RE: Gaby's school integration

[Guest guest]

This is wonderful news and I'm glad that you shared it.

My now 9 yr. old spent his early childhood years (3 to 6 yrs) in a reverse

mainstreaming setting. This meant that " peer models " (typically developing

children) attended his school. The mix was about 1/3 peer models and 2/3

children with special needs. Now he is in a regular 3rd grade class with

the accommodations that he needs. I always felt he learned more from those

peer models than he ever did from anyone else - he cherished their

friendship so much.

From another perspective, my daughter who is now 8 and typically developing

was a peer model in a different special needs early childhood classroom.

Many of my friends were horrified that I would put my daughter into a

setting with children where some could not walk or talk or even lift their

head or had terrible behavior problems, etc. I have to admit that I even

questioned myself on this initially. But she learned more in those two

years than any " normal " preschool could have taught her. Not only is she

academically at the top of her third grade class but more importantly she

has respect for all children, she sees strengths in others that some of us

can not always see, she is very empathetic and truly sees beyond the

differences on others right to their soul. I'll never forget how she judged

each day when I picked her up as good or not so good by whether (a boy

who could not even lift his head) smiled when she held his hand and sat with

him or not. So...though I know you are happy for the opportunity that you

precious daughter will have in this school - know that the other children

are also being given a wonderful opportunity as well to learn the lessons

that are not in any teaching plan.

Anne

Gaby's school integration

> Dear friends,

>

> Today we had a mmeting with the principal of our local public school to

> apply for funds to continue to support Gaby 1 day a week in 2002.

>

> He seemed both enthusiastic and confident that this would be possible,

which

> makes us feel so happy.

> Despite Gaby's comlpicated multiple handicaps, she has been allowed the

> opportunity to spend time in mainstream school along side children her own

> age, and she responds so beautifully to them. They have been so accepting

of

> her limitations and differences, which really restores faith in humanity.

> Despite her inability to talk, walk, eat or even hold a pencil, the

children

> and staff had ensured she has been part of all school avtivities,

including

> a recent musical performance night (Gaby was the cheif, in her class

> performance, sitting up in her wheelchair in costume!!)

>

> We have approached the idea of her evetually attending the school full

time

> in the future, (instaed of travelling long distances to her special

school),

> and the principal was again quite receptive to this.

>

> We know that mito disorders cannot be cured, but to be able to offer our

> daughter friendships and happy times in her own local community (we live

in

> just a small area of 5,000 people)seems like a dream come true.

>

> We are so very happy, and wanted to share our joy.

>

> ne and Tony (in Australia). Parents to Gaby 6 years, mito disorder,

> ketogenic diet, G Tube, microcephaly, global delays, and the prettiest

> smile.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

That sounds great! My son has severe limitations as your child does are we have

decided the same thing as you. The Kindergartners love him and he seems to get

more from this than any therapy or anything else. How exciting for you. All we

want is for our kiddos to be happy and it sounds like you are accomplishing

that!

Sincerely,

Heidi Harmon

[Guest guest]

That is so neat. I guess I need to look at it from your point of view, because

that is what is a concern of mine for Leah. She is in an early special

education class and I know I am two years away from mainstreaming. But that is

on my mind about how can she learn what a kindergarden child is learning if she

can't understand or do what they are doing. I feel right now that Leah is

learning through the play at preschool and also especially with her therapy. To

me that is sooooo important for her. But I know she loves to be around children

and may be that is what I need to consider when that time comes. But may be

cognitive is something to thing about for me, too. What Leah can understand and

how they go about teaching her. But I am very excited for you and Gaby. And

how the school is responding to her needs and not just their own. You are

making a great step in a neat way, because you are teaching the other kids about

acceptance at an early age. Not many schools out there are accepting or

accomdating and it is great that you are encouraging it and they are positive

for it. Keep me updated to how it is going. Like I said, I know we are two

years away and a lot can happen in two years (as I see now that Leah has grown

so much in doing things since starting school this month). But we all learn

from each other and I want to put my worries aside as Leah grows and what to

expect of her in school. Go for it and good luck and may be Gaby can go more

than once a week. So excited to read about this.

N. mom to Leah (who is now trying to get in a four point position, yah!!!)

Tony & ne wrote:

> Dear friends,

>

> Today we had a mmeting with the principal of our local public school to

> apply for funds to continue to support Gaby 1 day a week in 2002.

>

> He seemed both enthusiastic and confident that this would be possible, which

> makes us feel so happy.

> Despite Gaby's comlpicated multiple handicaps, she has been allowed the

> opportunity to spend time in mainstream school along side children her own

> age, and she responds so beautifully to them. They have been so accepting of

> her limitations and differences, which really restores faith in humanity.

> Despite her inability to talk, walk, eat or even hold a pencil, the children

> and staff had ensured she has been part of all school avtivities, including

> a recent musical performance night (Gaby was the cheif, in her class

> performance, sitting up in her wheelchair in costume!!)

>

> We have approached the idea of her evetually attending the school full time

> in the future, (instaed of travelling long distances to her special school),

> and the principal was again quite receptive to this.

>

> We know that mito disorders cannot be cured, but to be able to offer our

> daughter friendships and happy times in her own local community (we live in

> just a small area of 5,000 people)seems like a dream come true.

>

> We are so very happy, and wanted to share our joy.

>

> ne and Tony (in Australia). Parents to Gaby 6 years, mito disorder,

> ketogenic diet, G Tube, microcephaly, global delays, and the prettiest

> smile.

>

>

> Please contact mito-owner with any problems or questions.

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I think back to those early days of special Ed when I doidn't even thinjk Gaby would live long enough for us to have to deal with school issues.

Then before we knew it, Gaby was off to mainstream preschool, and that really opened our eyes to what was possible for our daughter.

You are right, therapy is just one part of our childrens care, love and happiness also has a big role.

Good luck with Leah: I will be interested to hear how you all get on!

ne

(in Australia). Mum to Gaby 6 years, mito disorder, ketogenic diet, G Tube, microcephaly, global delays, and the prettiest smile.

www.gabylavender@...

> Please contact mito-owner with any problems or questions.>>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Heidi,

it has been great to get such wonderful feed back and support. It is such a big decision, but our heart is really our guide here!

ne

-----Original Message-----From: bzyheidi1@... Sent: Thursday, 27 September 2001 5:08To: Mito Subject: Re: Gaby's school integrationThat sounds great! My son has severe limitations as your child does are we have decided the same thing as you. The Kindergartners love him and he seems to get more from this than any therapy or anything else. How exciting for you. All we want is for our kiddos to be happy and it sounds like you are accomplishing that!Sincerely,Heidi HarmonPlease contact mito-owner with any problems or questions.

[Guest guest]

Thankyou Anne,

I can already see the other children in the school, and their acceptance of Gaby and her limitations. I agree that it is both beneficial for Gaby and the students at the school.

ne

Please contact mito-owner with any problems or questions.

[Guest guest]

ne,

This is so exciting! I just started Ronan in a home based program.

Ronan is 2 years 3 months and he has a " developmental specialist "

(aid) come in to our house three mornings a week. This program also

has " consultants " (therapist , PT,OT,SP and a teacher) come on

average of once a month to show the aid what therapies to do and to

help create a program taylored just for Ronan. The program is called

GRIT Getting Ready For Inclusion Today . My hope is to continue

this program until kidergarten, and then to have Ronan attend

kindergarten with his peers. It is great to see someone forging on

ahead so that when it is our turn we can pick your brain for

suggestions! HOw is Gabby liking it?

Take CAre,

[Guest guest]

,

Gaby is loving her day at 'big school'. The children all look forward to her coming and have accepted her quickly into the classroom. As I walk her to and from school, there are older children in the school who ride by on their bikes and call out 'hi Gaby' as they go by..it really feels like she belongs!

The teachers are slowly learning the concepts of conductive education pronciples, and have also been very keen to have her in the class room. The children are now all comfortable with g tube feeds, and used to Gaby's dystonic arm movements. They have worked out how to make her smile, and what songs so sing, so she will join in..it really is a learning curve for everyone.

Good luck with Ronan's home program, I am sure with your commitment and motivation it will all go well for you too,

Cheers

ne

-----Original Message-----From: ronanh2001@... Sent: Thursday, 27 September 2001 2:05To: Mito Subject: Re: Gaby's school integrationne,This is so exciting! I just started Ronan in a home based program. Ronan is 2 years 3 months and he has a "developmental specialist" (aid) come in to our house three mornings a week. This program also has "consultants" (therapist , PT,OT,SP and a teacher) come on average of once a month to show the aid what therapies to do and to help create a program taylored just for Ronan. The program is called GRIT Getting Ready For Inclusion Today . My hope is to continue this program until kidergarten, and then to have Ronan attend kindergarten with his peers. It is great to see someone forging on ahead so that when it is our turn we can pick your brain for suggestions! HOw is Gabby liking it?Take CAre,Please contact mito-owner with any problems or questions.