Re: Re: ,Important infor. on advocating

[Guest guest]

Oh, ,,,,they are doing everything illegal....OMG. That makes me sick...

1. For an IEP meeting...you can request one at any time and they MUST be able to accommodate your schedule...even if it is at 6pm at night.

2. They MUST MUST MUST MUST MUST SEND OUT AN INVITE ...

3. They can not do that ...just call a meeting...Next time refuse and put it in writing and make a copy of it for your files. The meeting should have been rescheduled.

4. Call you state eduational department...this school is Violating everything....

5. I don't like lawsuits...but you have a good case.

6. Remember, the school has no rights...you and your child do. You need to let them know that you know....that they can not "screw" with you anymore.

I could go on and on...'s Law has some really good books. And, I know all this from my teacher friends, my experience with my own son and from "being on the other side". So, please please believe me.

Don't do anything w/o a state mediator...

Jan

<font face="arial black" color="#bf00bf">Janice Rushen</font>

<font face="Arial Black" color="#bf00bf"></font> & nbsp;

<em><font face="Arial Black" color="#7f007f">"I will try to be open to all avenues of wisdom and hope"</font></em>

From: <video228@...> Sent: Sun, November 29, 2009 12:05:50 PMSubject: ( ) Re: ,Important infor. on advocating

Jan,thank you very much for your information and offer for help.it is truly appreciated more than you can imagine.everyone in this support group is truly a blessing to people like me.we asked for an IEP last year. they wited until the end of the year.i knew about the 90 day thing, so when they said "we will wait until next year because it is so late in the year" i absolutely refused and said i wanted it anyway.they said they had just hired a new woman for the town to sit in on the IEPs and moderate.the funny thing is we found out he woman was actually forced upon the town by our state because our towns school system is so bad in providing for special needs children.during the IEP the woman listened and then piped in on the principle and (ahem) school councelor (which is just about as useless as ice cubes in antartica). the woman told them that the sensory diet my daughter was given was absolutely

unacceptable. she was not being given any time out of the room and was being overwelmed by constant bombardment. she also said that because they were making my daughter sit out during gym (because she couldnt stand being in an echoing gym listening to all of the squeaking of sneakers, and also didnt like any sort of competition) that they "must" find something else for her to do. my wife and i left with an actual sense of accomplishment feeling "finally" there is someone there for "my childs sake".after all of that was said at the end of this year, wouldnt you know it? this year at our IEP (we wanted to make sure my daughter was getting what she was promised) that woman was missing. when i asked where she was they said "the town ended up not needing her and she left and went to another town".im sure the town just didnt like what she was saying and made sure they got rid of her.just a little story.but once again, i

truly appreciate your kind advice.I have been learning little by little how to advocate for my child.the school doesnt like when i show up for an IEP because they know they have a fight on their hands.they were so sneaky that a couple of weeks ago, right after my wife dropped my daughter off at school the principle aproached her and said "are you ready for our IEP meeting?".my wife said "what IEP?". the principle said "were sure we told you of it. it was scheduled today at this time. everyone is waiting in the room." so my wife went in and did the IEP without me. "THEY MADE SURE I COULDNT ATTEND IT !" >

>> > I consider the money I spent on an advocate & a lawyer money well spent because the end result was that my son finally got the services he needed and his entire life changed for the better. Although it did cause me to rack up a huge credit card bill. > > > > I found the advocate and then the lawyer thru a recommendation at a local support group. I've since found a state agency that will provide excellent free advocacy services. If you need an advocate, but can't afford one, ask around. If you can't find help from a state agency or a charity, maybe you can ask a parent with an older child with special needs to sit in the IEP meetings with you. I have learned so much from the parents who have been there and have done that already. In my experience, just having a third party attend the meeting, especially with a tape recorder, seemed to bring up the level of professionalism at the meetings. It really helped that my

advocate was friendly, but also firm.> >>

[Guest guest]

Bravo Bravo. Don't let them intimadate you. One way is to have lots of them and one or tow of you. So, if things are not going well...asked no tell them you need to reschedule. I will never forget the time I walked in and there were 9 of them and only me....never never again. The next time I walked in with my 2 advocates and another tie my advocate and my son's case manager from a state agency.

I also put everything in writing and make copies...I won't have phone conversation and if I have to ...I follow it up with letter or email..."as per our our conversation today, Monday, November 31, 2009, we will be blah blah blah blah.

Another thing to do is write to the Asst. Superintendent of Special Education, the School District Superintendent and the School Board. I emailed to much that when my son went to the Jr.HS...the teachers were worried. Ha Ha. i told them...just follow his IEP and do your jobs correctly and no one has to worry. None of us are perfect...but I am not going to stand by and let them walk all over us. I am also teaching my son to advocate for himself....he use to tell me a teacher called him stupid and lazy. I told him that was unacceptable and that he is to tell her that

I have been telling he must be respectful to his teachers but he is to be treated respectfully too. He said...she will send me to the office...and I told him that is fine...as long as he is respectful and that I will be down ASAP and will speak up for him...so start now working w/ you child...so that they can advocate for themsleves.

jan

From: <video228@...> Sent: Sun, November 29, 2009 8:02:40 PMSubject: ( ) Re: ,Important infor. on advocating

Jan,thank you so much for your information.it is very much appreciated.we kind of figured they were in the wrong here.when i found out about my wife being put in that situation i was livid and i did confront the principle.i told her the next time we have an IEP, the person that will be entering the room with me carrying the suitcase will either be my attorney or a representative form the states department of education.i also told her that his first words as he was putting his large suitcase on the table will be "okay, who today, here in this room is going to lose their job today and/or go to prison for missappropriation of state funds that are meant to go toward this childs education , but are being directed elsewhere?".her eyes grew so big she looked like a giant squid.i think she got my message.i also told her "the lioness may protect her cubs, but the male lion has the loudest roar. now she refers to

me as "mr vincent" instead of robert.> > >> > > I consider the money I spent on an advocate & a lawyer money well spent because the end result was that my son finally got the services he needed and his entire life changed for the better. Although it did cause me to rack up a huge credit card bill. > > > > > > I found the advocate and then the lawyer thru a recommendation at a local support group. I've since found a state agency that will provide excellent free advocacy services. If you need an advocate, but

can't afford one, ask around. If you can't find help from a state agency or a charity, maybe you can ask a parent with an older child with special needs to sit in the IEP meetings with you. I have learned so much from the parents who have been there and have done that already. In my experience, just having a third party attend the meeting, especially with a tape recorder, seemed to bring up the level of professionalism at the meetings. It really helped that my advocate was friendly, but also firm.> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

I experienced this as well, a meeting was sprung on me, the psychologist (who had never met Gregor), paediatrician, head teacher, teacher and spec ed woman. I said I can't make it right now can't we reschedule, I was told NO. Just because you can't make it doesn't mean the meeting will be cancelled.

The last time I was at the school I mentioned an IEP, I was advised that G doesn't need one, because he doesn't have individual needs. Since writing to the school because his teacher kept him behind after school they have magically produced an IEP that is about 3 sentences and very vague. I have no idea who was present when this was devised or what needs it is supposed to address. Will get back to the school after Christmas and try n get a handle on things.

Lor B

From: rushen janice <jrushen@...>Subject: Re: ( ) Re: ,Important infor. on advocating Date: Monday, 30 November, 2009, 0:43

Oh, ,,,,they are doing everything illegal....OMG. That makes me sick...

1. For an IEP meeting...you can request one at any time and they MUST be able to accommodate your schedule...even if it is at 6pm at night.

2. They MUST MUST MUST MUST MUST SEND OUT AN INVITE ...

3. They can not do that ...just call a meeting...Next time refuse and put it in writing and make a copy of it for your files. The meeting should have been rescheduled.

4. Call you state eduational department.. .this school is Violating everything.. ..

5. I don't like lawsuits...but you have a good case.

6. Remember, the school has no rights...you and your child do. You need to let them know that you know....that they can not "screw" with you anymore.

I could go on and on...' s Law has some really good books. And, I know all this from my teacher friends, my experience with my own son and from "being on the other side". So, please please believe me.

Don't do anything w/o a state mediator...

Jan

<font face="arial black" color="#bf00bf">Janice Rushen</font>

<font face="Arial Black" color="#bf00bf"></font> & nbsp;

<em><font face="Arial Black" color="#7f007f">"I will try to be open to all avenues of wisdom and hope"</font></em>

From: <video228 (DOT) com> Sent: Sun, November 29, 2009 12:05:50 PMSubject: ( ) Re: ,Important infor. on advocating

Jan,thank you very much for your information and offer for help.it is truly appreciated more than you can imagine.everyone in this support group is truly a blessing to people like me.we asked for an IEP last year. they wited until the end of the year.i knew about the 90 day thing, so when they said "we will wait until next year because it is so late in the year" i absolutely refused and said i wanted it anyway.they said they had just hired a new woman for the town to sit in on the IEPs and moderate.the funny thing is we found out he woman was actually forced upon the town by our state because our towns school system is so bad in providing for special needs children.during the IEP the woman listened and then piped in on the principle and (ahem) school councelor (which is just about as useless as ice cubes in antartica). the woman told them that the sensory diet my daughter was given was absolutely

unacceptable. she was not being given any time out of the room and was being overwelmed by constant bombardment. she also said that because they were making my daughter sit out during gym (because she couldnt stand being in an echoing gym listening to all of the squeaking of sneakers, and also didnt like any sort of competition) that they "must" find something else for her to do. my wife and i left with an actual sense of accomplishment feeling "finally" there is someone there for "my childs sake".after all of that was said at the end of this year, wouldnt you know it? this year at our IEP (we wanted to make sure my daughter was getting what she was promised) that woman was missing. when i asked where she was they said "the town ended up not needing her and she left and went to another town".im sure the town just didnt like what she was saying and made sure they got rid of her.just a little story.but once again, i

truly appreciate your kind advice.I have been learning little by little how to advocate for my child.the school doesnt like when i show up for an IEP because they know they have a fight on their hands.they were so sneaky that a couple of weeks ago, right after my wife dropped my daughter off at school the principle aproached her and said "are you ready for our IEP meeting?".my wife said "what IEP?". the principle said "were sure we told you of it. it was scheduled today at this time. everyone is waiting in the room." so my wife went in and did the IEP without me. "THEY MADE SURE I COULDNT ATTEND IT !" > >> > I consider the money I spent on an advocate & a lawyer money well spent because the end result was that my son finally got the services he needed and his entire life changed for the better. Although it did cause me to rack up a huge credit card bill. > > > > I found the advocate and then the lawyer thru a recommendation at a local support group. I've since found a state agency that will provide excellent free advocacy services. If you need an advocate, but can't afford one, ask around. If you can't find help from a state agency or a charity, maybe you can ask a parent with an older child with special needs to sit in the IEP meetings with you. I have learned so much from the parents who have been there and have done that already. In my experience, just having a third party attend the meeting, especially with a tape recorder, seemed to bring up the

level of professionalism at the meetings. It really helped that my advocate was friendly, but also firm.> >>

[Guest guest]

Sorry but that seems illegal; without getting any books and laws out right now, I would call your state Board of Education; in Iowa, the person to speak with is Lois Irwin in Des Moines; for your state, I do not know, but I would call right to the head (in Iowa, that is Lois---).....that is complete 'crap!' I believe the form even says you have to have 10 days notice, frankly, but I don't have anything in front of me right now; just livid when I read your letter which reads just like our everyday story EXCEPT that part; we come with lawyers, etc. they hate BOTH OF US and everyone we bring with us actually, just not ONE OF US (I am the most hated but they hate each of us equally----).......they hate us because we are making them do their jobs. Our lawyer once told us to keep making them hate you (took him five minutes to find out why they treated us terrible and hated us; it is because I hold them accountable, know what I am talking about because I have read, learned and go in armed with knowledge and dangerous becauuse I do know exactly what I am saying (if I don't, I keep mum because I will only speak that which is right and true)..............so, make 'em hate you. I would be filing a complaint, turning the school in, etc.; that is garbage! What if your wife could not have stayed!!!!??????? Or, your child sick that day???? HMMMMM. interesting. What a crappie school....been there, done that.

Ruthie Dolezal

mother of 2 with Aspergers and 2 tippies.

From: video228@...Date: Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:05:50 +0000Subject: ( ) Re: ,Important infor. on advocating

Jan,thank you very much for your information and offer for help.it is truly appreciated more than you can imagine.everyone in this support group is truly a blessing to people like me.we asked for an IEP last year. they wited until the end of the year.i knew about the 90 day thing, so when they said "we will wait until next year because it is so late in the year" i absolutely refused and said i wanted it anyway.they said they had just hired a new woman for the town to sit in on the IEPs and moderate.the funny thing is we found out he woman was actually forced upon the town by our state because our towns school system is so bad in providing for special needs children.during the IEP the woman listened and then piped in on the principle and (ahem) school councelor (which is just about as useless as ice cubes in antartica). the woman told them that the sensory diet my daughter was given was absolutely unacceptable. she was not being given any time out of the room and was being overwelmed by constant bombardment. she also said that because they were making my daughter sit out during gym (because she couldnt stand being in an echoing gym listening to all of the squeaking of sneakers, and also didnt like any sort of competition) that they "must" find something else for her to do. my wife and i left with an actual sense of accomplishment feeling "finally" there is someone there for "my childs sake".after all of that was said at the end of this year, wouldnt you know it? this year at our IEP (we wanted to make sure my daughter was getting what she was promised) that woman was missing. when i asked where she was they said "the town ended up not needing her and she left and went to another town".im sure the town just didnt like what she was saying and made sure they got rid of her.just a little story.but once again, i truly appreciate your kind advice.I have been learning little by little how to advocate for my child.the school doesnt like when i show up for an IEP because they know they have a fight on their hands.they were so sneaky that a couple of weeks ago, right after my wife dropped my daughter off at school the principle aproached her and said "are you ready for our IEP meeting?".my wife said "what IEP?". the principle said "were sure we told you of it. it was scheduled today at this time. everyone is waiting in the room." so my wife went in and did the IEP without me. "THEY MADE SURE I COULDNT ATTEND IT !" > >> > I consider the money I spent on an advocate & a lawyer money well spent because the end result was that my son finally got the services he needed and his entire life changed for the better. Although it did cause me to rack up a huge credit card bill. > > > > I found the advocate and then the lawyer thru a recommendation at a local support group. I've since found a state agency that will provide excellent free advocacy services. If you need an advocate, but can't afford one, ask around. If you can't find help from a state agency or a charity, maybe you can ask a parent with an older child with special needs to sit in the IEP meetings with you. I have learned so much from the parents who have been there and have done that already. In my experience, just having a third party attend the meeting, especially with a tape recorder, seemed to bring up the level of professionalism at the meetings. It really helped that my advocate was friendly, but also firm.> >>

[Guest guest]

Ruthie...you are 100% correct. And, I know what they are doing is illegal. They just don't think they know it...so ...please do as Ruthie says...call the state...and they have to send out (mail, give to your child) an invitation to attend the IEP meeting ...10 days in advance. Oh my word. Advocate for your child...go to 's Law ....it is a website...order some books...read up and learn...We are all pulling our hair out over this! NO ...NO....NO! Tell them they are breaking Federal laws and probably State ones too!

jan

p.s. Go get them..we are here behind you for support, encouragement and help. Email questions...I will find out for you...my sister is also a Sped Teacher.

<font face="arial black" color="#bf00bf">Janice Rushen</font>

<font face="Arial Black" color="#bf00bf"></font> & nbsp;

<em><font face="Arial Black" color="#7f007f">"I will try to be open to all avenues of wisdom and hope"</font></em>

From: Ruthie and Dolezal <DOLEZAL123@...> <Aspergers Treatment >Sent: Mon, November 30, 2009 9:05:38 AMSubject: RE: ( ) Re: ,Important infor. on advocating

Sorry but that seems illegal; without getting any books and laws out right now, I would call your state Board of Education; in Iowa, the person to speak with is Lois Irwin in Des Moines; for your state, I do not know, but I would call right to the head (in Iowa, that is Lois---).... .that is complete 'crap!' I believe the form even says you have to have 10 days notice, frankly, but I don't have anything in front of me right now; just livid when I read your letter which reads just like our everyday story EXCEPT that part; we come with lawyers, etc. they hate BOTH OF US and everyone we bring with us actually, just not ONE OF US (I am the most hated but they hate each of us equally----) .......they hate us because we are making them do their jobs. Our lawyer once told us to keep making them hate you (took him five minutes to find out why they treated us terrible and hated us; it is because I hold them accountable, know what I am

talking about because I have read, learned and go in armed with knowledge and dangerous becauuse I do know exactly what I am saying (if I don't, I keep mum because I will only speak that which is right and true)....... .......so, make 'em hate you. I would be filing a complaint, turning the school in, etc.; that is garbage! What if your wife could not have stayed!!!!?? ????? Or, your child sick that day???? HMMMMM. interesting. What a crappie school....been there, done that. Ruthie Dolezalmother of 2 with Aspergers and 2 tippies.

From: video228 (DOT) comDate: Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:05:50 +0000Subject: ( ) Re: ,Important infor. on advocating

Jan,thank you very much for your information and offer for help.it is truly appreciated more than you can imagine.everyone in this support group is truly a blessing to people like me.we asked for an IEP last year. they wited until the end of the year.i knew about the 90 day thing, so when they said "we will wait until next year because it is so late in the year" i absolutely refused and said i wanted it anyway.they said they had just hired a new woman for the town to sit in on the IEPs and moderate.the funny thing is we found out he woman was actually forced upon the town by our state because our towns school system is so bad in providing for special needs children.during the IEP the woman listened and then piped in on the principle and (ahem) school councelor (which is just about as useless as ice cubes in antartica). the woman told them that the sensory diet my daughter was given was

absolutely unacceptable. she was not being given any time out of the room and was being overwelmed by constant bombardment. she also said that because they were making my daughter sit out during gym (because she couldnt stand being in an echoing gym listening to all of the squeaking of sneakers, and also didnt like any sort of competition) that they "must" find something else for her to do. my wife and i left with an actual sense of accomplishment feeling "finally" there is someone there for "my childs sake".after all of that was said at the end of this year, wouldnt you know it? this year at our IEP (we wanted to make sure my daughter was getting what she was promised) that woman was missing. when i asked where she was they said "the town ended up not needing her and she left and went to another town".im sure the town just didnt like what she was saying and made sure they got rid of her.just a little story.but once

again, i truly appreciate your kind advice.I have been learning little by little how to advocate for my child.the school doesnt like when i show up for an IEP because they know they have a fight on their hands.they were so sneaky that a couple of weeks ago, right after my wife dropped my daughter off at school the principle aproached her and said "are you ready for our IEP meeting?".my wife said "what IEP?". the principle said "were sure we told you of it. it was scheduled today at this time. everyone is waiting in the room." so my wife went in and did the IEP without me. "THEY MADE SURE I COULDNT ATTEND IT !" >

>> > I consider the money I spent on an advocate & a lawyer money well spent because the end result was that my son finally got the services he needed and his entire life changed for the better. Although it did cause me to rack up a huge credit card bill. > > > > I found the advocate and then the lawyer thru a recommendation at a local support group. I've since found a state agency that will provide excellent free advocacy services. If you need an advocate, but can't afford one, ask around. If you can't find help from a state agency or a charity, maybe you can ask a parent with an older child with special needs to sit in the IEP meetings with you. I have learned so much from the parents who have been there and have done that already. In my experience, just having a third party attend the meeting, especially with a tape recorder, seemed to bring up the level of professionalism at the meetings. It really helped that my

advocate was friendly, but also firm.> >>