Guest guest Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 What do they consider another crutch? I am an aide and I work with a child who uses an alphasmart. It is no different than letting them use a computer to do their work on. It is great for kids who have fine motor difficulties and their handwriting is illegible. It is portable and can be used at their desks. It is smaller than a laptop computer and not so obvious. What is up with the school systems anyway? They pretend they want the kids to be successful and yet claim such devices are crutches! Sounds like someone doesn't want to spend the money to me. But that is how I feel and working with a school district I think I can say that and know what I am talking about. To be honest with everyone I find the school district doesn't want to spend money on O/T's and P/T'S and Speech and they really want the parents to put out their own money and take the kids to see a private therapist. They don't want to be bothered with the burden of assisting our kids. I find that if we help the kids to succeed in class then everyone is happier. But administrators don't really care. They act as if the money is coming from their pockets. Oh well, caught me on a bad day. I just am tired of the run around our kids get, they talk a good game but when it comes down to it we just don't score. Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 In a message dated 3/11/2006 3:14:49 PM Eastern Standard Time, ca_fleming1@... writes: Has anyone had any experience with an Alphasmart. My nine year old AS son's therapist has recommended that I ask the school to get him one. It sounds great. However, I know the school will say that it will be giving him another crutch. I am not sure whether to aks for it or not. I know that to an extent, if you give him an inch, he'll take a mile. So I am not sure. I would love to see him be able to complete his work on time. I would love some advice. There is nothing wrong with using " crutches. " It is just all in how you view things. For instance, many people uses a little calendar to keep track of appt's. Isn't that a crutch? People do all sorts of things to same time or help them do something better than they could otherwise. So for a kid with a disability to use an accommodation, it isn't a really terrible thing. If he is already stressed out just from dealing with everyday, why not make it easier? It takes him more work and time to do what all the other kids do. So it's more like evening the playing field that providing a crutch. We've used an alphasmart before and I think they are great. My ds used it when he had to write a lot (where content was important) and he wrote by hand when handwriting was the goal. Roxanna ô¿ö Autism Happens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 , If your son struggles with writing, like some asperger children do, than he will probably need an aide like an Alphasmart at some point. I am assuming that he does struggle with handwriting if the therapist suggested an Alphasmart. My son has an Alphasmart Neo. He is in high school. It does help him when he has writing assignments in school. But we didn't rush into getting him one when he was younger because he needed to develop keyboarding skills first. Joe > > Has anyone had any experience with an Alphasmart. My nine year old AS > son's therapist has recommended that I ask the school to get him one. > It sounds great. However, I know the school will say that it will be > giving him another crutch. I am not sure whether to aks for it or > not. I know that to an extent, if you give him an inch, he'll take a > mile. So I am not sure. I would love to see him be able to complete > his work on time. I would love some advice. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Hi My 12 yr old son/grade 7 has been using an Alphasmart in class. Apparently, it helps him get writing started faster and complete class notes. It seems to have relieved some stress for him - anticipation of alot of handwriting. He's not a great keyboarder yet...but still faster with the Alphasmart than with hand writing and less complaining. Not sure what the long term plan is for him Lori --------------------------------- 7 bucks a month. This is Huge Music Unlimited Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Hello I know this was not addressed to me. But, I read everything on this site when I have the chance. If your insurance does not pay for it. is there anything else out there that will.? (medicare) or maybe a grant, the school. sometimes places like autism support centers in your area can find a place that can help with the money. maybe someone on this site can help you. Good luck to you and I hope you find a way to get the grant money to help with the cost. - Rose <cmcintosh5@...> wrote: My son uses the alpha smart in class too.. Our kids tend to get tired with the fine motor control and frustrated with the time it takes to legibly write something. This can facilitate their ability to answer questions more thoroughly with more creativity. Therefore helping them more and empowering them with self pride... Being able to accomplish things just like their peers. I say GO for it.. And as for any school negativity... It may be their rubber stamp to save$$ . I attempted to get one covered by insurance as an aide for my son.. But was denied.. But it's worth a shot if you have insurance to get one yourself as well. My son is 10 and it was the teachers suggestion that we try it with him. -- ( ) Alphasmart Has anyone had any experience with an Alphasmart. My nine year old AS son's therapist has recommended that I ask the school to get him one. It sounds great. However, I know the school will say that it will be giving him another crutch. I am not sure whether to aks for it or not. I know that to an extent, if you give him an inch, he'll take a mile. So I am not sure. I would love to see him be able to complete his work on time. I would love some advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 try getting SSI , MEDICAID, OR PEACH CARE. never hurts to try. good lucke <beachbodytan2002@...> wrote: Hello I know this was not addressed to me. But, I read everything on this site when I have the chance. If your insurance does not pay for it. is there anything else out there that will.? (medicare) or maybe a grant, the school. sometimes places like autism support centers in your area can find a place that can help with the money. maybe someone on this site can help you. Good luck to you and I hope you find a way to get the grant money to help with the cost. - Rose <cmcintosh5@...> wrote: My son uses the alpha smart in class too.. Our kids tend to get tired with the fine motor control and frustrated with the time it takes to legibly write something. This can facilitate their ability to answer questions more thoroughly with more creativity. Therefore helping them more and empowering them with self pride... Being able to accomplish things just like their peers. I say GO for it.. And as for any school negativity... It may be their rubber stamp to save$$ . I attempted to get one covered by insurance as an aide for my son.. But was denied.. But it's worth a shot if you have insurance to get one yourself as well. My son is 10 and it was the teachers suggestion that we try it with him. -- ( ) Alphasmart Has anyone had any experience with an Alphasmart. My nine year old AS son's therapist has recommended that I ask the school to get him one. It sounds great. However, I know the school will say that it will be giving him another crutch. I am not sure whether to aks for it or not. I know that to an extent, if you give him an inch, he'll take a mile. So I am not sure. I would love to see him be able to complete his work on time. I would love some advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 My son uses the alpha smart in class too.. Our kids tend to get tired with the fine motor control and frustrated with the time it takes to legibly write something. This can facilitate their ability to answer questions more thoroughly with more creativity. Therefore helping them more and empowering them with self pride... Being able to accomplish things just like their peers. I say GO for it.. And as for any school negativity... It may be their rubber stamp to save$$ . I attempted to get one covered by insurance as an aide for my son.. But was denied.. But it's worth a shot if you have insurance to get one yourself as well. My son is 10 and it was the teachers suggestion that we try it with him. -- ( ) Alphasmart Has anyone had any experience with an Alphasmart. My nine year old AS son's therapist has recommended that I ask the school to get him one. It sounds great. However, I know the school will say that it will be giving him another crutch. I am not sure whether to aks for it or not. I know that to an extent, if you give him an inch, he'll take a mile. So I am not sure. I would love to see him be able to complete his work on time. I would love some advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Thanks Hon!! Great ideas! I appreciate your input! And maybe there is a tax break too if it is shown to be a Medical need. -- ( ) Alphasmart Has anyone had any experience with an Alphasmart. My nine year old AS son's therapist has recommended that I ask the school to get him one. It sounds great. However, I know the school will say that it will be giving him another crutch. I am not sure whether to aks for it or not. I know that to an extent, if you give him an inch, he'll take a mile. So I am not sure. I would love to see him be able to complete his work on time. I would love some advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 Apparently you can get some really great prices now on the older model Alphasmart because they are redesigning them. Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2006 Report Share Posted March 11, 2006 I have to add something that frustrates me a bit. We have a new elementary principal this year and as I said in a previous post, I'm PTA President. This principal is very " grant " happy and I know that isn't necessarily a bad thing. She put in for a grant for an almost $5,000 Alphasmart cart. It holds like 10 Alphasmarts and has a portable cart to go along with it. Here's the frustration part. There are families out there in the district fighting for their children to receive technology (like Alphasmarts) to help with their fine motor disabilities. At my son's school you can walk in a room and there are the kids (most without disabilities) playing on these Alphasmarts like they are little personal laptops. Is that wrong of me to feel that way? Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2006 Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 In a message dated 3/12/2006 8:21:30 AM Eastern Standard Time, cmcintosh5@... writes: Did you mention this to the principal?? I assume you did bring it up.. What was her response? I actually have not yet brought up this topic with her...there are SO many others, LOL. I do not have the right to criticize what she does with her grant money and there are children with disabilities in our building that do have access to these Alphasmarts because of her grant writing...but I know there are many more in the district that do not have access because their school doesn't have a principal with " savy " grant writing abilities like this one. Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2006 Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 NOPE you aren't wrong to feel that way!! Crazy is what that is... I swear.. My husband is a woodworker.. And would gladly make a custom cart for those alpha smarts and probably donate the $$ For an alpha smart for a kid who couldn't afford it!! Did you mention this to the principal?? I assume you did bring it up.. What was her response? -- Re: ( ) Alphasmart I have to add something that frustrates me a bit. We have a new elementary principal this year and as I said in a previous post, I'm PTA President. This principal is very " grant " happy and I know that isn't necessarily a bad thing. She put in for a grant for an almost $5,000 Alphasmart cart. It holds like 10 Alphasmarts and has a portable cart to go along with it. Here's the frustration part. There are families out there in the district fighting for their children to receive technology (like Alphasmarts) to help with their fine motor disabilities. At my son's school you can walk in a room and there are the kids (most without disabilities) playing on these Alphasmarts like they are little personal laptops. Is that wrong of me to feel that way? Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2006 Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 My son was 13 when he recieved his Alshasmart. He helped used it to take notes. Once he get the hang of it. It will be better than writing notes for class. Rainbow >From: " ca_fleming1 " <ca_fleming1@...> >Reply- > >Subject: ( ) Alphasmart >Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2006 19:13:58 -0000 > >Has anyone had any experience with an Alphasmart. My nine year old AS >son's therapist has recommended that I ask the school to get him one. >It sounds great. However, I know the school will say that it will be >giving him another crutch. I am not sure whether to aks for it or >not. I know that to an extent, if you give him an inch, he'll take a >mile. So I am not sure. I would love to see him be able to complete >his work on time. I would love some advice. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2006 Report Share Posted March 13, 2006 Some of the classrooms are able to use the entire " cart " . Only teachers who have been trained properly or who were involved in the writing of the " grant " can use it. It is kept locked unless it is being used. I suppose I need to look into this a little further and ask if any child in need of an Alphasmart for accommodations has access to it. Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2006 Report Share Posted March 13, 2006 My thought is that there is nothing wrong with a crutch if you have a broken leg, or if you are unstable and may fall a cane may do. If a child can do better with a crutch than without then I say it's great that there is a crutch he can use! kneeleee@... wrote: In a message dated 3/11/2006 3:14:49 PM Eastern Standard Time, ca_fleming1@... writes: Has anyone had any experience with an Alphasmart. My nine year old AS son's therapist has recommended that I ask the school to get him one. It sounds great. However, I know the school will say that it will be giving him another crutch. I am not sure whether to aks for it or not. I know that to an extent, if you give him an inch, he'll take a mile. So I am not sure. I would love to see him be able to complete his work on time. I would love some advice. There is nothing wrong with using " crutches. " It is just all in how you view things. For instance, many people uses a little calendar to keep track of appt's. Isn't that a crutch? People do all sorts of things to same time or help them do something better than they could otherwise. So for a kid with a disability to use an accommodation, it isn't a really terrible thing. If he is already stressed out just from dealing with everyday, why not make it easier? It takes him more work and time to do what all the other kids do. So it's more like evening the playing field that providing a crutch. We've used an alphasmart before and I think they are great. My ds used it when he had to write a lot (where content was important) and he wrote by hand when handwriting was the goal. Roxanna ô¿ö Autism Happens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2006 Report Share Posted March 13, 2006 My ASD kid carries his everywhere, He doesn't play on it. It's only function is typing. It is also in his IEP that he carry it to other classes. What about the students in your son's school? ppanda65@... wrote: I have to add something that frustrates me a bit. We have a new elementary principal this year and as I said in a previous post, I'm PTA President. This principal is very " grant " happy and I know that isn't necessarily a bad thing. She put in for a grant for an almost $5,000 Alphasmart cart. It holds like 10 Alphasmarts and has a portable cart to go along with it. Here's the frustration part. There are families out there in the district fighting for their children to receive technology (like Alphasmarts) to help with their fine motor disabilities. At my son's school you can walk in a room and there are the kids (most without disabilities) playing on these Alphasmarts like they are little personal laptops. Is that wrong of me to feel that way? Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2006 Report Share Posted March 13, 2006 In a message dated 3/12/2006 6:23:39 AM Eastern Standard Time, ppanda65@... writes: I have to add something that frustrates me a bit. We have a new elementary principal this year and as I said in a previous post, I'm PTA President. This principal is very " grant " happy and I know that isn't necessarily a bad thing. She put in for a grant for an almost $5,000 Alphasmart cart. It holds like 10 Alphasmarts and has a portable cart to go along with it. Here's the frustration part. There are families out there in the district fighting for their children to receive technology (like Alphasmarts) to help with their fine motor disabilities. At my son's school you can walk in a room and there are the kids (most without disabilities) playing on these Alphasmarts like they are little personal laptops. Is that wrong of me to feel that way? Pam Probably not wrong. I do that too so I hope it's not wrong. lol. Sometimes I have advocated successfully for a service for one of my kids and I am aware that this will take time from other kids or that other kids who might need it more, don't have it! That bugs me. Or if I talk to another parent in my school system and find out their kid is having a hard time over something we by-passed by negotiating something successfully - that really bugs me. I always wish that having been down that road, the people at the school will have a light bulb moment and not repeat a bad experience for someone else. But oddly enough, it seldom works that way. I don't know the answer except that I try to help other parents advocate when they want me to help. Or give people ideas when they are discussing a problem so that they know there is a solution, it's been done before and it worked. I probably couldn't mention anything to your principal because she is doing her job too well compared to other schools. But geez, you almost want to say she could give inservices to the other schools on how to get this stuff! Maybe if other parents knew what was happening, they would want to push their own administrators to get some as well? I don't know. Sometimes I have tried helping and find out the parents don't want help and don't want to deal with it. So it's hard to push when you don't know how it will be received. We are now trying to get a parent/teacher sped group going and it's been rough. It's very hard to get people to come and want to learn. Sometimes I want to just give up. I certainly could use the extra time for other things! But maybe if you got a sped parent group going, people could compare notes more often and share ideas? Roxanna ô¿ô Don't take life too seriously; No one gets out alive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2006 Report Share Posted March 13, 2006 In a message dated 3/13/2006 4:18:40 PM Eastern Standard Time, kneeleee@... writes: But maybe if you got a sped parent group going, people could compare notes more often and share ideas? Roxanna, are you saying more than a local advisory committee? Because we have a very active one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2006 Report Share Posted March 14, 2006 In a message dated 3/13/2006 6:07:22 PM Eastern Standard Time, ppanda65@... writes: But maybe if you got a sped parent group going, people could compare notes more often and share ideas? Roxanna, are you saying more than a local advisory committee? Because we have a very active one. Well, we don't have an advisory committe so I am not sure if that would be better. what does yours do? Roxanna ô¿ö Autism Happens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2006 Report Share Posted March 14, 2006 In a message dated 3/14/2006 11:24:45 AM Eastern Standard Time, shonap@... writes: No, it sure isn't wrong for you to feel that way. We purchased an AlphaSmart for our 12 year old son Curtis because the school couldn't afford it. Since the beginning of the year we've spent over $4000 on technology for Curtis to have at school to make it easier for him, and it has all come out of our pocket. Same situation here, there are other schools in our district that seem to have AlphaSmarts everywhere, lots of kids have them because the schools have purchased lots of them. And our school can't afford it, so they say anyway. I find that hard to believe as they have had enough money for extra fieldtrips, a new fridge, new dishes for the staffroom etc., but not for the kids. Maybe I'm just bitter. Shona Bitter maybe but definitely being used and abused by your school system. They can't deny a child with a disability needed accommodation and equipement due to " no money. " Plus, they do get specific money for having children with disabilities in school. Granted, it's not funded 100% but there is no excuse for them to say " no money. " Next time, I would request that they put it in writing and keep records of this nonsense. Roxanna ô¿ö Autism Happens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2006 Report Share Posted March 14, 2006 In a message dated 3/14/2006 2:13:21 PM Eastern Standard Time, kneeleee@... writes: Well, we don't have an advisory committe so I am not sure if that would be better. what does yours do? This year the " Leadership Team " (our group has a leadership team versus one " chair " ) has organized alot of informational sessions within the timeframe of the regular monthly meetings. We have also addressed alot of issues and changes at the high school level in regards to PBGAR (new graduation requirements) and behavior/discipline changes to IDEA 2004. We are currently getting ready to nominate a new Leadership Team. Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2006 Report Share Posted March 14, 2006 No, it sure isn't wrong for you to feel that way. We purchased an AlphaSmart for our 12 year old son Curtis because the school couldn't afford it. Since the beginning of the year we've spent over $4000 on technology for Curtis to have at school to make it easier for him, and it has all come out of our pocket. Same situation here, there are other schools in our district that seem to have AlphaSmarts everywhere, lots of kids have them because the schools have purchased lots of them. And our school can't afford it, so they say anyway. I find that hard to believe as they have had enough money for extra fieldtrips, a new fridge, new dishes for the staffroom etc., but not for the kids. Maybe I'm just bitter. Shona Re: ( ) Alphasmart >I have to add something that frustrates me a bit. We have a new >elementary > principal this year and as I said in a previous post, I'm PTA President. > This principal is very " grant " happy and I know that isn't necessarily a > bad > thing. She put in for a grant for an almost $5,000 Alphasmart cart. It > holds > like 10 Alphasmarts and has a portable cart to go along with it. Here's > the > frustration part. There are families out there in the district fighting > for > their children to receive technology (like Alphasmarts) to help with > their > fine motor disabilities. At my son's school you can walk in a room and > there > are the kids (most without disabilities) playing on these Alphasmarts > like > they are little personal laptops. Is that wrong of me to feel that way? > Pam > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2006 Report Share Posted March 14, 2006 is your child in public or private school? Glenna kneeleee@... wrote: In a message dated 3/14/2006 11:24:45 AM Eastern Standard Time, shonap@... writes: No, it sure isn't wrong for you to feel that way. We purchased an AlphaSmart for our 12 year old son Curtis because the school couldn't afford it. Since the beginning of the year we've spent over $4000 on technology for Curtis to have at school to make it easier for him, and it has all come out of our pocket. Same situation here, there are other schools in our district that seem to have AlphaSmarts everywhere, lots of kids have them because the schools have purchased lots of them. And our school can't afford it, so they say anyway. I find that hard to believe as they have had enough money for extra fieldtrips, a new fridge, new dishes for the staffroom etc., but not for the kids. Maybe I'm just bitter. Shona Bitter maybe but definitely being used and abused by your school system. They can't deny a child with a disability needed accommodation and equipement due to " no money. " Plus, they do get specific money for having children with disabilities in school. Granted, it's not funded 100% but there is no excuse for them to say " no money. " Next time, I would request that they put it in writing and keep records of this nonsense. Roxanna ô¿ö Autism Happens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2006 Report Share Posted March 14, 2006 In a message dated 3/14/2006 3:48:59 PM Eastern Standard Time, ppanda65@... writes: This year the " Leadership Team " (our group has a leadership team versus one " chair " ) has organized alot of informational sessions within the timeframe of the regular monthly meetings. We have also addressed alot of issues and changes at the high school level in regards to PBGAR (new graduation requirements) and behavior/discipline changes to IDEA 2004. We are currently getting ready to nominate a new Leadership Team. Pam I guess it would be similar to that then. Roxanna ô¿ô Don't take life too seriously; No one gets out alive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 14, 2006 Report Share Posted March 14, 2006 He is in public school. Shona Re: ( ) Alphasmart is your child in public or private school? Glenna kneeleee@... wrote: In a message dated 3/14/2006 11:24:45 AM Eastern Standard Time, shonap@... writes: No, it sure isn't wrong for you to feel that way. We purchased an AlphaSmart for our 12 year old son Curtis because the school couldn't afford it. Since the beginning of the year we've spent over $4000 on technology for Curtis to have at school to make it easier for him, and it has all come out of our pocket. Same situation here, there are other schools in our district that seem to have AlphaSmarts everywhere, lots of kids have them because the schools have purchased lots of them. And our school can't afford it, so they say anyway. I find that hard to believe as they have had enough money for extra fieldtrips, a new fridge, new dishes for the staffroom etc., but not for the kids. Maybe I'm just bitter. Shona Bitter maybe but definitely being used and abused by your school system. They can't deny a child with a disability needed accommodation and equipement due to " no money. " Plus, they do get specific money for having children with disabilities in school. Granted, it's not funded 100% but there is no excuse for them to say " no money. " Next time, I would request that they put it in writing and keep records of this nonsense. Roxanna ô¿ö Autism Happens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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