Re: Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

[Guest guest]

Hi Kristy.

I would definitely complete a speech survey for Mia, age 2.5.

She is not apraxic and her therapist believes she will not develop apraxia

because she is consistent with her speech and language. She does however have a

small level of motor planning with regards to speech.

Thanks,

Kim Lagonigro

Mom to Mia 2.5 and the twins should be arriving sometime in September!

Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

Hi Everyone

I spoke with our advisory board member, Dr. Libby Kumin tonight

regarding the special speech problems that we are seeing lately with

our children here.

I know that many of you have said that your children are " non-verbal "

or have possible Apraxia.

Whatever speech issue your child is having, I NEED YOUR RESPONSE!!

Tell me your child name and age and explain exactly what they are

doing in regards to speech.

If they are not having Apraxia issues or 'non-verbal' issues, but are

having a different speech problem, please respond also!

And, if your child used to have a speech problem, but it is now

improving, or better, let us know that too! And tell us what you did

to help it!!

Then, tell me if you would be willing to complete a research survey

(about 35 questions) regarding speech.

If we can get enough participants for this research, we can get it in

the works quite quickly! This is the ONLY way for us to discover what

these problems are that our children are having and how we can help

them to communicate!!

Please don't wait to respond. I would like to get this information

out to Dr. Kumin before the week is up! Just click reply and reply to

the group! This will help all of you discuss these speech problems

and what you are doing in your area to help them.

We have over 600 people in our support group here! I hope for 600

emails before Friday!!! (I know...be careful what you wish for!! LOL)

Thanks!

Kristy

[Guest guest]

Yeah, the word retarded these days especially among younger people is takin out

of context. Now it means, " Stupid " whereas the real meaning of the word is,

" Slow " so yeah my child is slower at some things but I dont use the word

retarded since today it is takin out of context. I understand how you felt, Ive

heard that too.

Marriah, Gideons mom (14 months)

Subject: RE: Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

To: MosaicDS

Date: Thursday, August 7, 2008, 6:22 AM

Oh, I SO HATE the term " mentally retarded. " I cannot believe some

states are still using that term, but they are. In KY, a child whose IQ

is between 55 and 70 and has adaptive behavior scores in that same range

is eligible under the category of Mild Mental Disability, while a child

whose IQ is below 55 and has adaptive behavior scores in that same range

is eligible under the category of Functional Mental Disability. I know

some people take issue take issue with the term " disability, " but I'd

MUCH rather say a child has a " disability " than to say they are

" retarded. " At least " disability " is not used in a derogatory manner in

the everyday speech of a big chunk of the population.

A.

Special Educator

Simon Kenton High School

(859)960-0348

cynthia.jones@ kenton.kyschools .us

" Deaf People Can Do Anything Except Hear! " (I. King Jordan)

Confidentiality Notice - This email is intended only for the person to

whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information. Any

unauthorized review is prohibited. If you are not the intended

recipient, kindly contact the sender by reply email and destroy all

copies of the original message. If you are the intended recipient, but

do not wish to receive communication through this medium, please advise

the sender immediately.

____________ _________ _________ __

From: MosaicDS@yahoogroup s.com [mailto:MosaicDS@yahoogroup s.com] On

Behalf Of sabrinamypalomar (DOT) com

Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 12:45 AM

To: MosaicDS@yahoogroup s.com

Subject: Re: Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

hi kristy. i can fax the language portion of shelby's IEP..

also, when we met for shelbys last IEP the de-classified her as

" mentally retarded " and placed her under " other medical " Yea!!!!!

Covington, SRES, REALTOR

Covington Real Estate

http://www.mypaloma r.com <http://www.mypaloma r.com>

Call or Text

Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

Hi Everyone

I spoke with our advisory board member, Dr. Libby Kumin tonight

regarding the special speech problems that we are seeing lately with

our children here.

I know that many of you have said that your children are " non-verbal "

or have possible Apraxia.

Whatever speech issue your child is having, I NEED YOUR RESPONSE!!

Tell me your child name and age and explain exactly what they are

doing in regards to speech.

If they are not having Apraxia issues or 'non-verbal' issues, but are

having a different speech problem, please respond also!

And, if your child used to have a speech problem, but it is now

improving, or better, let us know that too! And tell us what you did

to help it!!

Then, tell me if you would be willing to complete a research survey

(about 35 questions) regarding speech.

If we can get enough participants for this research, we can get it in

the works quite quickly! This is the ONLY way for us to discover what

these problems are that our children are having and how we can help

them to communicate! !

Please don't wait to respond. I would like to get this information

out to Dr. Kumin before the week is up! Just click reply and reply to

the group! This will help all of you discuss these speech problems

and what you are doing in your area to help them.

We have over 600 people in our support group here! I hope for 600

emails before Friday!!! (I know...be careful what you wish for!! LOL)

Thanks!

Kristy

[Guest guest]

-I had a tift at an IEP meeting with the school psychologist (He is

an idiot!!) <<<Let me explain. He was demanding to do a psychological

on CH when CH was clearly " ignoring " us and of course, he does not

have intelligible " verbal " speech. Their goal was to list on his

school record that he is " MI " (mentally impaired). In today's

society, and this is very common, if a child does not verbally speak,

they are considered mentally retarded (or in layman's terms> " Dumb " )

Well, we knew/know that CH is very intelligent and everyone has been

seeing signs of this left and right. I graciously declined the test

and stated that CH's main problem was that the school did not want to

give him services (Speech and ASL), which they never gave in an

adequate or appropriate form and without $$, I was unable to find an

attorney to fight this (thank God we moved). Anyway, he insisted that

his (CH's) school record include a diagnosis of Trisomy 21 Down

Syndrome, which was/is incorrect. We literally had a verbal knock-

down drag-out, before I called the meeting to an end, about the

correct diagnosis being that of MDS 50% and also I called attention

to the fact that the reason for the referral was not for MDSat all,

but only for speech therapy services and sign language services.

(Afterall, there is no education goal fr MDS is there?)

Since I was the refering agent, I could legitimately testify that

this was the ONLY reason I had brought him to public school for help.

Upset as I was, he insisted that the report he filed have the

diagnosis of Down Syndrome in the record. I protested and had my

protest declared on a tape recording of the meeting. Nothing was ever

done and the " label " still stands and has not been removed from his

permanent record. ( I am sure they did testing behind my back and

without consent as well because of other tests they were doing in

front of my face.)I did inform the school that if at a later date, we

had to fall back on or then utilize a diagnosis of MDS (a rson all in

itself to get automatic services for something) to keep him getting

the services he needed, then I would consider adding that diagnosis

to his record. (All the while, I " knew " this would never happen

because if he did not need any services, then I would not be there in

the first place or t all in the future.)These are many of the reasons

I homeschool him (and my others). The implication of the school

psychologist was that because he has MDS (or DS as he put it), then

my child was less than able to learn nd therefore not as many

services need be provided because they would not be effective anyway.

Whew....I guess you touched a sensitive nerve in me....LOL.... I

believe in looking at the " real issues " and not the chromosome

counts when assessing a person's needs. Since there is no " treatment "

for MDS per se,they were clearly avoiding the need for services by

demanding that be his problem. (MI)When you put someone in as a MI,

then basically they throw away the key on you and never have any real

expectations for you. His problem was/is speech. (No matter where the

cause lies, he needed speech therapy and sign language services, NOT

a useless label that would get him no services whatsoever. I mean,

what is a legitimate goal for having the condiion of MDS? The only

treatment I know, at present, results in death and that is removal of

the extra chromosomes.) << A lot of people do not think in these

terms, but I do.

Sorry, if I took this off the topic some, but I get so irritated when

people stereotype chromosomes and/or people. I also get very offended

when people clump everyone into the same category, or any category

for that matter, and label them " dumb " because they are different.

................................................

-- In MosaicDS , marriah buhman

wrote:

>

> Yeah, the word retarded these days especially among younger people

is takin out of context. Now it means, " Stupid " whereas the real

meaning of the word is, " Slow " so yeah my child is slower at some

things but I dont use the word retarded since today it is takin out

of context. I understand how you felt, Ive heard that too.

> Marriah, Gideons mom (14 months)

>

>

>

>

> Subject: RE: Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

> To: MosaicDS

> Date: Thursday, August 7, 2008, 6:22 AM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Oh, I SO HATE the term " mentally retarded. " I cannot believe some

> states are still using that term, but they are. In KY, a child

whose IQ

> is between 55 and 70 and has adaptive behavior scores in that same

range

> is eligible under the category of Mild Mental Disability, while a

child

> whose IQ is below 55 and has adaptive behavior scores in that same

range

> is eligible under the category of Functional Mental Disability. I

know

> some people take issue take issue with the term " disability, " but

I'd

> MUCH rather say a child has a " disability " than to say they are

> " retarded. " At least " disability " is not used in a derogatory

manner in

> the everyday speech of a big chunk of the population.

>

> A.

>

> Special Educator

>

> Simon Kenton High School

>

> (859)960-0348

>

> cynthia.jones@ kenton.kyschools .us

>

> " Deaf People Can Do Anything Except Hear! " (I. King Jordan)

>

> Confidentiality Notice - This email is intended only for the person

to

> whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information. Any

> unauthorized review is prohibited. If you are not the intended

> recipient, kindly contact the sender by reply email and destroy all

> copies of the original message. If you are the intended recipient,

but

> do not wish to receive communication through this medium, please

advise

> the sender immediately.

>

> ____________ _________ _________ __

>

> From: MosaicDS@yahoogroup s.com [mailto:MosaicDS@yahoogroup s.com]

On

> Behalf Of sabrinamypalomar (DOT) com

> Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 12:45 AM

> To: MosaicDS@yahoogroup s.com

> Subject: Re: Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

>

> hi kristy. i can fax the language portion of shelby's IEP..

>

> also, when we met for shelbys last IEP the de-classified her as

> " mentally retarded " and placed her under " other medical " Yea!!!!!

>

> Covington, SRES, REALTOR

> Covington Real Estate

> http://www.mypaloma r.com <http://www.mypaloma r.com>

> Call or Text

>

> Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

>

> Hi Everyone

> I spoke with our advisory board member, Dr. Libby Kumin tonight

> regarding the special speech problems that we are seeing lately

with

> our children here.

>

> I know that many of you have said that your children are " non-

verbal "

> or have possible Apraxia.

>

> Whatever speech issue your child is having, I NEED YOUR RESPONSE!!

>

> Tell me your child name and age and explain exactly what they are

> doing in regards to speech.

>

> If they are not having Apraxia issues or 'non-verbal' issues, but

are

> having a different speech problem, please respond also!

>

> And, if your child used to have a speech problem, but it is now

> improving, or better, let us know that too! And tell us what you

did

> to help it!!

>

> Then, tell me if you would be willing to complete a research survey

> (about 35 questions) regarding speech.

>

> If we can get enough participants for this research, we can get it

in

> the works quite quickly! This is the ONLY way for us to discover

what

> these problems are that our children are having and how we can help

> them to communicate! !

>

> Please don't wait to respond. I would like to get this information

> out to Dr. Kumin before the week is up! Just click reply and reply

to

> the group! This will help all of you discuss these speech problems

> and what you are doing in your area to help them.

>

> We have over 600 people in our support group here! I hope for 600

> emails before Friday!!! (I know...be careful what you wish for!!

LOL)

>

> Thanks!

> Kristy

>

>

[Guest guest]

The school is required to do an evaluation before they can provide services,

unless they are accepting a report from an outside source. Sometimes they do

that, but often the type of information included in those outside reports is not

adequate to either qualify the child for services or to devise an IEP around.

They are not allowed to do an evaluation without your permission, but if you

don't give permission for an evaluation, you are essentially refusing services

for your child. In addition, just the opposite of what you said about the level

of services is true. The more " involved " a child is, the more services they

get. Our students in the FMD and MMD classes and the Structured Teaching Unit

(Autism) get the most " manpower " staffing-wise and the most resources available

to them for teaching the students. The money that pays for these services comes

from the state and is based on the eligibility of the children with special

needs in the district. Sometimes, that label can be the difference in your

child's school having the staff and resources to educate your child adequately

or not.

I agree that you should not stand for the wrong diagnosis in your child's

report. That does not help anybody. Shoot, I wouldn't leave the table one time

until they rewrote a REFERRAL for OT/PT services, because the information

included was way off base. They said, " We'll just document it in the conference

summary that this information is incorrect. " I said, " No, the referral MUST be

changed. I don't want a teacher a few years down the road looking into her

binder and thinking she was unable to do these things when she was three. " They

changed it right in front of me.

A.

Special Educator

Simon Kenton HS

11132 Madison Pk.

Independence, KY 41051

(859)960-0348

cynthia.jones@...

________________________________

From: MosaicDS on behalf of

Sent: Sat 8/9/2008 7:56 PM

To: MosaicDS

Subject: Re: Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

-I had a tift at an IEP meeting with the school psychologist (He is

an idiot!!) <<<Let me explain. He was demanding to do a psychological

on CH when CH was clearly " ignoring " us and of course, he does not

have intelligible " verbal " speech. Their goal was to list on his

school record that he is " MI " (mentally impaired). In today's

society, and this is very common, if a child does not verbally speak,

they are considered mentally retarded (or in layman's terms> " Dumb " )

Well, we knew/know that CH is very intelligent and everyone has been

seeing signs of this left and right. I graciously declined the test

and stated that CH's main problem was that the school did not want to

give him services (Speech and ASL), which they never gave in an

adequate or appropriate form and without $$, I was unable to find an

attorney to fight this (thank God we moved). Anyway, he insisted that

his (CH's) school record include a diagnosis of Trisomy 21 Down

Syndrome, which was/is incorrect. We literally had a verbal knock-

down drag-out, before I called the meeting to an end, about the

correct diagnosis being that of MDS 50% and also I called attention

to the fact that the reason for the referral was not for MDSat all,

but only for speech therapy services and sign language services.

(Afterall, there is no education goal fr MDS is there?)

Since I was the refering agent, I could legitimately testify that

this was the ONLY reason I had brought him to public school for help.

Upset as I was, he insisted that the report he filed have the

diagnosis of Down Syndrome in the record. I protested and had my

protest declared on a tape recording of the meeting. Nothing was ever

done and the " label " still stands and has not been removed from his

permanent record. ( I am sure they did testing behind my back and

without consent as well because of other tests they were doing in

front of my face.)I did inform the school that if at a later date, we

had to fall back on or then utilize a diagnosis of MDS (a rson all in

itself to get automatic services for something) to keep him getting

the services he needed, then I would consider adding that diagnosis

to his record. (All the while, I " knew " this would never happen

because if he did not need any services, then I would not be there in

the first place or t all in the future.)These are many of the reasons

I homeschool him (and my others). The implication of the school

psychologist was that because he has MDS (or DS as he put it), then

my child was less than able to learn nd therefore not as many

services need be provided because they would not be effective anyway.

Whew....I guess you touched a sensitive nerve in me....LOL.... I

believe in looking at the " real issues " and not the chromosome

counts when assessing a person's needs. Since there is no " treatment "

for MDS per se,they were clearly avoiding the need for services by

demanding that be his problem. (MI)When you put someone in as a MI,

then basically they throw away the key on you and never have any real

expectations for you. His problem was/is speech. (No matter where the

cause lies, he needed speech therapy and sign language services, NOT

a useless label that would get him no services whatsoever. I mean,

what is a legitimate goal for having the condiion of MDS? The only

treatment I know, at present, results in death and that is removal of

the extra chromosomes.) << A lot of people do not think in these

terms, but I do.

Sorry, if I took this off the topic some, but I get so irritated when

people stereotype chromosomes and/or people. I also get very offended

when people clump everyone into the same category, or any category

for that matter, and label them " dumb " because they are different.

................................................

-- In MosaicDS <mailto:MosaicDS%40yahoogroups.com> , marriah

buhman

wrote:

>

> Yeah, the word retarded these days especially among younger people

is takin out of context. Now it means, " Stupid " whereas the real

meaning of the word is, " Slow " so yeah my child is slower at some

things but I dont use the word retarded since today it is takin out

of context. I understand how you felt, Ive heard that too.

> Marriah, Gideons mom (14 months)

>

>

>

>

> Subject: RE: Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

> To: MosaicDS <mailto:MosaicDS%40yahoogroups.com>

> Date: Thursday, August 7, 2008, 6:22 AM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Oh, I SO HATE the term " mentally retarded. " I cannot believe some

> states are still using that term, but they are. In KY, a child

whose IQ

> is between 55 and 70 and has adaptive behavior scores in that same

range

> is eligible under the category of Mild Mental Disability, while a

child

> whose IQ is below 55 and has adaptive behavior scores in that same

range

> is eligible under the category of Functional Mental Disability. I

know

> some people take issue take issue with the term " disability, " but

I'd

> MUCH rather say a child has a " disability " than to say they are

> " retarded. " At least " disability " is not used in a derogatory

manner in

> the everyday speech of a big chunk of the population.

>

> A.

>

> Special Educator

>

> Simon Kenton High School

>

> (859)960-0348

>

> cynthia.jones@ kenton.kyschools .us

>

> " Deaf People Can Do Anything Except Hear! " (I. King Jordan)

>

> Confidentiality Notice - This email is intended only for the person

to

> whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information. Any

> unauthorized review is prohibited. If you are not the intended

> recipient, kindly contact the sender by reply email and destroy all

> copies of the original message. If you are the intended recipient,

but

> do not wish to receive communication through this medium, please

advise

> the sender immediately.

>

> ____________ _________ _________ __

>

> From: MosaicDS@yahoogroup s.com [mailto:MosaicDS@yahoogroup s.com]

On

> Behalf Of sabrinamypalomar (DOT) com

> Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 12:45 AM

> To: MosaicDS@yahoogroup s.com

> Subject: Re: Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

>

> hi kristy. i can fax the language portion of shelby's IEP..

>

> also, when we met for shelbys last IEP the de-classified her as

> " mentally retarded " and placed her under " other medical " Yea!!!!!

>

> Covington, SRES, REALTOR

> Covington Real Estate

> http://www.mypaloma <http://www.mypaloma/> r.com <http://www.mypaloma

<http://www.mypaloma/> r.com>

> Call or Text

>

> Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

>

> Hi Everyone

> I spoke with our advisory board member, Dr. Libby Kumin tonight

> regarding the special speech problems that we are seeing lately

with

> our children here.

>

> I know that many of you have said that your children are " non-

verbal "

> or have possible Apraxia.

>

> Whatever speech issue your child is having, I NEED YOUR RESPONSE!!

>

> Tell me your child name and age and explain exactly what they are

> doing in regards to speech.

>

> If they are not having Apraxia issues or 'non-verbal' issues, but

are

> having a different speech problem, please respond also!

>

> And, if your child used to have a speech problem, but it is now

> improving, or better, let us know that too! And tell us what you

did

> to help it!!

>

> Then, tell me if you would be willing to complete a research survey

> (about 35 questions) regarding speech.

>

> If we can get enough participants for this research, we can get it

in

> the works quite quickly! This is the ONLY way for us to discover

what

> these problems are that our children are having and how we can help

> them to communicate! !

>

> Please don't wait to respond. I would like to get this information

> out to Dr. Kumin before the week is up! Just click reply and reply

to

> the group! This will help all of you discuss these speech problems

> and what you are doing in your area to help them.

>

> We have over 600 people in our support group here! I hope for 600

> emails before Friday!!! (I know...be careful what you wish for!!

LOL)

>

> Thanks!

> Kristy

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have to agree with you , when I did Austin IEP for the upcoming school

year I insisted on them putting in the Dx of MDS and they did with no problem or

argument. Also to aide him further in services the School Psychologist

determined (thru thorough testing) that Austin was " Mildly MR " (before the state

changed it to ID) and I knew that he wasn't, however, I agreed with them ONLY

because I knew it would get him more & better services from the school District.

I have never had a problem getting services for Austin since he's been in the

school district, and I'm willing to let the district " label " him anyway they

want (within reason and with adequate testing) just as long as it gets him what

he needs to succeed in school. I know my Austin isn't MR or ID, and most of the

school personnel who have been with Austin know this as well, but they are

willing to " fudge " (if you will) a bit on IEP's in order to help him be the best

he can be and succeed in school. I'm willing to go with them on this because I

know if he has this " label " they will get the money they need to help him and

that's what really counts, getting him the help/services he needs.

Eventually the " labels " (I hope) will be dropped in the future, but for now I'm

willling to make a small sacrifice in order to get him what he needs, and that

is what it's all about isn't it?

 

Blessings Abound,

(Becky) Rowe

Family Assistance Coordinator

http://teambrats08.chipin.com/team-austin

www.imdsa.org or becky@...

IMDSA Conference July 10-12, 2009

Mom to Trey (8 ADHD) & Austin (5 MDS)

Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

>

> Hi Everyone

> I spoke with our advisory board member, Dr. Libby Kumin tonight

> regarding the special speech problems that we are seeing lately

with

> our children here.

>

> I know that many of you have said that your children are " non-

verbal "

> or have possible Apraxia.

>

> Whatever speech issue your child is having, I NEED YOUR RESPONSE!!

>

> Tell me your child name and age and explain exactly what they are

> doing in regards to speech.

>

> If they are not having Apraxia issues or 'non-verbal' issues, but

are

> having a different speech problem, please respond also!

>

> And, if your child used to have a speech problem, but it is now

> improving, or better, let us know that too! And tell us what you

did

> to help it!!

>

> Then, tell me if you would be willing to complete a research survey

> (about 35 questions) regarding speech.

>

> If we can get enough participants for this research, we can get it

in

> the works quite quickly! This is the ONLY way for us to discover

what

> these problems are that our children are having and how we can help

> them to communicate! !

>

> Please don't wait to respond. I would like to get this information

> out to Dr. Kumin before the week is up! Just click reply and reply

to

> the group! This will help all of you discuss these speech problems

> and what you are doing in your area to help them.

>

> We have over 600 people in our support group here! I hope for 600

> emails before Friday!!! (I know...be careful what you wish for!!

LOL)

>

> Thanks!

> Kristy

>

>

[Guest guest]

In Barrow County, GA, it makes NO difference because you won't get

the services anyways. (LOL, but TRUE!!!) <Sorry to say, but it is

true.

They were going an entire different direction with CH and they kept

repeating that " the reason for the referral was Down Syndrome " , which

just was not true. Then they fought me tooth and nail on " hearing-

impaired " services. Once I got the required documentation for him to

receive the services, they wiggled out of that also.

They wanted him in an MI class where he would get everything BUT what

he needed. (That was apparently very clear.)CH needs one on one

speech therapy not once or twice a week therapy alongside another

child. I am SO SO glad that we are no longer in that county and I now

have a letter from a specialist recommending " home-schooling "

versus " public school " . Here, without a lawyer, you are toast with a

special needs child. It just ain't that easy. And for me, Ihave no

money to hire a lawyer. This county has been cited, sued, and lost

the lawsuits in regards to " failing to provide services for special

needs kids. " We were dealing with a school system who insisted

I " draw a lottery number " in order for my child to attend. No correct

number...no entry to school.

-- In MosaicDS , " , - Kenton County "

wrote:

>

> The school is required to do an evaluation before they can provide

services, unless they are accepting a report from an outside source.

Sometimes they do that, but often the type of information included in

those outside reports is not adequate to either qualify the child for

services or to devise an IEP around. They are not allowed to do an

evaluation without your permission, but if you don't give permission

for an evaluation, you are essentially refusing services for your

child. In addition, just the opposite of what you said about the

level of services is true. The more " involved " a child is, the more

services they get. Our students in the FMD and MMD classes and the

Structured Teaching Unit (Autism) get the most " manpower " staffing-

wise and the most resources available to them for teaching the

students. The money that pays for these services comes from the

state and is based on the eligibility of the children with special

needs in the district. Sometimes, that label can be the difference

in your child's school having the staff and resources to educate your

child adequately or not.

>

> I agree that you should not stand for the wrong diagnosis in your

child's report. That does not help anybody. Shoot, I wouldn't leave

the table one time until they rewrote a REFERRAL for OT/PT services,

because the information included was way off base. They said, " We'll

just document it in the conference summary that this information is

incorrect. " I said, " No, the referral MUST be changed. I don't want

a teacher a few years down the road looking into her binder and

thinking she was unable to do these things when she was three. " They

changed it right in front of me.

>

> A.

> Special Educator

> Simon Kenton HS

> 11132 Madison Pk.

> Independence, KY 41051

> (859)960-0348

> cynthia.jones@...

>

> ________________________________

>

> From: MosaicDS on behalf of

> Sent: Sat 8/9/2008 7:56 PM

> To: MosaicDS

> Subject: Re: Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

>

>

>

> -I had a tift at an IEP meeting with the school psychologist (He is

> an idiot!!) <<<Let me explain. He was demanding to do a

psychological

> on CH when CH was clearly " ignoring " us and of course, he does not

> have intelligible " verbal " speech. Their goal was to list on his

> school record that he is " MI " (mentally impaired). In today's

> society, and this is very common, if a child does not verbally

speak,

> they are considered mentally retarded (or in layman's terms> " Dumb " )

> Well, we knew/know that CH is very intelligent and everyone has

been

> seeing signs of this left and right. I graciously declined the test

> and stated that CH's main problem was that the school did not want

to

> give him services (Speech and ASL), which they never gave in an

> adequate or appropriate form and without $$, I was unable to find

an

> attorney to fight this (thank God we moved). Anyway, he insisted

that

> his (CH's) school record include a diagnosis of Trisomy 21 Down

> Syndrome, which was/is incorrect. We literally had a verbal knock-

> down drag-out, before I called the meeting to an end, about the

> correct diagnosis being that of MDS 50% and also I called attention

> to the fact that the reason for the referral was not for MDSat all,

> but only for speech therapy services and sign language services.

> (Afterall, there is no education goal fr MDS is there?)

> Since I was the refering agent, I could legitimately testify that

> this was the ONLY reason I had brought him to public school for

help.

> Upset as I was, he insisted that the report he filed have the

> diagnosis of Down Syndrome in the record. I protested and had my

> protest declared on a tape recording of the meeting. Nothing was

ever

> done and the " label " still stands and has not been removed from his

> permanent record. ( I am sure they did testing behind my back and

> without consent as well because of other tests they were doing in

> front of my face.)I did inform the school that if at a later date,

we

> had to fall back on or then utilize a diagnosis of MDS (a rson all

in

> itself to get automatic services for something) to keep him getting

> the services he needed, then I would consider adding that diagnosis

> to his record. (All the while, I " knew " this would never happen

> because if he did not need any services, then I would not be there

in

> the first place or t all in the future.)These are many of the

reasons

> I homeschool him (and my others). The implication of the school

> psychologist was that because he has MDS (or DS as he put it), then

> my child was less than able to learn nd therefore not as many

> services need be provided because they would not be effective

anyway.

> Whew....I guess you touched a sensitive nerve in me....LOL.... I

> believe in looking at the " real issues " and not the chromosome

> counts when assessing a person's needs. Since there is

no " treatment "

> for MDS per se,they were clearly avoiding the need for services by

> demanding that be his problem. (MI)When you put someone in as a MI,

> then basically they throw away the key on you and never have any

real

> expectations for you. His problem was/is speech. (No matter where

the

> cause lies, he needed speech therapy and sign language services,

NOT

> a useless label that would get him no services whatsoever. I mean,

> what is a legitimate goal for having the condiion of MDS? The only

> treatment I know, at present, results in death and that is removal

of

> the extra chromosomes.) << A lot of people do not think in these

> terms, but I do.

> Sorry, if I took this off the topic some, but I get so irritated

when

> people stereotype chromosomes and/or people. I also get very

offended

> when people clump everyone into the same category, or any category

> for that matter, and label them " dumb " because they are different.

>

> ...............................................

>

> -- In MosaicDS <mailto:MosaicDS%

40yahoogroups.com> , marriah buhman <athena3330@>

> wrote:

> >

> > Yeah, the word retarded these days especially among younger

people

> is takin out of context. Now it means, " Stupid " whereas the real

> meaning of the word is, " Slow " so yeah my child is slower at some

> things but I dont use the word retarded since today it is takin out

> of context. I understand how you felt, Ive heard that too.

> > Marriah, Gideons mom (14 months)

> >

> >

> >

> > From: , - Kenton County <cynthia.jones@>

> > Subject: RE: Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

> > To: MosaicDS <mailto:MosaicDS%40yahoogroups.com>

> > Date: Thursday, August 7, 2008, 6:22 AM

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Oh, I SO HATE the term " mentally retarded. " I cannot believe some

> > states are still using that term, but they are. In KY, a child

> whose IQ

> > is between 55 and 70 and has adaptive behavior scores in that

same

> range

> > is eligible under the category of Mild Mental Disability, while a

> child

> > whose IQ is below 55 and has adaptive behavior scores in that

same

> range

> > is eligible under the category of Functional Mental Disability. I

> know

> > some people take issue take issue with the term " disability, "

but

> I'd

> > MUCH rather say a child has a " disability " than to say they are

> > " retarded. " At least " disability " is not used in a derogatory

> manner in

> > the everyday speech of a big chunk of the population.

> >

> > A.

> >

> > Special Educator

> >

> > Simon Kenton High School

> >

> > (859)960-0348

> >

> > cynthia.jones@ kenton.kyschools .us

> >

> > " Deaf People Can Do Anything Except Hear! " (I. King Jordan)

> >

> > Confidentiality Notice - This email is intended only for the

person

> to

> > whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information. Any

> > unauthorized review is prohibited. If you are not the intended

> > recipient, kindly contact the sender by reply email and destroy

all

> > copies of the original message. If you are the intended

recipient,

> but

> > do not wish to receive communication through this medium, please

> advise

> > the sender immediately.

> >

> > ____________ _________ _________ __

> >

> > From: MosaicDS@yahoogroup s.com [mailto:MosaicDS@yahoogroup

s.com]

> On

> > Behalf Of sabrinamypalomar (DOT) com

> > Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 12:45 AM

> > To: MosaicDS@yahoogroup s.com

> > Subject: Re: Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

> >

> > hi kristy. i can fax the language portion of shelby's IEP..

> >

> > also, when we met for shelbys last IEP the de-classified her as

> > " mentally retarded " and placed her under " other medical " Yea!!!!!

> >

> > Covington, SRES, REALTOR

> > Covington Real Estate

> > http://www.mypaloma <http://www.mypaloma/> r.com

<http://www.mypaloma <http://www.mypaloma/> r.com>

> > Call or Text

> >

> > Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

> >

> > Hi Everyone

> > I spoke with our advisory board member, Dr. Libby Kumin tonight

> > regarding the special speech problems that we are seeing lately

> with

> > our children here.

> >

> > I know that many of you have said that your children are " non-

> verbal "

> > or have possible Apraxia.

> >

> > Whatever speech issue your child is having, I NEED YOUR RESPONSE!!

> >

> > Tell me your child name and age and explain exactly what they are

> > doing in regards to speech.

> >

> > If they are not having Apraxia issues or 'non-verbal' issues, but

> are

> > having a different speech problem, please respond also!

> >

> > And, if your child used to have a speech problem, but it is now

> > improving, or better, let us know that too! And tell us what you

> did

> > to help it!!

> >

> > Then, tell me if you would be willing to complete a research

survey

> > (about 35 questions) regarding speech.

> >

> > If we can get enough participants for this research, we can get

it

> in

> > the works quite quickly! This is the ONLY way for us to discover

> what

> > these problems are that our children are having and how we can

help

> > them to communicate! !

> >

> > Please don't wait to respond. I would like to get this

information

> > out to Dr. Kumin before the week is up! Just click reply and

reply

> to

> > the group! This will help all of you discuss these speech

problems

> > and what you are doing in your area to help them.

> >

> > We have over 600 people in our support group here! I hope for 600

> > emails before Friday!!! (I know...be careful what you wish for!!

> LOL)

> >

> > Thanks!

> > Kristy

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Interesting take on that issue, but pardon me for saying so, but

the " labels " won't disappear and they remain a " permanent " part of

the child's school record. I foresee my child graduating and getting

a job, and then perhaps " attending college " and " I " personally do not

want that label to be " passed on down on his job or college record. "

It is just my opinion and you can file it in 'file 19' if you like,

but please do not have a misguided " idea " or " hope " that the label(s)

will just vanish. They will not. I know my son's diagnosis and I know

what he is and is not. Why waste time getting services that he does

not need (just because they are free) and ignore what he really does

need (when that should be free as well)?

(Not meaning to make anyone mad here, but those are my thoughts for

my son.)

> >

> > From: , - Kenton County <cynthia.jones@ ...>

> > Subject: RE: Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

> > To: MosaicDS@yahoogroup s.com <mailto:MosaicDS% 40yahoogroups.

com>

> > Date: Thursday, August 7, 2008, 6:22 AM

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Oh, I SO HATE the term " mentally retarded. " I cannot believe some

> > states are still using that term, but they are. In KY, a child

> whose IQ

> > is between 55 and 70 and has adaptive behavior scores in that

same

> range

> > is eligible under the category of Mild Mental Disability, while a

> child

> > whose IQ is below 55 and has adaptive behavior scores in that

same

> range

> > is eligible under the category of Functional Mental Disability. I

> know

> > some people take issue take issue with the term " disability, "

but

> I'd

> > MUCH rather say a child has a " disability " than to say they are

> > " retarded. " At least " disability " is not used in a derogatory

> manner in

> > the everyday speech of a big chunk of the population.

> >

> > A.

> >

> > Special Educator

> >

> > Simon Kenton High School

> >

> > (859)960-0348

> >

> > cynthia.jones@ kenton.kyschools .us

> >

> > " Deaf People Can Do Anything Except Hear! " (I. King Jordan)

> >

> > Confidentiality Notice - This email is intended only for the

person

> to

> > whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information. Any

> > unauthorized review is prohibited. If you are not the intended

> > recipient, kindly contact the sender by reply email and destroy

all

> > copies of the original message. If you are the intended

recipient,

> but

> > do not wish to receive communication through this medium, please

> advise

> > the sender immediately.

> >

> > ____________ _________ _________ __

> >

> > From: MosaicDS@yahoogroup s.com [mailto:MosaicDS@ yahoogroup

s.com]

> On

> > Behalf Of sabrinamypalomar (DOT) com

> > Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2008 12:45 AM

> > To: MosaicDS@yahoogroup s.com

> > Subject: Re: Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

> >

> > hi kristy. i can fax the language portion of shelby's IEP..

> >

> > also, when we met for shelbys last IEP the de-classified her as

> > " mentally retarded " and placed her under " other medical " Yea!!!!!

> >

> > Covington, SRES, REALTOR

> > Covington Real Estate

> > http://www.mypaloma <http://www.mypaloma /> r.com

<http://www.mypaloma <http://www.mypaloma /> r.com>

> > Call or Text

> >

> > Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

> >

> > Hi Everyone

> > I spoke with our advisory board member, Dr. Libby Kumin tonight

> > regarding the special speech problems that we are seeing lately

> with

> > our children here.

> >

> > I know that many of you have said that your children are " non-

> verbal "

> > or have possible Apraxia.

> >

> > Whatever speech issue your child is having, I NEED YOUR RESPONSE!!

> >

> > Tell me your child name and age and explain exactly what they are

> > doing in regards to speech.

> >

> > If they are not having Apraxia issues or 'non-verbal' issues, but

> are

> > having a different speech problem, please respond also!

> >

> > And, if your child used to have a speech problem, but it is now

> > improving, or better, let us know that too! And tell us what you

> did

> > to help it!!

> >

> > Then, tell me if you would be willing to complete a research

survey

> > (about 35 questions) regarding speech.

> >

> > If we can get enough participants for this research, we can get

it

> in

> > the works quite quickly! This is the ONLY way for us to discover

> what

> > these problems are that our children are having and how we can

help

> > them to communicate! !

> >

> > Please don't wait to respond. I would like to get this

information

> > out to Dr. Kumin before the week is up! Just click reply and

reply

> to

> > the group! This will help all of you discuss these speech

problems

> > and what you are doing in your area to help them.

> >

> > We have over 600 people in our support group here! I hope for 600

> > emails before Friday!!! (I know...be careful what you wish for!!

> LOL)

> >

> > Thanks!

> > Kristy

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Kristy,

I'm not sure if my child qualifies since he has NOT been diagnosed with having

apraxia; probably because he is so young.

My child's name is and he is 19 months old. I had him enrolled

in ECI at 3 weeks old. A speech therapist has been working with him since he was

10 months old. Since I know speech is usually another challenge, I used the

excuse of needing help with feeding (in which he did anyway) to get the

additional help he needs. This opened doors to obtaining info/ideas from the

therapist on how to work with my son. He currently has spoken 7 words but is not

consistent in using them.

Sorry I didn't get this within the week; we were out of town.

Speech Problems: IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

Hi Everyone

I spoke with our advisory board member, Dr. Libby Kumin tonight

regarding the special speech problems that we are seeing lately with

our children here.

I know that many of you have said that your children are " non-verbal "

or have possible Apraxia.

Whatever speech issue your child is having, I NEED YOUR RESPONSE!!

Tell me your child name and age and explain exactly what they are

doing in regards to speech.

If they are not having Apraxia issues or 'non-verbal' issues, but are

having a different speech problem, please respond also!

And, if your child used to have a speech problem, but it is now

improving, or better, let us know that too! And tell us what you did

to help it!!

Then, tell me if you would be willing to complete a research survey

(about 35 questions) regarding speech.

If we can get enough participants for this research, we can get it in

the works quite quickly! This is the ONLY way for us to discover what

these problems are that our children are having and how we can help

them to communicate! !

Please don't wait to respond. I would like to get this information

out to Dr. Kumin before the week is up! Just click reply and reply to

the group! This will help all of you discuss these speech problems

and what you are doing in your area to help them.

We have over 600 people in our support group here! I hope for 600

emails before Friday!!! (I know...be careful what you wish for!! LOL)

Thanks!

Kristy