Re: Re: Fw: Law alert

[Guest guest]

Hi and -

My representative was one of the sponsors of the bill too, and I am not happy

about that.

I don't have time to check it right now, but I believe IDEA does not prevent

your child from being expelled from school. There are safeguards and procedures

to be followed, but our kids are subject to the law just as other kids are,

despite their disabilities, unfortunately. Our kids are at great risk because

of the comorbidity of ADHD and Bipolar that many of our OCD kids have. Kids

with these disorders usually are the risk takers, the ones who don't think of

the consequences of their actions, the ones who act impulsively so much of the

time.

I am almost positive that if your child brings a weapon to school, he/she will

be arrested and expelled from school, probably immediately. The administration

and police aren't going to give a hoot about your kid's disability if that

happens. When your child appears in court, this state law might come in to play

even if your child is a protected citizen under IDEA, and a judge may order you

to pay for your child's education. They are not protected to the extent that

they can risk harm to others. I know there are limits to the IDEA protections,

that's why this law is so important to us.

, you are very fortunate and wise that you have cultivated the cooperation

of the key administrators in your school district. That is a lesson we all

should learn and something we should all do in the process of securing services

for our kids. I know I'm going to encourage all the members of my local parents

group to do exactly that.

Progress, not perfection

Phyllis

ppepe40@...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sent: Saturday, December 29, 2001 10:20 AM

.. . .We as parents, still have SO MUCH work to do to educate those who are in

charge of our children's education as to how their disorders affect their

behavior! I am not so naieve as to think that a bill like this one couldn't

affect my family, but if I can continue to win the support of the key

administrators in the school district, that will be a step in the right

direction. I am constantly amazed at the wealth of information shared on this

list! Thanks to all of you and have a Happy and safe NEW YEAR! Blessings from

southeastern PA

wrote: From what I glanced at, this bill

pertains to students who have been expelled and will not affect the IDEA laws

regarding behavior

discipline.

Here's the link:

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/BT/2001/0/HB0593P3042.HTM