Guest guest Posted May 26, 2002 Report Share Posted May 26, 2002 Hippotherapy is also known as Therapeutic Horseback Riding. Deanna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2002 Report Share Posted May 26, 2002 What is hippotherapy? I've never heard of that one but I'd love to learn some new sensory integration approaches. My 3 year-old ASD daughter is very hyperactive and it seems that we can never give her enough input. ~Amy mamaznutz@... Check out my family webpage! www.geocities.com/amyboz " I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. " Bill Cosby ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ schools Hi I just wanted you to know that we don't live in Maine we live in Massachusetts. Also, you fight for everything you can get. I you have a right to appeal the school if you feel the schools placement/enviroment or services is not adequect. Tell them if they can't provide the right services or enviroment you want an out of school placement and they will have to pay for it. They will pay for it because they are afraid of this little word called regression. It packs a powerful punch when you bring that up. I am lucky because the Early Intervention Program in my area is huge on educating parents when it comes to your rights and making a transition to school. Find out all you can about what your states sped. ed laws and regulations. On another note does anyone else use hippotherapy for sensory intergration. It has been amazing for my daughter. Also, music therapy has been great too. cindy jankowski --------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2002 Report Share Posted May 26, 2002 What is hippotherapy? I've never heard of that one but I'd love to learn some new sensory integration approaches. My 3 year-old ASD daughter is very hyperactive and it seems that we can never give her enough input. ~Amy mamaznutz@... Check out my family webpage! www.geocities.com/amyboz " I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. " Bill Cosby ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ schools Hi I just wanted you to know that we don't live in Maine we live in Massachusetts. Also, you fight for everything you can get. I you have a right to appeal the school if you feel the schools placement/enviroment or services is not adequect. Tell them if they can't provide the right services or enviroment you want an out of school placement and they will have to pay for it. They will pay for it because they are afraid of this little word called regression. It packs a powerful punch when you bring that up. I am lucky because the Early Intervention Program in my area is huge on educating parents when it comes to your rights and making a transition to school. Find out all you can about what your states sped. ed laws and regulations. On another note does anyone else use hippotherapy for sensory intergration. It has been amazing for my daughter. Also, music therapy has been great too. cindy jankowski --------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2002 Report Share Posted May 26, 2002 Amy Beyer-Boswell <mamaznutz@...> wrote: What is hippotherapy? I've never heard of that one but I'd love to learn some new sensory integration approaches. My 3 year-old ASD daughter is very hyperactive and it seems that we can never give her enough input. ~Amy mamaznutz@... Check out my family webpage! www.geocities.com/amyboz " I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. " Bill Cosby ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ schools Hi I just wanted you to know that we don't live in Maine we live in Massachusetts. Also, you fight for everything you can get. I you have a right to appeal the school if you feel the schools placement/enviroment or services is not adequect. Tell them if they can't provide the right services or enviroment you want an out of school placement and they will have to pay for it. They will pay for it because they are afraid of this little word called regression. It packs a powerful punch when you bring that up. I am lucky because the Early Intervention Program in my area is huge on educating parents when it comes to your rights and making a transition to school. Find out all you can about what your states sped. ed laws and regulations. On another note does anyone else use hippotherapy for sensory intergration. It has been amazing for my daughter. Also, music therapy has been great too. cindy jankowski --------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 13, 2002 Report Share Posted June 13, 2002 My recommendation would be to talk to other parents with sp ed children. Find out from them what works and what doesn't work. Talk to them about the teachers, the types of classroom settings, how open they are to parent input, etc. You can also go to school websites and get some information, but I'm not sure how detailed it will be as far as what you are looking for. I know somewhere I got a number of complaints filed against a school or district, I'm not sure where I got that from. I wonder if the state dept of education is allowed to give that out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 13, 2002 Report Share Posted June 13, 2002 You may try calling the special ed directors for the schools you are interested in and ask if they could call some of the parents of children with special needs and give the parents your name and have them call you. This has worked for me in the past. Mom to 10 and Noah 2 (both with Down syndrome) We all have strengths that can't be measured by IQ! Need great information/resources about Down syndrome? Check out <A HREF= " http://www.csdsa.org " >www.csdsa.org</A> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 13, 2002 Report Share Posted June 13, 2002 You can contact the PTIC in every state and they can give you names of parents. Just look up PTIC on the web. It stands for Parent Training and Information Center and is required as part of IDEA that every state have one. Usually the numbers are toll free. I did my advocacy through the PTICs in 3 states and then through keeping up with the law and on the phone and online in Hawaii. We are contemplating moving for better adult services as well as high school services. We can't go too far from home (we are 6 hours now) and that is a problem because services in the south stink. Elaine Schools > > > We recently learned that the school has changed special ed teachers on us. > Both my husband dislike this woman who will be the elementary teacher. > > We are contemplating moving to find a better school. How do we truly find > out about another school? How they educate students with learning needs? I > imagine since it is summer time, it will be difficult to find these things > out. Do you just start calling schools? What do you ask? They won't give > you names of parents, I'm sure. > > This is so stressful, we can't afford to up and move everytime there's a > problem, so I want to be sure and find the right place for Austin. > > Please, anyone with advice? > > Thank You, > Kelli Mom to Austin 6 yrs old. > > _________________________________________________________________ > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp. > > > > Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for messages to go to the sender of the message. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 JoAnn, How old is ? Do you pay out of pocket for the therapies you are getting now? Good luck with your meeting!!! Pam JoAnn wrote:Pam, Sounds Like your school is really trying to help your children and do care about what you want for them. We have a meeting tomorrow with our director of special ed (not the one from the school district where attends school) and two educational consultants form Autism Society of Michigan to discuss being creative with 's program this year and hopefully away from Mrs. Basic Life Skills. 's private speech therapist suggested going part of the day and having the teacher that I like and really cares about and then doing some of the subjects at home with her, she gets private Speech, O.T., Music Therapy and may continue Vision Therapy the fall. She will also be swimming at MSU again this fall. Its time that our school really think about programs to fit our kids unique needs and not fit them into the programs that they have, isin't that why they call it Special Ed? We have had to adapt living with these kids why can't they---they are the ones with the education. Thank you for the recipes, went to the Health Food store and the biggest bag of brown rice flour that I could find was 2 pound bags. I like the brown rice better than white because the baked goods seem to be less grainy. Peace and Prayers to all, JoAnn Mom to Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 Hi JoAnne, Does the school contract a music therapist to come in and work with or how do they arrange this? It sounds like you have an awesome team as well. Take care, Cheryl mom to Angel and Allie > Pam, Sounds Like your school is really trying to help your children and do care about what you want for them. We have a meeting tomorrow with our director of special ed (not the one from the school district where attends school) and two educational consultants form Autism Society of Michigan to discuss being creative with 's program this year and hopefully away from Mrs. Basic Life Skills. 's private speech therapist suggested going part of the day and having the teacher that I like and really cares about and then doing some of the subjects at home with her, she gets private Speech, O.T., Music Therapy and may continue Vision Therapy the fall. She will also be swimming at MSU again this fall. Its time that our school really think about programs to fit our kids unique needs and not fit them into the programs that they have, isin't that why they call it Special Ed? We have had to adapt living with these kids why can't they---they are the ones with the education. > Thank you for the recipes, went to the Health Food store and the biggest bag of brown rice flour that I could find was 2 pound bags. I like the brown rice better than white because the baked goods seem to be less grainy. > Peace and Prayers to all, JoAnn Mom to > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 Hi JoAnne, your post made me think alot about the program we will develop for Angel this year. I have decided to see if we can hire a music therapist as part of the program and I also want to begin horseback riding lessons on a weekly basis. This can be incorporated into Angel's school day or can be included into her therapy time. I spoke with the instructor today and she is very happy about working with Angel. I would never have thought about asking to have other things incorporated into her program if I hadn't read the posts from both yourself and Pam. Take care, Cheryl, mom to Angel and Allie > Pam, We pay for the private speech during the school year (sometimes 2 times a week) for the last 3 summers we have gotten the Intermediate school to pay as 's ESY. The O.T. is paid by our insurance company. We take to MSU for MusicTherapy which we pay for. There is a very small possibility that the insurance will pay for the Vision Therapy. My husband is retired and the driving keeps him busy. For so many years, even after the Autism diagnosis, her therapists at school did not know very much about the needs of a child with Autism. All of the private therapists are very knowledgable and many of the children that they work with have Autism. (They are a great source of support for me and I have learned a lot from them) Am gathering all of her IEP records and samples of her work from past years to show that she has not been working at the level that she was when she left fifth grade. > , and I had waffles made from your recipe for dinner today and they were better than the frozen ones that I had been buying. Thanks so much. > Peace and Prayers to All, JoAnn Mom to > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2002 Report Share Posted September 10, 2002 Right ON! We certainly bring out the rebel in each other! I have made myself a goal. If I get no response, then I will go see my principal. My VP is in charge of rooms and building. You fight the good fight. I had more energy today - i ran a drama meeting that had 50 kids and came home and washed the dog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2002 Report Share Posted September 10, 2002 Washed the dog????? It is going to get cold soon, so that dog BETTER enjoy getting clean now! LOL....anyway, hope you have a great day tomorrow! Debby Re: [ ] Schools Right ON! We certainly bring out the rebel in each other! I have made myself a goal. If I get no response, then I will go see my principal. My VP is in charge of rooms and building. You fight the good fight.I had more energy today - i ran a drama meeting that had 50 kids and came home and washed the dog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 I have attended both regular and " special " schools and I can tell you that I definitely prefer the regular school because of the interaction and living in the " real " world. Although, at times it can get really difficult in a regular school curriculum it has taught me some very valuable lessons of dealing with my disability in a regular setting. Just my thoughts. Joe In a message dated 1/27/2004 4:40:46 PM Eastern Standard Time, kitty72470@... writes: I was wondering if some of you could give me some advice regarding schools. My daughter (SMA II) is currently enrolled in a public school in the 5th grade. Our district has always been very accomodating in regards to Jessie's needs. Next year she will be moving up to the middle school which is a much bigger school. We have been considering trying to get her into " The Henry Viscardi School " in Long Island during this transition time. (Does anyone know of it?) We went to visit it yesterday and we were very impressed with the accessibility and the many wonderful oppurtunities Jessie would have there that pulbic school just can not offer her. I should also mention that the school follows NYS curriculum and would keep her academically challenged. Jessie liked the school, but felt that she didn't want to attend a school with " kids like herself " . Have any of you attended public and " special " schools and what do you feel is the most appropriate setting for SMAers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 I personally really enjoyed being 'mainstreamed' with non-SMA peers. Most of my support in the disabled community consisted of friends I had made at MDA summer camp. To me being with kids that weren't disabled prepared me better for 'the real world'. For high school, I went to a private school where I was the only disabled student they had. That was kind of odd because I was an 'oddity'. It seems like there needs to be a balance between both extremes. Kathy Maloney wrote: > I was wondering if some of you could give me some advice regarding > schools. My daughter (SMA II) is currently enrolled in a public > school in the 5th grade. Our district has always been very > accomodating in regards to Jessie's needs. Next year she will be > moving up to the middle school which is a much bigger school. We have > been considering trying to get her into " The Henry Viscardi School " in > Long Island during this transition time. (Does anyone know of it?) > We went to visit it yesterday and we were very impressed with the > accessibility and the many wonderful oppurtunities Jessie would have > there that pulbic school just can not offer her. I should also mention > that the school follows NYS curriculum and would keep her academically > challenged. Jessie liked the school, but felt that she didn't want to > attend a school with " kids like herself " . Have any of you attended > public and " special " schools and w! hat do you feel is the most > appropriate setting for SMAers. > -- Jenn Malatesta -------------- My web page: http://www.isoc.net/brokeninside/nekrosys/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Philo of andria: " Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 In a message dated 1/27/2004 9:26:04 PM Central Standard Time, kitty72470@... writes: Wasn't it hard for all of you to not be able to do all of the things your friends were doing? Sports, going to friends houses, birthday parties, sleepovers, etc. I personally DID everything my peers did - my family made sure I had every opportunity a kid without SMA had. *Amy* Mother to Caitlyn Mae - born to heaven 3/26/98 Olivia Isabelle - born to earth 9/18/03 Wife to Will 11/03/95 http://community.webshots.com/user/blueyedaze Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 at a lot of private schools they are not required to cmply with some accommodation requirements. religious schools are exempt with regard to many access laws. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 absolutely; it was hard, and sometimes still is...but in a more adult context...though i still can't get in most friends' houses. but i learned to adapt, find ways to include myself, and to create activities of which i could be a part. my friends learned how to accommodate me and be more inclusive. when i was left out i learned how to handle disappointment and how to express my anger and advocate for my and others' inclusion. parents can't protect their disabled children from the difficulties of being disabled, but they can advocate for inclusion, create opportunities, teach others how to include your kid, allow their kid to be sad or mad when left out...and empathize with them, and trust that they will learn how to cope with disappointment with good role-modeling and an understanding that life is still big and rich. -alana At 06:47 PM 1/27/04 -0800, you wrote: >Wasn't it hard for all of you to not be able to do all of the things your >friends were doing? Sports, going to friends houses, birthday parties, >sleepovers, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 I guess I'm just tossing my vote in with everybody else. I think I would have been really upset with my parents if they'd put me in a special school. Brown vs. Board - separate is not equal. Sure there are still times when I feel different from those around me, but if I'd been in a completely different school from what's normal, I'd have felt like I was coming from another planet. I had no interest is sports and was glad to be excused from PE. My SMA brother finds ways to be involved in the PE classes and even lettered in baseball last year as the team's scorekeeper. I'd go to sleepovers until everybody was going to sleep, then go home. I had lots of sleepovers and get-togethers at my house. Middle school girls are into malls, movies, makeup, and boys anyway, and all those things are perfectly accessible! I was in lots of extracurricular activities. I don't think I'd have had all those opportunities at a special school, and I think it would have really hindered my social development as well as confirmed my insecure, adolescent feelings that I wasn't like everybody else. Also, like others have said, my being involved in the school helped the other students to realize that it is possible to have things in common with a person in a wheelchair. It also gave them the opportunity to help me with small things like opening a door or getting books out of my backpack. And if there's one thing that kids need to learn at that age, it's how to look outside of themselves and see how they can help somebody else. Anyway, I know most of this has been said. But I just wanted to re-emphasize that the extra work that might be required for accomodations in a public school are well worth the effort. Personally, I'd want to lock my kids in a tower during their middle school years, because I think that's just a painful time for anybody! But I wouldn't change my involvement in the public schools. ~e Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 I went to almost entirely public schools and at age 32 am still grateful every day that I did. At one point I was put in a ³special² school ³for my own good² but I was so unhappy there ‹ it was in 1976 and brown vrs board had just passed ‹ my mom had to threaten a lawsuit to get me out of the ³special school² and put back into public schools but that at least DID work. :-) I didn¹t miss out on any of these activities, I even jumped rope (not just twirling the rope but by running over the rope when it came around me) and played hopscotch (yes in a power chair) and ³ran² the 300 yard race (with 3 friends on each side pushing me). Kids are WAY more inventive than adults when it comes to making an activity accessible. I went to every slumber party I wanted to and in jr high & high school skipped school at least weekly to hang out at the burger king with my friends and drink rum!!! I went to every school dance (and danced with boyz) I went ice skating on weekends, and even got busted putting the school elevator on STOP so I could make out with my able bodied boyfriend. I was in advanced classes throughout school and graduated in the honor society and had straight A¹s etc etc. Yes, I had to ask friends to help me with my coat, and books and lunch and holding doors but isn¹t that what life is all about???? In the real world there is no guarantee of access and life just IS harder with a disability -- we have to learn how to deal with that, adapt to situations and fight for what we need. the best way to help your daughter prepare for a long and productive life is to keep her in the real world now. The best school really is one that has both disabled and non-disabled kids integrated completely together. Many of my best friends are disabled and there is something to be said for needing a place to be with others who are disabled, but going to a special school is NOT the way (unless your daughter is DYING to go!) I¹d let her decide. N On 1/27/04 11:26 PM, " Alana R. Theriault " <alrt@...> wrote: > At 06:47 PM 1/27/04 -0800, you wrote: >> >Wasn't it hard for all of you to not be able to do all of the things your >> >friends were doing? Sports, going to friends houses, birthday parties, >> >sleepovers, etc. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 I also did everything my peers did. I went to parties, went to sleep overs, was nominated for homecoming queen, and even was a cheerleader. I think the hardest thing about being mainstreamed are the FEW people who dont understand the everyobe is different and pick on you. But that taught me to stand up for myself and realize that not everyone will cater to my needs or accept me b/c i was different. i also think special schools are not a great idea. your child will not experience what the real world is like and how to cope with her special needs. i personally loved highschool and would be sad if i was seperated from the other kids in my neighborhood just b/c i have a disability. kimi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2004 Report Share Posted January 28, 2004 In a message dated 1/28/2004 5:03:55 AM Pacific Standard Time, Ksmile96@... writes: I think the hardest thing about being mainstreamed are the FEW people who dont understand the everyobe is different and pick on you. That's so true. The first couple of months of high school weren't so pleasant. I didn't know anyone b/c all the kids I went to a middle school with went to an another high school that wasn't w/c accessible. At first, I got the stares, whispers, and comments but after they got to know me, it pretty much stopped. Sure, there were a few who continued but with everyone else's support, it didn't matter. Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2004 Report Share Posted January 28, 2004 Kathy Maloney wrote: > Wasn't it hard for all of you to not be able to do all of the things > your friends were doing? Sports, going to friends houses, birthday > parties, sleepovers, etc. Honestly, I did most of the things my friends did. Most of my friends didn't like sports, and the few that did liked to WATCH them. I can watch sports with the best of 'um. I usually got better seating too. I went to friends' houses for birthdays or just to hang out, and they came over to mine. If there was a sleepover, I'd just stay really late and leave when everyone was getting ready to REALLY go to sleep. I went to dances and danced. I went to concerts and swooned over my rock star favs. I got crushes on boys. And I talked on the phone. Boy, did I talk on the phone! (Weird, considering I hate to talk on the phone now...) There are always some activities I can't take part in. But this would be the case whether I was in a special or a public school. It's part of my life. -- Jenn Malatesta -------------- My web page: http://www.isoc.net/brokeninside/nekrosys/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Philo of andria: " Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2004 Report Share Posted January 28, 2004 I'll be honest, I was picked on badly from 11 to 16 at the school I went o - it was an all boys private school, I was the only disabled person, and I also happened to be the top of 3 classes, which made me the school swot. Kids being kids etc. Taught me a lot about life, taught me who my real friends were at school, and made me a stronger person - it wasn't a mistake in any way. Anyone messes with me now, pales into insignificance to the school bully - I just laugh at them Kev > Re: schools > > > In a message dated 1/28/2004 5:03:55 AM Pacific Standard Time, > Ksmile96@... writes: > I think the > hardest thing about being mainstreamed are the FEW people who > dont understand > the everyobe is different and pick on you. > That's so true. The first couple of months of high school weren't so > pleasant. I didn't know anyone b/c all the kids I went to a > middle school with went to > an another high school that wasn't w/c accessible. At first, I got the > stares, whispers, and comments but after they got to know me, it > pretty much > stopped. Sure, there were a few who continued but with everyone > else's support, it > didn't matter. > > Dee > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2004 Report Share Posted January 28, 2004 I played the bells in the band and marching band as well! I also played drums. We took trips everywhere. I performed in every school play (except the winter of my spinal surgery). I was secretary and treasurer of student government. I was head typist and junior editor of the yearbook. I was secretary of our earth group - and I participated in every outing with every club I was a member of. I even took a one week vacation to Canada (just 2 months after my spinal surgery - yeah I wasn't listening to the doctors " bed rest " orders after the first week) with the earth group. My parents, naturally, went ballistic, but I got real good at forging my mother's signature to get me out of PE classes (it totally ruined my nails trying to catch those dirty balls) and I really wanted to go, so I went " with permission " anyways heheheh.. I've always been fairly active in the dating scene. My older sister was head cheerleader; I was top three of my class. Yup - we had in with the jocks and every party they threw when mommy and daddys left town. We were also in the same grade (I skipped ahead in elementary) and for some reason everyone knew the " Scalia twins. " I don't understand how people thought we were twins, I mean, we look NOTHING alike (the more we say it, the less it seems to be the truth). When I was in early junior high school, I remember kids used to fight each other, literally, to see who would get to sit with me at the lunch table or help me around the classroom for the day. The teachers had to make up a rotating list of who got to be designated " Kendra's helper " day and a seating chart for the cafeteria. Yeah, I'm really glad my mom fought to keep me mainstreamed. Things would have never been the same. (Yay mommy!) =) I forgot all about those things. Man, those were the days. Now I...uh...still go to school and work. College just isn't high school now that I think about it. We need more fun activities not related to working. Getting pissy drunk and laughing our asses off until 4am just doesnt seem like enough now that I compare it to all the h.s. stuff. Then again, we've got frat boys.. Hehehe... ~Kendra > I did so much in public school! In elementary I was in > the honor choir and the sign choir. I participated in > school plays, went to all the kids bday parties and > gatherings! If I couldnt 'do' something, I watched and > I had amazing friends who always included me. I was > even invited to things they knew I couldnt do, just bc > they wanted me there! > In middle school I was on the pep squad, and on the > yearbook staff, and in band. Yup I was a percussionist > and made the top band bc I was actually really good at > the xylophone. > In HS I joined the marching band, all the bells, > xylos, etc were in a pit in the front of the field. I > had friends who set up my stuff, got out my music and > all that stuff. Went on all the trips with them. Some > werent easy, but I did it. I was the editor of the > yearbook and newspaper. I was on the national honor > society and did community service with everyone else! > I dated band members, soccer players, and football Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 29, 2004 Report Share Posted January 29, 2004 I feel I should give my experiences as going to school. In 1963 I was to begin kindergarten which weren't held in the public schools but local churches. I was denied attending because I was " crippled " . I attended public school for 1st and second grade which I loved greatly but with 1 withdrawal. The girls bathroom was on the 2nd floor so I had to wait till after the boys went before I could go. Funny part is I was able to walk up stairs. When I was to go to 3rd grade they suddenly decided I could go up the stairs. During these 3 yrs I never went for recess , gym, or lunch. I spent the day in my room, but yet still I loved school, I was with my friends. 4th grade sent me to a different school which was just the same as before. 5th grade was the beginning of my worst nightmare I thought that then but look at it differently now. I wasn't able to walk stairs then so 2- 6th graders carried me up the stairs. Half way through the year I had surgery and finished the year with a tutor 3hrs a week. Then they made the big decision " special school " , oh god help me. YUCK. They put me in a totally separate school, my classmates were ages 5-21 both mentally and physically crippled. I learned to hate that word really quick. Because they can't teach you past 8th grade in some special schools back then, they figured out how many yrs of school you had left, I was put back to 3rd grade. I never really had 1 on 1 with the teachers, you just read your book and did your workbook. School days consisted mostly of parties and playing. I had to follow all the rolls of staying in line, no rough playing, no no no. School was never the same for me after leaving public. I was the highest mentality of the entire school, which meant I couldn't relate with others. I felt isolated. I had friends at home but not as close because I didn't go to school with them. Mainstreaming was never heard or thought of then, but I wished it were so badly. I graduated with a " special diploma " . Even though most of my schooling was " self taught " by reading books I do have a high intelligence in some areas. I never learned algerbra, or geography, etc. Their concerns where to teach you the basics of life, the 3 R's. so you could get along later in life. My advice is to keep her in regular public schools and to achieve her highest goals. Remember if you isolate her she will eventually develop a social disability and when they find a cure for SMA, she will have a second disability to overcome. Which may be just as hard to get rid of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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