Re: Today's IEP

[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))

[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!

I often feel this way - not that anyone is bashing life skills, but that A

LOT of the kids I read about on this list are fully integrated in a regular

ed classroom, can read at grade level and basically do everything that my

Nic can't. I've gone to his teachers SEVERAL times this year after reading

this list, full of doubt about myself as a parent and wondering if I am

doing enough. I have been reassured on countless occasions that Nic is

happy, healthy and could not be in a regular 4th grade class. He has

friends, he participates with all 3 grades in his school, but most of his

day is spent one on one with an adult learning kindergarten/first grade

level academics. I have FINALLY come to learn that this is the best thing

for Nicolas. He loves going to school, learns every day, is treated with

kindness and respect by all the students and staff and he is Happy! I think

the situation would be much different if I was forcing the school to put him

in a regular ed class, if I was forcing him to do work beyond his level or

not accepting him for who he is right now. I see progress every year, and

have high hopes for Nicolas, but I know he's not one of the other kids on

here that I read about, and that is okay.

My point, for Sue, is that you know your child, and even though it breaks

your heart to move her, you may be pleasantly surprised to find this is a

better match - her behavior may improve, she will make new friends and maybe

it will be the best thing for everyone. I often compare Nic to other kids

with DS, but I don't compare my daughter to other typically developing kids

- I need to give Nic, and myself a break - and you should too!

Big hugs - I empathize with you... it is a tough realization to come to.

Sandy Love

Monona, WI

Proud mom to a kid who can't read, but he can run like the wind!

[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!

I often feel this way - not that anyone is bashing life skills, but that A

LOT of the kids I read about on this list are fully integrated in a regular

ed classroom, can read at grade level and basically do everything that my

Nic can't. I've gone to his teachers SEVERAL times this year after reading

this list, full of doubt about myself as a parent and wondering if I am

doing enough. I have been reassured on countless occasions that Nic is

happy, healthy and could not be in a regular 4th grade class. He has

friends, he participates with all 3 grades in his school, but most of his

day is spent one on one with an adult learning kindergarten/first grade

level academics. I have FINALLY come to learn that this is the best thing

for Nicolas. He loves going to school, learns every day, is treated with

kindness and respect by all the students and staff and he is Happy! I think

the situation would be much different if I was forcing the school to put him

in a regular ed class, if I was forcing him to do work beyond his level or

not accepting him for who he is right now. I see progress every year, and

have high hopes for Nicolas, but I know he's not one of the other kids on

here that I read about, and that is okay.

My point, for Sue, is that you know your child, and even though it breaks

your heart to move her, you may be pleasantly surprised to find this is a

better match - her behavior may improve, she will make new friends and maybe

it will be the best thing for everyone. I often compare Nic to other kids

with DS, but I don't compare my daughter to other typically developing kids

- I need to give Nic, and myself a break - and you should too!

Big hugs - I empathize with you... it is a tough realization to come to.

Sandy Love

Monona, WI

Proud mom to a kid who can't read, but he can run like the wind!

[Guest guest]

Sandy,

Your message made me smile, especially the part... " runs like the wind " . The

picture I have of Nic is that he is a very happy, well-loved person! This is

what this list is all about, IMHO. We are drawn together because we all love

someone who has Down syndrome. Like all of us, our kids span a rainbow of

abilities and skills. Our kids also have a full range of talents and special

unique qualitites that make them who they are. Thank you all for reminding

me that Karrie is still who she is, regardless of what any tests shows.

Karrie and I are going to go visit the new classroom today at 1:30. I've

talked to her about going to a new, " big-girl " school. She just keeps saying

" I go to MY school " . I told her that we are going to visit a new teacher

and new friends. She seemed a little more receptive. When I told her we

would have ice cream afterwards, she was ok with the idea.

Thanks to all of you who send me messages. I'll answer each one as I can. My

pneumonia seems worse today. My doctor said that if I had insurance, she'd

stick me in the hospital. So, everything is taking lots of effort today.

And , don't you dare stop posting your opinion!!!!! If you do, it will

be all my fault, since I started this thread, and I will have to bear that

with everything else that is going on!!! lol And where would I be without

the inspirational posts that you send?? You all are who keeps me sane...well

as sane as I am, hehehe!!

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

..

[Guest guest]

Sandy,

Your message made me smile, especially the part... " runs like the wind " . The

picture I have of Nic is that he is a very happy, well-loved person! This is

what this list is all about, IMHO. We are drawn together because we all love

someone who has Down syndrome. Like all of us, our kids span a rainbow of

abilities and skills. Our kids also have a full range of talents and special

unique qualitites that make them who they are. Thank you all for reminding

me that Karrie is still who she is, regardless of what any tests shows.

Karrie and I are going to go visit the new classroom today at 1:30. I've

talked to her about going to a new, " big-girl " school. She just keeps saying

" I go to MY school " . I told her that we are going to visit a new teacher

and new friends. She seemed a little more receptive. When I told her we

would have ice cream afterwards, she was ok with the idea.

Thanks to all of you who send me messages. I'll answer each one as I can. My

pneumonia seems worse today. My doctor said that if I had insurance, she'd

stick me in the hospital. So, everything is taking lots of effort today.

And , don't you dare stop posting your opinion!!!!! If you do, it will

be all my fault, since I started this thread, and I will have to bear that

with everything else that is going on!!! lol And where would I be without

the inspirational posts that you send?? You all are who keeps me sane...well

as sane as I am, hehehe!!

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

..

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/8/2005 1:26:51 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

leslie-kerrigan@... writes:

Just my 2 cents!

Very nicely said . Just today as I watched Micah playing with his 4

year old peers outside I was saddened as the boys were playing soccer and

Micah was running after them yelling " ball " . These are a bunch of greast 4

year

old little boys who love Micah but they are just that, 4 year old typical

little boys. I thought the same thing you have , Should I fight so hard

for him to be included with his peers when it is only going to get harder?

But you know what, you said it best when you said, no matter what you do you

question yourself. I have also done this with my other 'typical' children only

maybe not with the same intensity. I can remember a pediatrician telling me

in answer to my asking a question and then stating " I am always questioning

myself. " He said " It is the good mom's who always are questioning if they

are doing the right thing, and they are because they care enough to ask the

question. " And so we all plod along trying to make the best choices with the

options we are given, and do a lot of praying. But we have something a lot of

other moms don't and that is the support of each other to help us through

these tough times. And for that I am extremely greatful~~

Loree

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/8/2005 1:26:51 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

leslie-kerrigan@... writes:

Just my 2 cents!

Very nicely said . Just today as I watched Micah playing with his 4

year old peers outside I was saddened as the boys were playing soccer and

Micah was running after them yelling " ball " . These are a bunch of greast 4

year

old little boys who love Micah but they are just that, 4 year old typical

little boys. I thought the same thing you have , Should I fight so hard

for him to be included with his peers when it is only going to get harder?

But you know what, you said it best when you said, no matter what you do you

question yourself. I have also done this with my other 'typical' children only

maybe not with the same intensity. I can remember a pediatrician telling me

in answer to my asking a question and then stating " I am always questioning

myself. " He said " It is the good mom's who always are questioning if they

are doing the right thing, and they are because they care enough to ask the

question. " And so we all plod along trying to make the best choices with the

options we are given, and do a lot of praying. But we have something a lot of

other moms don't and that is the support of each other to help us through

these tough times. And for that I am extremely greatful~~

Loree

[Guest guest]

Sue,

similiar boat- years apart. I just switched amanda into an alternative

assessment program for HS. I am feeling that same as you- that after years of

true

inclusion- collaborative team teaching and advocating inclusion, I am putting

her in a class with 12 kids ranging in age from 14-19 and there will be her

and her friend from middle school and one other 14 year old. They will travel

to regular classrooms and get modified work- but just seeing the program,

broke my heart.

BUT- I did this for my daughter- she will be in a program that she will feel

comfortable in, possibly get some friendships going and still be part of a

regular high school. I trully believe its a good place for her- it may not be

my

dream, but I'm not inside her everyday feeling frustrated about the work and

trying to fit in and constantly being " excluded' in full inclusion.

Sue, we will cry over every decision we make for them- but in the long run,

she might be happier, her behaviors might level off which in turn will make you

happier and then you can cry about something else- like we all do. You know

you are doing the BEST for Karrie

and if you dont try it- you will never know.

I remember a few people from this list telling me to find the balance for

amanda of inclusion. So in amanda's case, her school was full inclusion model

and other areas are with people with disabilities- like camp, her saturday

program, her theater group. Maybe in Karries situ, her socialization stuff can

be

more inclusive and then you will find that 'balance' that we all are seeking.

[Guest guest]

Sue,

similiar boat- years apart. I just switched amanda into an alternative

assessment program for HS. I am feeling that same as you- that after years of

true

inclusion- collaborative team teaching and advocating inclusion, I am putting

her in a class with 12 kids ranging in age from 14-19 and there will be her

and her friend from middle school and one other 14 year old. They will travel

to regular classrooms and get modified work- but just seeing the program,

broke my heart.

BUT- I did this for my daughter- she will be in a program that she will feel

comfortable in, possibly get some friendships going and still be part of a

regular high school. I trully believe its a good place for her- it may not be

my

dream, but I'm not inside her everyday feeling frustrated about the work and

trying to fit in and constantly being " excluded' in full inclusion.

Sue, we will cry over every decision we make for them- but in the long run,

she might be happier, her behaviors might level off which in turn will make you

happier and then you can cry about something else- like we all do. You know

you are doing the BEST for Karrie

and if you dont try it- you will never know.

I remember a few people from this list telling me to find the balance for

amanda of inclusion. So in amanda's case, her school was full inclusion model

and other areas are with people with disabilities- like camp, her saturday

program, her theater group. Maybe in Karries situ, her socialization stuff can

be

more inclusive and then you will find that 'balance' that we all are seeking.

[Guest guest]

>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!

>

I think that all of us parents, no matter where we end up putting our

children, are still filled with " Did I do the right thing " and " Is this

the best place for him/her " and all the rest. All of 's life,

we have dreamed for her to be fully included, and to date, she has

been. This, however, is our dream, and we don't know (yet) if this is

what SHE wants, and if it's best for her. I wonder sometimes

(especially during homework), is it too much for her? Are the behavior

issues we see related to her being pushed too far? Would she have more

real friends, rather that kids who know her, and are nice to her, but

don't invite her to play, if she were in a setting with kids she might

relate to more? Is she happy where she is? And yet, because some of

her academics are pretty good, we continue, hoping it's best, yet not

knowing what a change of placement would do.

I've been very edgy about things lately becuase of the bus, the aide,

etc., and have written more letters cc'd to everyone this year than the

past 4 years. I am frequently wondering " is this the right place? "

Then, yesterday a note scribbed on 's " Friendship Checklist "

(this is something new to encourage her to interact more with her

peers). It said " Would not sit with class. Tried 3 different times to

get her to be with her class. She wanted to sit with ASD class. " Now,

many things bother me about this note, such as: (1) when did this occur

(at snack or lunch, where you can sit where you want, or during an

assembly, when you must sit with your class?), (2) " tried 3 times " ,

well either she must sit with her class, or she can choose, but if it's

a " must " , they should have done something better than " try " , (3) was

this a problem that I need to address, or just and FYI? But mostly, it

seems like they didn't want her to sit with the ASD class.... what, a

kid with DS can't sit with kids with autism? That seems extremely

judgemental of them, or perhaps the aide (or whoever wrote the note, it

wasn't signed, but looks like aide's handwriting) didn't want to sit

with the autistic kids? Then I started wondering, why did she go

there? Was she more comfortable, somehow, with the special ed teachers

and class? From what I've observed from this class, most are not very

chatty, so I'm guessing it wasn't for the socialization. Or maybe it

was just a coincidence, and I shouldn't try and read into it. But,

after all the struggles of inclusion, it is just one more thing that

makes me wonder....... Does she want to be included, or would she rather

be with other kids with special needs?

Yes, we should all feel great about our decisions for our kids, and yes,

we will still beat ourselves up over " is it right " , no matter what that

descision is..... it's part of the job description, LOL. I think

feeling " comfortable " (for the year, for the grade, whatever) is the

best I'll ever get. But then again, I wonder similar things about my

oher kids as well (when should I have her GATE tested, should she be

with the GATE cluster and maybe have less confidence, or be in a regular

class and be the " big fish " , etc), so maybe it is one of the hazards of

motherhood. Just my 2 cents!

, mom to (9), (7 DS), and (5)

[Guest guest]

>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!

>

I think that all of us parents, no matter where we end up putting our

children, are still filled with " Did I do the right thing " and " Is this

the best place for him/her " and all the rest. All of 's life,

we have dreamed for her to be fully included, and to date, she has

been. This, however, is our dream, and we don't know (yet) if this is

what SHE wants, and if it's best for her. I wonder sometimes

(especially during homework), is it too much for her? Are the behavior

issues we see related to her being pushed too far? Would she have more

real friends, rather that kids who know her, and are nice to her, but

don't invite her to play, if she were in a setting with kids she might

relate to more? Is she happy where she is? And yet, because some of

her academics are pretty good, we continue, hoping it's best, yet not

knowing what a change of placement would do.

I've been very edgy about things lately becuase of the bus, the aide,

etc., and have written more letters cc'd to everyone this year than the

past 4 years. I am frequently wondering " is this the right place? "

Then, yesterday a note scribbed on 's " Friendship Checklist "

(this is something new to encourage her to interact more with her

peers). It said " Would not sit with class. Tried 3 different times to

get her to be with her class. She wanted to sit with ASD class. " Now,

many things bother me about this note, such as: (1) when did this occur

(at snack or lunch, where you can sit where you want, or during an

assembly, when you must sit with your class?), (2) " tried 3 times " ,

well either she must sit with her class, or she can choose, but if it's

a " must " , they should have done something better than " try " , (3) was

this a problem that I need to address, or just and FYI? But mostly, it

seems like they didn't want her to sit with the ASD class.... what, a

kid with DS can't sit with kids with autism? That seems extremely

judgemental of them, or perhaps the aide (or whoever wrote the note, it

wasn't signed, but looks like aide's handwriting) didn't want to sit

with the autistic kids? Then I started wondering, why did she go

there? Was she more comfortable, somehow, with the special ed teachers

and class? From what I've observed from this class, most are not very

chatty, so I'm guessing it wasn't for the socialization. Or maybe it

was just a coincidence, and I shouldn't try and read into it. But,

after all the struggles of inclusion, it is just one more thing that

makes me wonder....... Does she want to be included, or would she rather

be with other kids with special needs?

Yes, we should all feel great about our decisions for our kids, and yes,

we will still beat ourselves up over " is it right " , no matter what that

descision is..... it's part of the job description, LOL. I think

feeling " comfortable " (for the year, for the grade, whatever) is the

best I'll ever get. But then again, I wonder similar things about my

oher kids as well (when should I have her GATE tested, should she be

with the GATE cluster and maybe have less confidence, or be in a regular

class and be the " big fish " , etc), so maybe it is one of the hazards of

motherhood. Just my 2 cents!

, mom to (9), (7 DS), and (5)

[Guest guest]

, that's probably how I should have worded it, instead of using " bashing. "

I should have said I'm tired of " generalizations " being made about life skills

programs. That is more of what happens. Bottom line, again, is check out

programs in your area for yourself, and don't just go by what you hear is

happening in other districts.

Jackie

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

>

> 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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>

>

>

>

> Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for messages

> to go to the sender of the message.

>

[Guest guest]

, that's probably how I should have worded it, instead of using " bashing. "

I should have said I'm tired of " generalizations " being made about life skills

programs. That is more of what happens. Bottom line, again, is check out

programs in your area for yourself, and don't just go by what you hear is

happening in other districts.

Jackie

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

>

> 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.

>

>

>

>

> ---

> Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.

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

> Version: 6.0.859 / Virus Database: 585 - Release Date: 2/17/2005

>

>

>

>

> Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for messages

> to go to the sender of the message.

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/8/05 1:12:14 PM Central Daylight Time, Loree5@...

writes:

> . But we have something a lot of

> other moms don't and that is the support of each other to help us through

> these tough times. And for that I am extremely greatful~~

>

> Loree

>

We have something else too, Loree, We have the most wonderful kids in

the world. Jessie

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/8/05 1:12:14 PM Central Daylight Time, Loree5@...

writes:

> . But we have something a lot of

> other moms don't and that is the support of each other to help us through

> these tough times. And for that I am extremely greatful~~

>

> Loree

>

We have something else too, Loree, We have the most wonderful kids in

the world. Jessie

[Guest guest]

I think we all have to balance OUR dreams for our kids with what is

best for them. You are all lucky to have the choices you have these days, altho

I'm sure some are better than others and have to be balanced out. I was

always glad that was able to go to school with regular kids and do the

same work but I don't know how long he's have been able to keep it up as there

was no such thing as modifications and aids and such in those days. I wouldn't

have sent him to the regular high school and that was the only choice. I

guess I'd have had to be a high school teacher. But his hip problems got so

painful and then all the complications that brought to our lives, kind of too

care

of it. But by that time he could read anything he was interested in so he

continued, and still does, to learn a lot of things. These things you have

sound

great to me now. jessie

[Guest guest]

I know I am one parent currently against lifeskills class for my little one

but not so much the classitself but a fear of the school district trying to

force it as a first placement without trying LRE with appropriate mods and

supports first.... I really do think life skills/self contained is an

important option depending on the child's needs.... it is just that I get

the feeling that many school districts try to force it onto every child with

special needs and parents end up having to fight for a less restrictive

environment.

It sounds like you have explored all options for your little Karrie....

therefore you are a success in choosing the environment that is most

appropriate for her... you can only be applauded for that....

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]

I know I am one parent currently against lifeskills class for my little one

but not so much the classitself but a fear of the school district trying to

force it as a first placement without trying LRE with appropriate mods and

supports first.... I really do think life skills/self contained is an

important option depending on the child's needs.... it is just that I get

the feeling that many school districts try to force it onto every child with

special needs and parents end up having to fight for a less restrictive

environment.

It sounds like you have explored all options for your little Karrie....

therefore you are a success in choosing the environment that is most

appropriate for her... you can only be applauded for that....

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]

You are right - this happens more often than not. When we were exploring a

self-contained setting for , I visited the school in the next town

over. I was briefly shown the " EMR " classroom and quickly escorted to the

Moderate MR room " where all our children with DS go " . That motivated me to

pull parents together from our end of the county and advocate for a

classroom that would not only meet our children's academic needs, but also

have an emphasis on communication and sensory issues. There are currently

four other children with DS and one child with PDD ('s best friend

for many years). The other children with DS have various needs - the girls

are more social and their speech is much better. I'm sure they get more

" inclusion " time and they should. The boys seem to have more complex needs.

They are all very unique. It's my understanding that there will be three

children in 's classroom this fall - my gut feeling is that there

will be more.

I wish Sandy would jump in (if she scans her emails!) - her daughter started

out in a self-contained setting and the whole concept of inclusion was

taught to her when she joined my AOL support group 11 years ago. She

advocated hard to get her daughter moved to a LRE - where she grew by leaps

and bounds. I think Kali was 7 or 8 at the time. As a mother of a baby

with DS, I sat back (because school issues didn't apply to us yet) and

learned - and remembered - and took things to heart.

Re: Today's IEP

>

> I know I am one parent currently against lifeskills class for my little

one

> but not so much the classitself but a fear of the school district trying

to

> force it as a first placement without trying LRE with appropriate mods and

> supports first.... I really do think life skills/self contained is an

> important option depending on the child's needs.... it is just that I get

> the feeling that many school districts try to force it onto every child

with

> special needs and parents end up having to fight for a less restrictive

> environment.

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[Guest guest]

You are right - this happens more often than not. When we were exploring a

self-contained setting for , I visited the school in the next town

over. I was briefly shown the " EMR " classroom and quickly escorted to the

Moderate MR room " where all our children with DS go " . That motivated me to

pull parents together from our end of the county and advocate for a

classroom that would not only meet our children's academic needs, but also

have an emphasis on communication and sensory issues. There are currently

four other children with DS and one child with PDD ('s best friend

for many years). The other children with DS have various needs - the girls

are more social and their speech is much better. I'm sure they get more

" inclusion " time and they should. The boys seem to have more complex needs.

They are all very unique. It's my understanding that there will be three

children in 's classroom this fall - my gut feeling is that there

will be more.

I wish Sandy would jump in (if she scans her emails!) - her daughter started

out in a self-contained setting and the whole concept of inclusion was

taught to her when she joined my AOL support group 11 years ago. She

advocated hard to get her daughter moved to a LRE - where she grew by leaps

and bounds. I think Kali was 7 or 8 at the time. As a mother of a baby

with DS, I sat back (because school issues didn't apply to us yet) and

learned - and remembered - and took things to heart.

Re: Today's IEP

>

> I know I am one parent currently against lifeskills class for my little

one

> but not so much the classitself but a fear of the school district trying

to

> force it as a first placement without trying LRE with appropriate mods and

> supports first.... I really do think life skills/self contained is an

> important option depending on the child's needs.... it is just that I get

> the feeling that many school districts try to force it onto every child

with

> special needs and parents end up having to fight for a less restrictive

> environment.

---

Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.

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

Version: 6.0.859 / Virus Database: 585 - Release Date: 2/17/2005

[Guest guest]

Amen to that!!!!

Sharon H.

Mom to , (13, DS) and , (9)

South Carolina

Re: Today's IEP

In a message dated 4/8/05 1:12:14 PM Central Daylight Time, Loree5@...

writes:

> . But we have something a lot of

> other moms don't and that is the support of each other to help us through

> these tough times. And for that I am extremely greatful~~

>

> Loree

>

We have something else too, Loree, We have the most wonderful kids in

the world. Jessie

[Guest guest]

Amen to that!!!!

Sharon H.

Mom to , (13, DS) and , (9)

South Carolina

Re: Today's IEP

In a message dated 4/8/05 1:12:14 PM Central Daylight Time, Loree5@...

writes:

> . But we have something a lot of

> other moms don't and that is the support of each other to help us through

> these tough times. And for that I am extremely greatful~~

>

> Loree

>

We have something else too, Loree, We have the most wonderful kids in

the world. Jessie

[Guest guest]

Re: Today's IEP

I think we all have to balance OUR dreams for our kids with what is

best for them. You are all lucky to have the choices you have these days,

altho

I'm sure some are better than others and have to be balanced out. These

things you have sound

great to me now. jessie

is 13 years old, and I read on the list about things and programs

available now, that weren't available 10-13 years ago. I think it is wonderful

that we are seeing the development of new techniques, therapies, etc., that will

continue to benefit our kids in the future.

Sharon H.

Mom to , (13, DS) and , (9)

South Carolina

[Guest guest]

We have something else too, Loree, We have the most wonderful kids in

the world. Jessie

You got that right Jessie. And do you know what I just read. In Scandanavia

centuriies ago each birth of a DS child was celebrated because they were thought

to be angels. They had it right too...centuries ago.

Loree

Re: Today's IEP

In a message dated 4/8/05 1:12:14 PM Central Daylight Time, Loree5@...

writes:

> . But we have something a lot of

> other moms don't and that is the support of each other to help us through

> these tough times. And for that I am extremely greatful~~

>

> Loree

>

We have something else too, Loree, We have the most wonderful kids in

the world. Jessie

[Guest guest]

We have something else too, Loree, We have the most wonderful kids in

the world. Jessie

You got that right Jessie. And do you know what I just read. In Scandanavia

centuriies ago each birth of a DS child was celebrated because they were thought

to be angels. They had it right too...centuries ago.

Loree

Re: Today's IEP

In a message dated 4/8/05 1:12:14 PM Central Daylight Time, Loree5@...

writes:

> . But we have something a lot of

> other moms don't and that is the support of each other to help us through

> these tough times. And for that I am extremely greatful~~

>

> Loree

>

We have something else too, Loree, We have the most wonderful kids in

the world. Jessie