'quiet room'...either that or

something

much worse happens as CNN reported. I have had cases with kids pulling

out hair, pulling

skin off, picking at themselves, coming out and being sent home after defecating

on themselves

and urinating on themselves. The sad part of all this doesn't all go with the

kids.. that is a frightening

part for all concerned people and parents. The truly sad part is that

these people deserve to

be prosecuted aggressively..not a parent/advocate such as in the following

story:

-----------------------------------

" Autism Advocate Faces 150+ Years in Prison "

Over School District Intimidation Tactics.

By Barry , AutismNews.com

Ray Parenteau is a parent of a child with autism and the co-founder

of AutismAdvocate.net . He has stood up countless times and

advocated for the educational rights of children with autism and

other disabilities in this small central Arizona

town of Prescott

for the last several years.

In just the last 90 days he has filed and prevailed in 8 Arizona

Department of Education complaints and one due process complaint

while representing 6 students.

Yesterday he met with Prescott

Unified School

District's

superintendent Kapp and officials the Department of Justice

from Denver Colorado and came to a resolution agreement

concerning

the discrimination of a hearing impaired child with down syndrome.

It was there second time out in a little over a year.

In this case the principle of the junior high school told a students

parents " that it would be too upsetting to the regular students " for

the disabled child to attend here " the family was told. The student

was unable to attend his home school for over one month while the

problem was sorted out.

At 7am this morning Mr. Parenteau he was awakened to a half dozen

plain clothes detectives with guns drawn serving a warrant for his

arrest He was charged with 1 count of fraud and 31 counts of forgery

resulting from a contract between his company and the district from

a due process complaint to educate his son.

" I have done nothing wrong. " This is a clear case of intimidation

between the Prescott Unified School Distinct and myself to prevent

me from helping the kids that need it the most. " states Mr.

Parenteau. I was just trying to hold them (the district)

accountable and give the kids a chance to succeed. "

READ MORE AT: (copy and paste)

(That is if you want to read the biased version - Mike)

http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?

SectionID=1 & SubSectionID=1 & ArticleID=62649 & TM=32274.19

AutismNews.com

PUSDinCRISIS.com

Please send this email to everyone you know. Ray is my advocate for

my two kids with autism. I know it is a smear campaign and he will

be found innocent!

--------------------------------------------------------------

Now in this case this Advocate/Father is looking at a century and a half behind

bars

for coming to a settlement (that means it's settled..right ? Wrong...)

with the district

regarding payment for an inhome program. Who knows how long this father

paid for

it out of his own pocket. But because he paid someone half of what the

district gave

him AND because he is an Advocate.. he is facing fraud charge and other charges

based on keeping part of what he was probably already owed, and that 'part' is

the key word. We must send a message to our President Elect,

to all of those

that wish to go after Advocates like we are some kind of 'wanted' people on

pictures in the post office. If someone were to break the law

and take

some funds that they were owed back to them in an 'unwritten agreement',

would they be charged with anything.. and would they have even broken the law.

Just as an Advocate is not allowed to directly quote the law based on a

circumstance

(Although we do), A school district that admitted they had not given the child

his Civil Right should as well be accountable. This father

has done nothing more

then what should have warranted a warning or at the most a lawsuit asking for

the funds back..then he could have countered on the fact they owe him even

more.

Instead state troopers come in with guns in hand and ready to shoot a Father

of a child with Autism who wants to help others.. and instead of going after

him

for helping others they are making a media parade about how he 'helped himself'

and

omitting the face that they did not help the child which led to a due process

which led

to a settlement - a far cry from someone committing a crime that would call for

even a

day and a half behind bars.. let alone 150 years.. When are we just going to

say

" ENOUGH ALREADY !!! " I have already stated this and will continue

to do so.

In this last week we've seen the CNN reports.. and now we see this. They

want

all Advocates to shake in their shoes. I will not. Instead we shall

shake their shoes,

vote for the Autism Reform ACT and let them know.. this isn't a request to

further my agenda.. the ACT is already in the lead by far, but I think we

should

" lay the hammer down " on this and let our future President know

that we

shall not be intimidated through tactics such as this. I refuse to be.

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/accept_and_sign_the_autism_reform_act_of_2009

E. , Sr. Founder, The Office of Advocacy for Autistic

Children

I

appreciate your support in helping children with Autism and other disabilities.

Another very strong idea that should be looked at by all to help

so many that need this.. Regarding Medicaid Waivers being fully funded . please

look at this and vote accordingly - this will change the future of many.. the

site for the Medicaid Reform is at:

http://www.change.org/idea/view/fully_fund_medicaid_waivers_for_the_developmentally_disabled

This electronic mail message and any attached files contain

information intended for the exclusive use of the individual or entity to

whom it is addressed and may contain information that is proprietary,

privileged, confidential and/or exempt from disclosure under the Electronic

Communications Privacy Act,

(18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-2521.)

From: Lizzie

Berg <floridalizzie>

To: sList

Sent: Monday, December 22, 2008

4:40:27 PM

Subject: Re: Re: ,Broward

County Star Program

,

I appreciate very much your lengthy explanation. You are

so informative, and listening to you is such a learning experience. My

experience is, as I said before, very limited. I read a lot, but hearing

things from people who have been in difficult situations means more than

anything to me.

Until the CNN story I learned about here on this list, I

had not heard about " Time Out " rooms. I am thinking, that from now

on, I want to know where children are taken if they " go off " . If a

BIP is in place, I would think the school has to have a plan for where the

students should be taken, and I should have the right to see it. Are schools

really hiding this? If so,then this is horrible.

Ok,

says I am snippy , and now you tell me I am aggressive . So far,

nobody has said I am boring I am a very kind and peaceful person, if

you can imagine that:)

Happy Hannukah to all who celebrate that.

Liz

From:

Heifferon <gary00001msn (DOT) com>

Subject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Date: Friday, December 19, 2008, 2:56 PM

You said it doesn?t matter if it

is in the IEP. Has there been a change in the law???

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com

[mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Lizzie Berg

Sent: Thursday, December

18, 2008 11:30 PM

To: sList@

yahoogroups. com

Subject: RE:

Re: ,Broward County

Star Program

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG - http://www.avg. com

Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.19/1857 - Release Date:

12/19/2008 10:09 AM

[Guest guest]

Liz,I think my aggressive nature is due to the passion I have for what I do .. the compassion for the kids, I find myself buried in it without alot of breaks for days/weeks/months at a time.. that passion for the desire to see change, make it happen in some cases, and make sure every last person that I can touch is touched.. sometimes I come off as being aggressive or whatever.. but it's because the individual doesn't realize what I've seen and done and lived through and the love I have for mankind in general. That coupled with my intense love for II and helping as much as I can to insure a better quality of education and life for individuals like him... makes that passion even stronger. Put all that together with an intense love for God and faith that I know can do anything..

and it gives me the strength to be like a mountain.. and unmoveable..unshakeable..unstoppeable... I think that anyone that has a love for what they do will show it in many different ways based on the individual that has the passion..some come out quietly but really do care, some come off harsh, I come off bold like it or not kinda style, Its just the way I am. Mele Kalikimaka, Please go and register, comment to vote & Let others know ASAP to do the same(Add this link to your email sig. for the next 5 weeks if you can.....for the kids)http://www.change.org/ideas/view/accept_and_sign_the_autism_reform_act_of_2009I appreciate your support in helping children with Autism and other

disabilities.http://officeofadvocacy.spaces.live.com/ under construction but it's there..Another very strong idea that should be looked at by all to help so many that need this.. Regarding Medicaid Waivers being fully funded . please look at this and vote accordingly - this will change the future of many.. the site for the Medicaid Reform is at:http://www.change.org/idea/view/fully_fund_medicaid_waivers_for_the_developmentally_disabled E. , Sr. Founder The Office of Advocacy for Autistic ChildrenThis electronic mail message and any attached files contain information intended for the exclusive use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is proprietary, privileged, confidential and/or exempt from disclosure under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, (18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-2521.)

To: sList Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2008 1:05:53 PMSubject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

If I may…I’ve been called “intense”

and I like to replace it with “passionate.” Maybe “aggressive”

can be replaced by “passionate” also…seems more suitable to

me…

From:

sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of E. , Sr.

Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2008

4:02 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Re: , Broward County Star Program

Liz, Happy Holidays to you too,

Well I guess being snippy or aggressive are good things !

I'm blunt and aggressive, I prefer to replace the snippiness with candor ..aka

Sarcasm !

I save that generally for non compliant Administrators or other parties that

tend to

deserve it head on.. but I'm sure it follows me wherever I go !!

Yes - School's ARE doing that. When I state I have hundreds of emails not

to including

onlist postings regarding time out rooms that parents have never seen and

parents that

have pulled their child out of school to be homeschooled due to this.. I am

quite serious

about it. My first run in with time out rooms that are built as barbaric

punishment for

children that most of the time do not understand it is punishment and may keep

up their

Maladaptive Behavior due to being brought to the 'quiet room'...either that or

something

much worse happens as CNN reported. I have had cases with kids pulling

out hair, pulling

skin off, picking at themselves, coming out and being sent home after defecating

on themselves

and urinating on themselves. The sad part of all this doesn't all go with the

kids.. that is a frightening

part for all concerned people and parents. The truly sad part is that

these people deserve to

be prosecuted aggressively. .not a parent/advocate such as in the following

story:

------------ --------- --------- -----

"Autism Advocate Faces 150+ Years in Prison"

Over School District Intimidation Tactics.

By Barry , AutismNews.com

Ray Parenteau is a parent of a child with autism and the co-founder

of AutismAdvocate. net . He has stood up countless times and

advocated for the educational rights of children with autism and

other disabilities in this small central Arizona town of Prescott

for the last several years.

In just the last 90 days he has filed and prevailed in 8 Arizona

Department of Education complaints and one due process complaint

while representing 6 students.

Yesterday he met with Prescott Unified School

District 's

superintendent Kapp and officials the Department of Justice

from Denver Colorado and came to a resolution agreement

concerning

the discrimination of a hearing impaired child with down syndrome.

It was there second time out in a little over a year.

In this case the principle of the junior high school told a students

parents "that it would be too upsetting to the regular students" for

the disabled child to attend here" the family was told. The student

was unable to attend his home school for over one month while the

problem was sorted out.

At 7am this morning Mr. Parenteau he was awakened to a half dozen

plain clothes detectives with guns drawn serving a warrant for his

arrest He was charged with 1 count of fraud and 31 counts of forgery

resulting from a contract between his company and the district from

a due process complaint to educate his son.

"I have done nothing wrong. "This is a clear case of intimidation

between the Prescott Unified School Distinct and myself to prevent

me from helping the kids that need it the most." states Mr.

Parenteau. I was just trying to hold them (the district)

accountable and give the kids a chance to succeed."

READ MORE AT: (copy and paste)

(That is if you want to read the biased version - Mike)

http://www.dcourier .com/main. asp?

SectionID=1 & SubSectionID= 1 & ArticleID=62649 & TM=32274.19

AutismNews.com

PUSDinCRISIS. com

Please send this email to everyone you know. Ray is my advocate for

my two kids with autism. I know it is a smear campaign and he will

be found innocent!

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -----

Now in this case this Advocate/Father is looking at a century and a half behind

bars

for coming to a settlement (that means it's settled..right ? Wrong...)

with the district

regarding payment for an inhome program. Who knows how long this father

paid for

it out of his own pocket. But because he paid someone half of what the

district gave

him AND because he is an Advocate.. he is facing fraud charge and other charges

based on keeping part of what he was probably already owed, and that 'part' is

the key word. We must send a message to our President Elect,

to all of those

that wish to go after Advocates like we are some kind of 'wanted' people on

pictures in the post office. If someone were to break the law

and take

some funds that they were owed back to them in an 'unwritten agreement',

would they be charged with anything.. and would they have even broken the law.

Just as an Advocate is not allowed to directly quote the law based on a

circumstance

(Although we do), A school district that admitted they had not given the child

his Civil Right should as well be accountable. This father

has done nothing more

then what should have warranted a warning or at the most a lawsuit asking for

the funds back..then he could have countered on the fact they owe him even

more.

Instead state troopers come in with guns in hand and ready to shoot a Father

of a child with Autism who wants to help others.. and instead of going after

him

for helping others they are making a media parade about how he 'helped himself'

and

omitting the face that they did not help the child which led to a due process

which led

to a settlement - a far cry from someone committing a crime that would call for

even a

day and a half behind bars.. let alone 150 years.. When are we just going to

say

" ENOUGH ALREADY !!! " I have already stated this and will continue

to do so.

In this last week we've seen the CNN reports.. and now we see this. They

want

all Advocates to shake in their shoes. I will not. Instead we shall

shake their shoes,

vote for the Autism Reform ACT and let them know.. this isn't a request to

further my agenda.. the ACT is already in the lead by far, but I think we

should

" lay the hammer down " on this and let our future President know

that we

shall not be intimidated through tactics such as this. I refuse to be.

http://www.change. org/ideas/ view/accept_ and_sign_ the_autism_ reform_act_ of_2009

E. , Sr. Founder, The Office of Advocacy for Autistic

Children

I

appreciate your support in helping children with Autism and other disabilities.

Another very strong idea that should be looked at by all to help

so many that need this.. Regarding Medicaid Waivers being fully funded . please

look at this and vote accordingly - this will change the future of many.. the

site for the Medicaid Reform is at:

http://www.change. org/idea/ view/fully_ fund_medicaid_ waivers_for_ the_developmenta lly_disabled

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From: Lizzie

Berg <floridalizzie@ yahoo.com>

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Sent: Monday, December 22, 2008

4:40:27 PM

Subject: Re: Re: , Broward County Star Program

,

I appreciate very much your lengthy explanation. You are

so informative, and listening to you is such a learning experience. My

experience is, as I said before, very limited. I read a lot, but hearing

things from people who have been in difficult situations means more than

anything to me.

Until the CNN story I learned about here on this list, I

had not heard about "Time Out" rooms. I am thinking, that from now

on, I want to know where children are taken if they "go off". If a

BIP is in place, I would think the school has to have a plan for where the

students should be taken, and I should have the right to see it. Are schools

really hiding this? If so,then this is horrible.

Ok, says I am snippy , and now you tell me I am aggressive . So far,

nobody has said I am boring I am a very kind and peaceful person, if

you can imagine that:)

Happy Hannukah to all who celebrate that.

Liz

From:

Heifferon <gary00001msn (DOT) com>

Subject: RE: Re: , Broward County Star Program

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Date: Friday, December 19, 2008, 2:56 PM

You said it doesn?t matter if it

is in the IEP. Has there been a change in the law???

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com

[mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Lizzie Berg

Sent: Thursday, December

18, 2008 11:30 PM

To: sList@

yahoogroups. com

Subject: RE:

Re: , Broward County Star Program

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG - http://www.avg. com

Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.19/1857 - Release Date:

12/19/2008 10:09 AM

[Guest guest]

,

again,thanks for your thorough explanation and example of how bad things can be (I am referring to the case in Arizona). Did Autism Advocate publish a magazine? I think I used to subscribe to it...It is horrible that people who have some power in our society (such as law enforcement and county officials) can be so hateful. No wonder many families are reluctant to speaking up or even filing suits. Thank you, , for taking the time to inform us readers about these issues.

As 2009 is around the corner, I have promised myself that I will be less afraid of speaking up on behalf of all the kids who suffer. I just have to find ways to be effective. How can I make a difference?

Merry Christmas to all who celebrate that:)

Liz

From: Heifferon <gary00001msn (DOT) com>Subject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star ProgramTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comDate: Friday, December 19, 2008, 2:56 PM

You said it doesn?t matter if it is in the IEP. Has there been a change in the law???

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Lizzie BergSent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 11:30 PMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: RE: Re: ,Broward County Star Program

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - http://www.avg. comVersion: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.9.19/1857 - Release Date: 12/19/2008 10:09 AM