Re: Today's IEP

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/7/2005 4:28:37 PM US Mountain Standard Time,

karriemom@... writes:

What will happen to help me start healing

over this betrayal I feel I am committing against my baby?

Sue.. why do you feel you are betraying Karrie?

Do you disagree with this placement?

M.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/7/2005 4:28:37 PM US Mountain Standard Time,

karriemom@... writes:

What will happen to help me start healing

over this betrayal I feel I am committing against my baby?

Sue.. why do you feel you are betraying Karrie?

Do you disagree with this placement?

M.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/7/2005 8:01:35 PM Central Standard Time,

jbocci55@... writes:

This is why I hate when life skills gets bashed on this list. It makes

parents who choose that placement feel guilty, and you shouldn't!

HI Jackie

I don't feel the above statement is fair or true ................ I am one

parent who took a look at our life skill classes in our area because of the

discussion here. Parents should be able to vent, discuss etc ........ on the

makeup of the classes in their area. Because of this same discussion (one

started a long time ago) I made sure goals and objectives were wrote to keep

Sara

OUT of life skills. It is NOT an appropriate placement for Sara HERE. I would

hate for parents to feel like they can't vent on this list, even if the

majority disagrees with them.

Besides silly ...... Tim is the only thing we bash here .......... With

's permission

Kathy mom to Sara 13

¸...¸ ___/ /\ \___ ¸...¸

,·´º o`·, /__/ _/\_ \__\ ,·´º o`·,

```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | | | ```)¨(´´´

¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-.¸

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Josh. 24:15

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/7/2005 8:01:35 PM Central Standard Time,

jbocci55@... writes:

This is why I hate when life skills gets bashed on this list. It makes

parents who choose that placement feel guilty, and you shouldn't!

HI Jackie

I don't feel the above statement is fair or true ................ I am one

parent who took a look at our life skill classes in our area because of the

discussion here. Parents should be able to vent, discuss etc ........ on the

makeup of the classes in their area. Because of this same discussion (one

started a long time ago) I made sure goals and objectives were wrote to keep

Sara

OUT of life skills. It is NOT an appropriate placement for Sara HERE. I would

hate for parents to feel like they can't vent on this list, even if the

majority disagrees with them.

Besides silly ...... Tim is the only thing we bash here .......... With

's permission

Kathy mom to Sara 13

¸...¸ ___/ /\ \___ ¸...¸

,·´º o`·, /__/ _/\_ \__\ ,·´º o`·,

```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | | | ```)¨(´´´

¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-.¸

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Josh. 24:15

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/7/2005 6:28:36 PM Central Standard Time,

karriemom@... writes:

So, yet another dream has died. What will happen to help me start healing

over this betrayal I feel I am committing against my baby?

Sue mom to Kate 15 and Karrie 8 w/ds and other issues

HI Sue

No No No Sue, you need to look at it as if another dream will start, one

filled with the appropriate methods for your daughter years back when Sara

was DX with epilepsy I beat myself up over it ............. looking back now

how silly, I didn't cause it lol anyway I had to dream another dream and you

can ask our dreams change as quickly as the seasons when you have a child

with a health impaired label.

You are a great Mom, strong woman and both of your daughters will benefit

from this I have always loved to read your emails so full of wisdom and

strength ..... Kudos to you girl and please continue on with the dating stories

to

o heehee I miss those

Kathy mom to Sara 13

¸...¸ ___/ /\ \___ ¸...¸

,·´º o`·, /__/ _/\_ \__\ ,·´º o`·,

```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | | | ```)¨(´´´

¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-.¸

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Josh. 24:15

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/7/2005 6:28:36 PM Central Standard Time,

karriemom@... writes:

So, yet another dream has died. What will happen to help me start healing

over this betrayal I feel I am committing against my baby?

Sue mom to Kate 15 and Karrie 8 w/ds and other issues

HI Sue

No No No Sue, you need to look at it as if another dream will start, one

filled with the appropriate methods for your daughter years back when Sara

was DX with epilepsy I beat myself up over it ............. looking back now

how silly, I didn't cause it lol anyway I had to dream another dream and you

can ask our dreams change as quickly as the seasons when you have a child

with a health impaired label.

You are a great Mom, strong woman and both of your daughters will benefit

from this I have always loved to read your emails so full of wisdom and

strength ..... Kudos to you girl and please continue on with the dating stories

to

o heehee I miss those

Kathy mom to Sara 13

¸...¸ ___/ /\ \___ ¸...¸

,·´º o`·, /__/ _/\_ \__\ ,·´º o`·,

```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | | | ```)¨(´´´

¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-.¸

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Josh. 24:15

[Guest guest]

Sue, why in the world do you think you are failing Karrie? You are doing

something to remedy a situation she is in. Unless you were coerced into this

placement, like mentioned, you should feel good about helping your

daughter.

You shouldn't be shocked at hearing that she is developmentally delayed. All of

our kids are. Let's call it what it is! You should not feel guilty about

placing her in a life skills program FOR NOW. This is why I hate when life

skills gets bashed on this list. It makes parents who choose that placement

feel guilty, and you shouldn't! You are fixing something that is broke.

Contrary to populare belief, you can gradually work Karrie back into the system

when she is ready. LRE is your joker card that you can hold onto for now and

play later.

You are a wonderful mother, Sue. You are not failing your daughter. You are

doing just the opposite. Trust yourself and know that you have our support

here.

Jackie, Mom to 17ds, 14, and Bradley.

-------------- Original message --------------

>

> Well, I am officially one of those parents who allowed testing to be done on

> their child. Today, I got some pretty devestating news...Karrie was

> consistent with the results in only one area...that she's cognitively and

> developmentally at approx. 3 years 7 months old. We are in the process of

> planning Karrie's 9th birthday party.

>

> Karrie will be moved to a different school. I visited the new classroom

> today. Next year, Karrie will be one of 3 first through third graders in

> this class. It's a modified life skills (will the pain of just hearing it

> ever ease??). She has gotten so physically aggressive that this is the only

> possible placement that I can see where she will get the help she needs.

>

> I writing this with tears streaming down my face. She started out as the

> first child with a disability included in her pre-school, then elementary

> school. Just this year, we have gone from fully included in a second grade

> classroom, to a cross-cat classroom to life skills. There will be intense

> behavior modification plus academics.

>

> So, yet another dream has died. What will happen to help me start healing

> over this betrayal I feel I am committing against my baby?

>

> Sue mom to Kate 15 and Karrie 8 w/ds and other issues

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sue, why in the world do you think you are failing Karrie? You are doing

something to remedy a situation she is in. Unless you were coerced into this

placement, like mentioned, you should feel good about helping your

daughter.

You shouldn't be shocked at hearing that she is developmentally delayed. All of

our kids are. Let's call it what it is! You should not feel guilty about

placing her in a life skills program FOR NOW. This is why I hate when life

skills gets bashed on this list. It makes parents who choose that placement

feel guilty, and you shouldn't! You are fixing something that is broke.

Contrary to populare belief, you can gradually work Karrie back into the system

when she is ready. LRE is your joker card that you can hold onto for now and

play later.

You are a wonderful mother, Sue. You are not failing your daughter. You are

doing just the opposite. Trust yourself and know that you have our support

here.

Jackie, Mom to 17ds, 14, and Bradley.

-------------- Original message --------------

>

> Well, I am officially one of those parents who allowed testing to be done on

> their child. Today, I got some pretty devestating news...Karrie was

> consistent with the results in only one area...that she's cognitively and

> developmentally at approx. 3 years 7 months old. We are in the process of

> planning Karrie's 9th birthday party.

>

> Karrie will be moved to a different school. I visited the new classroom

> today. Next year, Karrie will be one of 3 first through third graders in

> this class. It's a modified life skills (will the pain of just hearing it

> ever ease??). She has gotten so physically aggressive that this is the only

> possible placement that I can see where she will get the help she needs.

>

> I writing this with tears streaming down my face. She started out as the

> first child with a disability included in her pre-school, then elementary

> school. Just this year, we have gone from fully included in a second grade

> classroom, to a cross-cat classroom to life skills. There will be intense

> behavior modification plus academics.

>

> So, yet another dream has died. What will happen to help me start healing

> over this betrayal I feel I am committing against my baby?

>

> Sue mom to Kate 15 and Karrie 8 w/ds and other issues

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/7/2005 6:21:03 PM US Mountain Standard Time,

b4alltoday@... writes:

This is why I hate when life skills gets bashed on this list.

You know, simply stating that the life skills program in our area is not an

appropriate program is NOT bashing all life skills programs. When someone

mentions life skills, I see the life skills program in our district. It's BAD.

I

am NOT saying that life skills in other schools, states, districts whatever

are bad.. I am making a statement based on my experience. If someone ELSE has

a good comment about their life skills program, I will accept it. I will

respect that THIS PERSON made a responsible, informed, caring, intelligent

decision about what the options for their child were, what the needs of their

child

were, and where they felt their child could best be served. Just as I did.

My son would NOT benefit from this program, in this district, at this time.

That is not bashing life skills overall. That is saying that we are doing what

we feel is best for Mav at this time.

I no longer feel comfortable openly speaking my mind on this listserv. Which

is too bad. There are so many different people, different types of

families, children, needs, experiences.

I LOVE hearing all about everyone, I learn so much. I will not speak again

about my feelings on the life skills program and I will not share my

experiences and I will hopefully not offend others who have different opinions

from me.

M.

[Guest guest]

Sue,

I walked in your shoes before. was the first DD child in his school

and was started off being fully included. I hate the term life skills - it

sounds like there are no academics - but we know that academics are given.

I'm thrilled with 's placement this past year - he's happy, he's

learning and he has a teacher that cares. It's been the best year ever.

You haven't betrayed Karrie - you may have just done the best you could for

her - you'll see when she transitions over. If she is like <cough>,

you will find she will be much happier when fear, overstimulation and stress

are removed from her environment. You'll still be proud of all her

accomplishments and she will feel so good about going to school. We haven't

had any problems getting out the door all year - he really is eager

to get to school.

I think you will also feel confident and comfortable with the decision.

There is so much emphasis on our children being included, but not all of our

children can be. Those whose children can be just do not understand the

behavioral issues are children have.

Go have a glass of wine - cry all you need to and think of all the good

things you have done for Karrie - including your placement decision.

Today's IEP

>

> Well, I am officially one of those parents who allowed testing to be done

on

> their child. Today, I got some pretty devestating news...Karrie was

> consistent with the results in only one area...that she's cognitively and

> developmentally at approx. 3 years 7 months old. We are in the process of

> planning Karrie's 9th birthday party.

>

> Karrie will be moved to a different school. I visited the new classroom

> today. Next year, Karrie will be one of 3 first through third graders in

> this class. It's a modified life skills (will the pain of just hearing it

> ever ease??). She has gotten so physically aggressive that this is the

only

> possible placement that I can see where she will get the help she needs.

>

> I writing this with tears streaming down my face. She started out as the

> first child with a disability included in her pre-school, then elementary

> school. Just this year, we have gone from fully included in a second grade

> classroom, to a cross-cat classroom to life skills. There will be intense

> behavior modification plus academics.

>

> So, yet another dream has died. What will happen to help me start healing

> over this betrayal I feel I am committing against my baby?

>

> Sue mom to Kate 15 and Karrie 8 w/ds and other issues

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sue,

I walked in your shoes before. was the first DD child in his school

and was started off being fully included. I hate the term life skills - it

sounds like there are no academics - but we know that academics are given.

I'm thrilled with 's placement this past year - he's happy, he's

learning and he has a teacher that cares. It's been the best year ever.

You haven't betrayed Karrie - you may have just done the best you could for

her - you'll see when she transitions over. If she is like <cough>,

you will find she will be much happier when fear, overstimulation and stress

are removed from her environment. You'll still be proud of all her

accomplishments and she will feel so good about going to school. We haven't

had any problems getting out the door all year - he really is eager

to get to school.

I think you will also feel confident and comfortable with the decision.

There is so much emphasis on our children being included, but not all of our

children can be. Those whose children can be just do not understand the

behavioral issues are children have.

Go have a glass of wine - cry all you need to and think of all the good

things you have done for Karrie - including your placement decision.

Today's IEP

>

> Well, I am officially one of those parents who allowed testing to be done

on

> their child. Today, I got some pretty devestating news...Karrie was

> consistent with the results in only one area...that she's cognitively and

> developmentally at approx. 3 years 7 months old. We are in the process of

> planning Karrie's 9th birthday party.

>

> Karrie will be moved to a different school. I visited the new classroom

> today. Next year, Karrie will be one of 3 first through third graders in

> this class. It's a modified life skills (will the pain of just hearing it

> ever ease??). She has gotten so physically aggressive that this is the

only

> possible placement that I can see where she will get the help she needs.

>

> I writing this with tears streaming down my face. She started out as the

> first child with a disability included in her pre-school, then elementary

> school. Just this year, we have gone from fully included in a second grade

> classroom, to a cross-cat classroom to life skills. There will be intense

> behavior modification plus academics.

>

> So, yet another dream has died. What will happen to help me start healing

> over this betrayal I feel I am committing against my baby?

>

> Sue mom to Kate 15 and Karrie 8 w/ds and other issues

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/7/2005 6:21:03 PM US Mountain Standard Time,

b4alltoday@... writes:

This is why I hate when life skills gets bashed on this list.

You know, simply stating that the life skills program in our area is not an

appropriate program is NOT bashing all life skills programs. When someone

mentions life skills, I see the life skills program in our district. It's BAD.

I

am NOT saying that life skills in other schools, states, districts whatever

are bad.. I am making a statement based on my experience. If someone ELSE has

a good comment about their life skills program, I will accept it. I will

respect that THIS PERSON made a responsible, informed, caring, intelligent

decision about what the options for their child were, what the needs of their

child

were, and where they felt their child could best be served. Just as I did.

My son would NOT benefit from this program, in this district, at this time.

That is not bashing life skills overall. That is saying that we are doing what

we feel is best for Mav at this time.

I no longer feel comfortable openly speaking my mind on this listserv. Which

is too bad. There are so many different people, different types of

families, children, needs, experiences.

I LOVE hearing all about everyone, I learn so much. I will not speak again

about my feelings on the life skills program and I will not share my

experiences and I will hopefully not offend others who have different opinions

from me.

M.

[Guest guest]

Ok, bear with me here...I'm struggling with bronchitis and pneumonia right

now, too.

I'm trying to analyze why I feel so bad about this placement. The new

teacher is wonderful (I worked in her class when I was in OT in the school),

the building is new, there is an awesome sensory room/therapy room. The

behavioral intervention person is 3 doors down.

I had no idea that the recommendation would be to send her to an entirely

different school. The school she is in now is the only school she can

remember going to. All her friends are here. She rides the bus with her best

friend, who is also in her class. The one on one aide she has had for 3

years won't be there. Her latchkey program will change and she has fantastic

program where she is now.

When this new teacher and school was first brought up, I started crying. It

was an acceptance, I guess, that Karrie's behavior is pretty horrific. The

new teacher had K-6 of kids with BD when I worked in there. I was crying

because of my lack of being able to figure out how to straighten out her

behavior. I was crying because I didn't want her in with the kids with BD.

Then I realized I was crying because Karrie IS a kid with a behavioral

disorder.

As for feeling like I've failed her, I wonder if I had been tougher on her

at home, maybe we wouldn't be at this point.

The more I think about it, the new program will probably be the best thing

for Karrie. Maybe I'm just crying I see the little girl who has kids who are

afraid of her. A little girl who has one parent threatening to call the

police on her if she kicks again. And maybe I just crying for me.

As for her being developmentally delayed, of course I know that she has some

significant delays. I just didn't realize how much of a delay is there. And

I wonder how I could miss this, was I blind to her struggles with me pushing

her so much? Expecting so much?? I put her at about 5 developmentally, not 3

So, there it is...I didn't say that how I felt made sense!! Can't even blame

PMS since my hysterectomy

I'll send another post about what this new class does.

Thanks for all you guys out there, for your support and your caring.

Sue mom to Kate 15 and Karrie 8 w/ds

[Guest guest]

Ok, bear with me here...I'm struggling with bronchitis and pneumonia right

now, too.

I'm trying to analyze why I feel so bad about this placement. The new

teacher is wonderful (I worked in her class when I was in OT in the school),

the building is new, there is an awesome sensory room/therapy room. The

behavioral intervention person is 3 doors down.

I had no idea that the recommendation would be to send her to an entirely

different school. The school she is in now is the only school she can

remember going to. All her friends are here. She rides the bus with her best

friend, who is also in her class. The one on one aide she has had for 3

years won't be there. Her latchkey program will change and she has fantastic

program where she is now.

When this new teacher and school was first brought up, I started crying. It

was an acceptance, I guess, that Karrie's behavior is pretty horrific. The

new teacher had K-6 of kids with BD when I worked in there. I was crying

because of my lack of being able to figure out how to straighten out her

behavior. I was crying because I didn't want her in with the kids with BD.

Then I realized I was crying because Karrie IS a kid with a behavioral

disorder.

As for feeling like I've failed her, I wonder if I had been tougher on her

at home, maybe we wouldn't be at this point.

The more I think about it, the new program will probably be the best thing

for Karrie. Maybe I'm just crying I see the little girl who has kids who are

afraid of her. A little girl who has one parent threatening to call the

police on her if she kicks again. And maybe I just crying for me.

As for her being developmentally delayed, of course I know that she has some

significant delays. I just didn't realize how much of a delay is there. And

I wonder how I could miss this, was I blind to her struggles with me pushing

her so much? Expecting so much?? I put her at about 5 developmentally, not 3

So, there it is...I didn't say that how I felt made sense!! Can't even blame

PMS since my hysterectomy

I'll send another post about what this new class does.

Thanks for all you guys out there, for your support and your caring.

Sue mom to Kate 15 and Karrie 8 w/ds

[Guest guest]

,

Since there are some similar <grin> behaviors between and Karrie, I

m hoping that Karrie will also begin to feel better about herself. I

wondered today how much of her behaviors are because she is just so unhappy

and frustrated.

I'm planning on telling them in the morning that this class will work for

Karrie. I want to start taking her on " visits " to the new class a few times

so she can get used to the new environment.

The Life Skills class has academics in the morning. Then there are lots of

field trips in the afternoon to reenforce what they have been taught in the

morning....work on money skills in class, then go for a trip for ice cream,

have her count out right change. Karrie will be pulled out for reading and

math...to get a higher level of both. I was thrilled to hear that Karrie has

75-80 sight words now.

I can't drink with the 5 meds I'm on for this pneumonia and bronchitis, but

I am feeling better and better about this decision.

Sue (who gets by with a little (or alot!) help from my friends!) mom to Kate

15 and Karrie 8 w/ds and other issues

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[Guest guest]

,

Since there are some similar <grin> behaviors between and Karrie, I

m hoping that Karrie will also begin to feel better about herself. I

wondered today how much of her behaviors are because she is just so unhappy

and frustrated.

I'm planning on telling them in the morning that this class will work for

Karrie. I want to start taking her on " visits " to the new class a few times

so she can get used to the new environment.

The Life Skills class has academics in the morning. Then there are lots of

field trips in the afternoon to reenforce what they have been taught in the

morning....work on money skills in class, then go for a trip for ice cream,

have her count out right change. Karrie will be pulled out for reading and

math...to get a higher level of both. I was thrilled to hear that Karrie has

75-80 sight words now.

I can't drink with the 5 meds I'm on for this pneumonia and bronchitis, but

I am feeling better and better about this decision.

Sue (who gets by with a little (or alot!) help from my friends!) mom to Kate

15 and Karrie 8 w/ds and other issues

---

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Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

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[Guest guest]

Kathy,

You are so right...a new dream is beginning. And the part about dreams

changing is so very true.

It was funny, because the IEP case manager told me that most of the special

ed department is intimidated by me, that I know our rights and am not afraid

to speak out. Never thought I intimidated them

As for the dating stories....the lawyer is long gone after he told me I

needed to be " more compliant " with what he told me to do. Then there was the

Gere look-alike who freaked when I touched his hand at dinner

(wonder why he hadn't dated for 27 years?). I turned down a date with a

special ed teacher last weekend. Sad when I'd rather clean out my garage

than date, huh? hehehe!!!

I can substitute stories from my new passion....visiting haunted places!!

Thanks for being here for me, Kathy!

Sue (who isn't feeling too wise or strong tonight) mom to Kate 15 and Karrie

8 w/ds and other issues

[Guest guest]

Kathy,

You are so right...a new dream is beginning. And the part about dreams

changing is so very true.

It was funny, because the IEP case manager told me that most of the special

ed department is intimidated by me, that I know our rights and am not afraid

to speak out. Never thought I intimidated them

As for the dating stories....the lawyer is long gone after he told me I

needed to be " more compliant " with what he told me to do. Then there was the

Gere look-alike who freaked when I touched his hand at dinner

(wonder why he hadn't dated for 27 years?). I turned down a date with a

special ed teacher last weekend. Sad when I'd rather clean out my garage

than date, huh? hehehe!!!

I can substitute stories from my new passion....visiting haunted places!!

Thanks for being here for me, Kathy!

Sue (who isn't feeling too wise or strong tonight) mom to Kate 15 and Karrie

8 w/ds and other issues

[Guest guest]

Sue,

I feel for you. We had Bridget tested and she tested at a 5 to 6 yo level and

she turns 12 on Saturday. It is an awful feeling. I felt like I failed her

also. My hubby reminded me she is who she is and at whatever level she is at.

There is not much I can do about that. Bridget does not have the behavior

situations that Karrie has, but she does have that street smart sense of not

letting anyone really know what she can do. She is treated like a 6 yo and her

teacher now is trying to change that.

I wish we lived closer. I struggle with even having Bridget in the cross cat

class. She cannot handle the reg ed at all. Unfortunately for us, the life

skills classes are not desirable. They do not teach academics on a level that

would help us. Bridget would just be in Kindergarten the rest of her school

life and I'm tired of Kindergarten.

Hang in there! Be thankful you have a class to send her to!

You will get through this as you have gotten through all of it, one day at a

time with lots of tears shed.

(mom to Bridget 11almost 12)

[Guest guest]

Sue,

I feel for you. We had Bridget tested and she tested at a 5 to 6 yo level and

she turns 12 on Saturday. It is an awful feeling. I felt like I failed her

also. My hubby reminded me she is who she is and at whatever level she is at.

There is not much I can do about that. Bridget does not have the behavior

situations that Karrie has, but she does have that street smart sense of not

letting anyone really know what she can do. She is treated like a 6 yo and her

teacher now is trying to change that.

I wish we lived closer. I struggle with even having Bridget in the cross cat

class. She cannot handle the reg ed at all. Unfortunately for us, the life

skills classes are not desirable. They do not teach academics on a level that

would help us. Bridget would just be in Kindergarten the rest of her school

life and I'm tired of Kindergarten.

Hang in there! Be thankful you have a class to send her to!

You will get through this as you have gotten through all of it, one day at a

time with lots of tears shed.

(mom to Bridget 11almost 12)

[Guest guest]

Those whose children can be just do not understand the

> behavioral issues are children have.

>

I over generalized here and I apologize to those who do understand -what I

should have said is that many instaed of those. Sorry about that.

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[Guest guest]

Those whose children can be just do not understand the

> behavioral issues are children have.

>

I over generalized here and I apologize to those who do understand -what I

should have said is that many instaed of those. Sorry about that.

---

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[Guest guest]

Oh ,

Please do not stop - what you have done for Maverick is a great example for

others to follow. I think the problem lies with the term " life skills "

because it sounds like the academics are left out. It's unfortunate that

some schools " life skills " program does exclude academics. It's also

unfortunate that many schools use children from " life skills " program as

free labor. I made it clear that was not to fold letters and stuff

envelopes for his school (a goal his OT wanted to do last year). It would

be different if he were older and enjoyed doing office work - but he's only

in elementary school! BTW, in the years that you have posted, you have

never once offended me and I look forward to seeing your opinions.

> I no longer feel comfortable openly speaking my mind on this listserv.

Which

> is too bad. There are so many different people, different types of

> families, children, needs, experiences.

> I LOVE hearing all about everyone, I learn so much. I will not speak

again

> about my feelings on the life skills program and I will not share my

> experiences and I will hopefully not offend others who have different

opinions from me.

> M.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Oh ,

Please do not stop - what you have done for Maverick is a great example for

others to follow. I think the problem lies with the term " life skills "

because it sounds like the academics are left out. It's unfortunate that

some schools " life skills " program does exclude academics. It's also

unfortunate that many schools use children from " life skills " program as

free labor. I made it clear that was not to fold letters and stuff

envelopes for his school (a goal his OT wanted to do last year). It would

be different if he were older and enjoyed doing office work - but he's only

in elementary school! BTW, in the years that you have posted, you have

never once offended me and I look forward to seeing your opinions.

> I no longer feel comfortable openly speaking my mind on this listserv.

Which

> is too bad. There are so many different people, different types of

> families, children, needs, experiences.

> I LOVE hearing all about everyone, I learn so much. I will not speak

again

> about my feelings on the life skills program and I will not share my

> experiences and I will hopefully not offend others who have different

opinions from me.

> M.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/8/2005 1:26:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

Michdock@... writes:

> I LOVE hearing all about everyone, I learn so much. I will not speak again

>

> about my feelings on the life skills program and I will not share my

> experiences and I will hopefully not offend others who have different

> opinions from me.

>

It's not just the life skills label. It's also the 'self contained' label

among others. Our kids are all so different. Our school districts, schools,

labels, teachers, programs, etc., etc. are all like snowflakes. No two are

identical. So we can't compare. Heck, 's in Brooklyn and I'm about 10

miles

away in Queens and what's offered to our kids is very different, but that's

OK. and Liam are different too. Liam's in a self contained classroom

and I couldn't be happier and neither could he. Everybody knows him and loves

him. We walk around the halls and everyone from the guard, to the cafeteria

workers (who know of his diabetes and will make him special foods not on the

menu -- Shhh!) , to the gym teacher stops me and tells me they love my son. If

we lived in another place an inclusive environment might have been his best

placement, but probably not here. The local environment doesn't appreciate the

uniqueness of the 'typical' kids that live here, in my opinion, and couldn't

appreciate my son's abilities.

So he's in this environment that some might scoff at, but he's being

appreciated for who he is, personality wise, he's learning an incredible amount

of

science and social studies in particular, they can handle his health issues

(there are two school nurses and even the receptionist had me teach her how to

check his blood sugar), but most of all his lack of speech hasn't hindered his

ability to communicate or the ability of those around him to understand.

So Sue, Karrie's going to do just great in her new environment. I just know

it.

Kathy, Liam's Mom (7, Down syndrome, Asthma, Type 1 Diabetes (dx 11/04))