Sunday, December 30, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Diagnostic Checklist Form E-2 and Research Questionnaire Form E-3 | Autism Research Institute
Diagnostic Checklist Form E-2 and Research Questionnaire Form E-3 | Autism Research Institute
ARI's Diagnostic Checklist, Form E-2, was developed by Dr. Bernard Rimland to diagnose children with Kanner's syndrome, which is also known as 'classical autism.' Many parents and professionals have also used the E-2 checklist to assist in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The responses on Form E-2 are entered into a computer which calculates a diagnostic score. The score along with its interpretation is sent to the person or agency submitting the checklist. In addition, a file number is assigned to each child for data recording and analysis, and to ensure confidentiality. There is no charge for this service.
ARI's Diagnostic Checklist, Form E-2, was developed by Dr. Bernard Rimland to diagnose children with Kanner's syndrome, which is also known as 'classical autism.' Many parents and professionals have also used the E-2 checklist to assist in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The responses on Form E-2 are entered into a computer which calculates a diagnostic score. The score along with its interpretation is sent to the person or agency submitting the checklist. In addition, a file number is assigned to each child for data recording and analysis, and to ensure confidentiality. There is no charge for this service.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Life on the Other Side of the Wall: An Open Letter to the Media
Life on the Other Side of the Wall: An Open Letter to the Media
What is being left out of the conversation is that those were Asperger’s, and other autism spectrum disorders, are far more likely to be a victim of a crime than the one committing it. And often times the person on the spectrum will not speak up about it because of communication issues.
What is also being left out of the conversation is perhaps the most important line about the autism spectrum and that is, “If you’ve met one person with autism you’ve only met one person with autism.” It is dangerous and irresponsible to generalize autism like I have heard in the past few days. Each person on the autism spectrum can be radically unique to the next. Myself, I’m a public speaker and yet the next person you meet with Asperger’s may have a difficult time engaging in a one-on-one conversation. I heard one speaker on the news say that ALL people with Asperger’s are great in math. This too is untrue, some can be, and may be amazingly good at it, but others may be more of an abstract thinker and be good in the areas of music and art.
An Open Letter to the Media
“Asperger Syndrome”— That’s what I saw on the news headline in bright, bold red letters on Friday. If I didn’t already know what it was because I have it I probably would have been afraid of it. In the article that followed the autism spectrum wasn’t properly explained and to the uninformed, the only thing to gather was that all things autism were dangerous.
What is being left out of the conversation is that those were Asperger’s, and other autism spectrum disorders, are far more likely to be a victim of a crime than the one committing it. And often times the person on the spectrum will not speak up about it because of communication issues.
What is also being left out of the conversation is perhaps the most important line about the autism spectrum and that is, “If you’ve met one person with autism you’ve only met one person with autism.” It is dangerous and irresponsible to generalize autism like I have heard in the past few days. Each person on the autism spectrum can be radically unique to the next. Myself, I’m a public speaker and yet the next person you meet with Asperger’s may have a difficult time engaging in a one-on-one conversation. I heard one speaker on the news say that ALL people with Asperger’s are great in math. This too is untrue, some can be, and may be amazingly good at it, but others may be more of an abstract thinker and be good in the areas of music and art.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Which Congressman Is Blocking Bill That Would Protect Kids with Autism? - ABC News
Which Congressman Is Blocking Bill That Would Protect Kids with Autism? - ABC News
"Chairman Kline believes state officials and school leaders are best equipped to determine appropriate policies that should be in place to protect students and to hold those who violate those policies accountable," said Alexandra Haynes Sollberger, the communications director for the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. "For this reason, the committee has not scheduled any action on seclusion and restraint legislation at this time."
"Chairman Kline believes state officials and school leaders are best equipped to determine appropriate policies that should be in place to protect students and to hold those who violate those policies accountable," said Alexandra Haynes Sollberger, the communications director for the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. "For this reason, the committee has not scheduled any action on seclusion and restraint legislation at this time."
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Asperger’s gone, dyslexia stays in first change to psychiatric manual in almost 20 years - The Washington Post
Asperger’s gone, dyslexia stays in first change to psychiatric manual in almost 20 years - The Washington Post
One reason for the change is that some states and school systems don’t provide services for children and adults with Asperger’s, or provide fewer services than those given an autism diagnosis, she said.
One reason for the change is that some states and school systems don’t provide services for children and adults with Asperger’s, or provide fewer services than those given an autism diagnosis, she said.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Friday, November 23, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Section 504 - Civil Rights Law, Protection from Discrimination - Wrightslaw
Section 504 - Civil Rights Law, Protection from Discrimination - Wrightslaw
Office of Civil Rights sends Resolution/Closure Letter in 'life threatening" Peanut Allergy case. Gloucester County, VA argued to the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) that a child with a life-threatening peanut allergy was not a child with a disability and therefore not entitled to either an IEP or a 504 plan. With complaints, OCR normally looks at the "process requirements of Section 504" and not the substance of "individual placement and other educational decisions made by a school division." However, in "extraordinary circumstances" OCR will review placement and "other educational decisions."
Office of Civil Rights sends Resolution/Closure Letter in 'life threatening" Peanut Allergy case. Gloucester County, VA argued to the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) that a child with a life-threatening peanut allergy was not a child with a disability and therefore not entitled to either an IEP or a 504 plan. With complaints, OCR normally looks at the "process requirements of Section 504" and not the substance of "individual placement and other educational decisions made by a school division." However, in "extraordinary circumstances" OCR will review placement and "other educational decisions."
Monday, November 12, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
R-3 settles civil rights complaint - Lebanon Daily Record : Local News: office for civil rights, lebanon r-3 school district, special education, advocates for lebanon r-3 special education,
R-3 settles civil rights complaint - Lebanon Daily Record : Local News: office for civil rights, lebanon r-3 school district, special education, advocates for lebanon r-3 special education,
DESE found that the Lebanon trailers were perfectly normal school buildings. OCR did not.
In a resolution with the Office for Civil Rights, the Lebanon R-3 School District has agreed to move the two special education classrooms currently being held in mobile homes at the Lebanon Junior High School to its elementary schools.
An investigation that began last spring has finally culminated with the Lebanon R-3 School District agreeing to the OCR’s terms and signing a resolution agreement on Tuesday. The district has until March 1, 2013, to submit a plan about how the district will relocate the classrooms. The move must take place by the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education visited the district September 28, 2012 and found the operations in Lebanon were typical of programs for students with disabilities.
They went on to add that it was clear students with disabilities were integrated with students in general education in a variety of settings.
DESE found that the Lebanon trailers were perfectly normal school buildings. OCR did not.
In a resolution with the Office for Civil Rights, the Lebanon R-3 School District has agreed to move the two special education classrooms currently being held in mobile homes at the Lebanon Junior High School to its elementary schools.
An investigation that began last spring has finally culminated with the Lebanon R-3 School District agreeing to the OCR’s terms and signing a resolution agreement on Tuesday. The district has until March 1, 2013, to submit a plan about how the district will relocate the classrooms. The move must take place by the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education visited the district September 28, 2012 and found the operations in Lebanon were typical of programs for students with disabilities.
They went on to add that it was clear students with disabilities were integrated with students in general education in a variety of settings.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
I Will try to Forgive, but I will NEVER Forget
I will try to Forgive, but I will never
Forget
Children should never be afraid to go to school,
and parents should never have to worry that their children will be harmed by
the people taking care of them while they are at school.
Forgiveness
isn’t possible when negative emotions stick around and cloud my thoughts about
restraint and seclusion. I am trying to
forgive, but I will never forget.
Forgiveness
can’t be doled out quickly when constant reminders of an offense that happened
to my child while in the public school system surrounds me.
As
many times as I’ve thought about how to come to terms with the violence my son
was subjected to, finding forgiveness hasn’t been one of those things on my
list of things to do.
To
forgive and let all the pain of what my child and our family went through wash
away—the guilt, the pain, the anxiety, the despair seems so difficult to do.
Can
I really do that?
Can
I truly forget how my son’s downward spiral of regression, depression, anxiety
attacks began? He was so little, so innocent and just didn’t know how to cope
with everything around him.
Can
I honestly forgive the people who abused my child by restraining him over and
over and by putting him in seclusion because they didn’t try to understand him,
because they didn’t try to understand his disability?
Can
I totally forgive the people who turned me away when I asked them to get my son
some help?
Can
I totally look past their denial of what they did to my son and the retaliation
and pain we are still going through today?
Can
I forgive myself for overlooking the signs that my son was showing me that
“something was wrong”, but I wasn’t seeing because I thought he was in good
hands? If I can’t forgive myself then
how can I ever forgive you?
Can
I fully embrace the struggles we have gone through to find justice for the
violence my son was subjected to at the hands of others?
Sometimes
I wake up in the middle of the night and I ask myself why I didn’t listen to my
son when he told me, “No school Mommy, no like.” He used to love going to school. What happened to make him so fearful
of school?
Here’s
what I can accept. I can accept that all of that did happen to my child,
but I will not accept that it had to happen because I know for a fact it did
not have to happen.
Here’s
something else I haven’t been able to accept. Not because I turned it
down but because this too hasn’t happened yet—no one has yet to apologize to my
son for what they did to him. Instead
I have heard nothing but excuses of why he was treated with such violence and
that they felt they did what had to be done.
Do you even remember my son? I’m
sure you have moved on with your life and long forgotten my little boy.
What
I can’t accept is how these same people continue to destroy him by using
unprofessional evaluations that make him look bad so that they can justify what
they did to him as being the right thing to do.
Come
to think of it, I think my whole family could use an apology. Shouldn’t
someone have said sorry to me and my husband for the extra stress they have
caused us, the time lost with our son and the things we’ve been denied as our
child’s parents?
When
are those apologies coming? I’m not saying I’m holding out for those
before I can forgive and forget, but it sure would be nice for someone to admit
that they played a role in my son’s regression, depression, and anxiety attacks
that developed from all the restraint and seclusion abuse he went through at
the hands of people who were supposed to be helping him?
Forgive
and forget. As much as I’d love to, oh how I’d really love to be able to
say to several of my son’s
past school staff, “I forgive you,” but right now, today, this week with what
he went through and what we’ve gone through as a family, I’m just not ready to
say, “I forgive you.” In fact, it might be a long time before I am ready
to forgive and move on.
To
offer forgiveness, if I really, really had to do that today would be a bit
jaded. It would go something like this:
Dear
Teacher, Teachers Aide, Principal and Behavior Specialist (and whoever else had
a hand in destroying my child’s life),
I
know you are all just human, and you thought the violence you subjected my son
and other children to was the right thing to do. I understand that some
of you have more professional training under your belt and loads more formal
education than I do. I understand that
you have a hard job. I have a feeling
though that your lack of training of my son’s disability, your refusal to help
and understand him when I pleaded with you, your power struggle with my son
over his behaviors that were not in his control, and your pride muddled your
thoughts. How else did you let what happen to my son happen? How could you keep restraining him and
putting him into seclusion when it was obvious that it was making him
worse? And how did you not see that
these violent acts were starting to affect him mentally and were causing him to
regress in his academics and social skills?
You had to see he was in mental pain, and yet you continued to restrain
him and put him in seclusion. Why? Please tell me why so I can try and
understand, and if I can understand maybe I can find it in my heart to forgive
you and move on.
I
totally get that you’re super busy and that you have a lot of children with
behavior issues, but that does not make what you did to my son or other
children right. That does
not make what you are still doing to children with disabilities right. Don’t you understand that behaviors are a
form of communication for our children who are nonverbal or who can’t express
themselves? Don’t you understand even
now that restraint and seclusion doesn’t help children with disabilities and
that it can cause long lasting trauma and escalate behaviors. Clearly you
must have been overwhelmed and understaffed. What other excuse could you
give for watching my son go through such mental torment and regression?
I’ve
waited a long time to figure out if I need to forgive you, but I’m honestly at
a standstill even thinking about it. I really don’t know how to say this,
but I do think it’s time for me to say something. So, here goes.
I’m
sorry you didn’t open your eyes to see the red flags being waved right in front
of your face that my son was suffering mentally from your actions and was
regressing at a fast pace. I’m
sorry you were clueless and that your ignorance failed my child. I’m
sorry your educational knowledge of children with disabilities failed my
son. I’m sorry you never knew that behaviors are a form of
communication. I’m sorry
you refused to update his functional behavior plan. I’m sorry you were ignorant of
my requests to get him help. I’m sorry
you bullied me at several IEP meetings and made me cry. I’m sorry you
wasted my time telling me, ‘He did this and he did that but you never told me
what you were doing to him.’ I’m
sorry I waited until my son had a breakdown before I pulled him out of
school. I’m sorry you’re still doing the
same thing to other children as you did to my son and that you are still
bullying parents. I’m sorry you haven’t
learned a thing from your past violent actions.
No
parent should feel as alone, scared, worried, angry and as destroyed as I felt
the day I picked up my son from school as he cried hysterically begging me to
take him home. No parent should witness what happened to their child like
I did. No one should witness that and later be told, “We didn’t do
anything wrong.”
No
parent should walk through life not knowing what to do next or not knowing
where to turn for help. No parent should have to face the agonizing
decisions I’ve had to. No parent should have to fight as hard as scores
of parents now have to do to keep their children safe when they go to
school. No parent should be left high and dry with nowhere to turn for
help like so many other parents have. No parent should expect or demand
an apology from someone who promised to do no harm in the first place.
None.
One
more thing. When one
forgives his offender the last part of the apology usually includes not only a
renewal for the relationship to be whole again, but also a promise, a promise
to never commit the offense again. See, that’s a problem. Not on my
end but for your apology, when you make it….it won’t be a true apology if you
are still doing to children what you did to my son. You still don’t see
the big picture and that what you’re doing to children with disabilities is
physically and mentally harmful.
You
can’t help make this all go away until you take a step back. Take a step back and look at the children
with disabilities as children who need help with the behaviors that are not in
their control because right now you are only looking at them as unruly
children. They are not unruly; they are children with disabilities that
have a tough road ahead of them! When
you stop and realize how you played a role in damaging my son’s future, and
after you rectify what you are doing is wrong, then we can talk about
forgiveness.
It’s
with a heavy heart that I apologize that I cannot truly offer any forgiveness
to you. I pray to God that I can because it’s nearly impossible for me to
stop thinking about how my son and countless other children ended up where they
are today. Someday I hope to have the strength to completely move past
the pain and sadness you brought to my child and my family. One day I’ll
be able to find forgiveness. Until then I’ll be here waiting for you to
offer yours.
Anonymous
mom
09/2012
Please HELP me!
STOP Restraint and
Seclusion
Monday, October 15, 2012
Friday, October 12, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Politics Aside, There’s No Debating the Scary Facts of Romney’s Tax Policy - COLORLINES
Politics Aside, There’s No Debating the Scary Facts of Romney’s Tax Policy - COLORLINES
On healthcare, Romney pledged to “repeal and replace Obamacare.” The centerpiece of his rollback is the elimination of the individual mandate, which requires all Americans to buy subsidized insurance. Bafflingly, in the same breath, Romney promised to maintain Obamacare’s “pre-existing conditions” provision, which prevents insurance companies from denying coverage due to longterm ailments such as asthma, autism or HIV/AIDS.
The problem is that covering pre-existing conditions is expensive. In order to pay for the added costs of doing so, the insurance companies themselves insisted during the negotiations on Obamacare that the number of people participating in the healthcare system be expanded to help pay for it. That’s one of the key reasons for why we have the mandate: it helps underwrite the coverage of pre-existing conditions. Without the mandate, there is no viable way to ensure that people with pre-existing conditions can get coverage.
Romney himself once acknowledged this fact. That’s why he included both the pre-existing conditions provision and the individual mandate in his healthcare plan for Massachusetts.
When Obama pointed out that Romney’s Massachusetts health care plan was the model for Obamacare, Romney said, “I like the way we did it in Massachusetts.” But in a strange move of mental jujitsu, the former governor, went on to deride Obama for taking Romneycare nationwide through Obamacare. What was good for the people of his home state is apparently not good for the rest country.
Romney had a string of additional desultory answers and skewed facts on Medicare, Medicaid and education. On the Obama administration’s key education initiative, Race to the Top, Romney said that he “did agree” with the program. However he opposes the $4 billion included in the stimulus plan that established Race to the Top and got it going.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Update: DESE says Lebanon School District compliant when it comes to special needs students - ky3.com
Update: DESE says Lebanon School District compliant when it comes to special needs students - ky3.com
LEBANON, Mo -- In June, parents of special needs students in Lebanon held a meeting concerning the treatment of their children. It was led by the Advocates for Lebanon R-3 Special Education.
They claimed their special needs children were being housed in two trailers behind Lebanon Junior High School for long periods of time. They went on to add their students were not properly being integrated with other students in the school.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education visited the district September 28, 2012 and found the operations in Lebanon were typical of programs for students with disabilities.
They went on to add that it was clear students with disabilities were integrated with students in general education in a variety of settings.
LEBANON, Mo -- In June, parents of special needs students in Lebanon held a meeting concerning the treatment of their children. It was led by the Advocates for Lebanon R-3 Special Education.
They claimed their special needs children were being housed in two trailers behind Lebanon Junior High School for long periods of time. They went on to add their students were not properly being integrated with other students in the school.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education visited the district September 28, 2012 and found the operations in Lebanon were typical of programs for students with disabilities.
They went on to add that it was clear students with disabilities were integrated with students in general education in a variety of settings.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Report: Test security is inconsistent among states - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff
Report: Test security is inconsistent among states - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff
And, according to an article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch back in April, in Missouri there were more than 100 reports of standardized testing irregularities, including cheating, that poured into the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in 2010 and 2011.
According to the paper, of the $8.4 million Missouri spends to administer the Missouri Assessment Program, nothing is spent on test fraud detection services.
It also affirms that Missouri education officials rely on a system of "self-reporting" that assumes teachers and administrators will come to the state when they know of possible abuse.
Under this approach, the article explains that, even when allegations of testing irregularities are reported, the state and school districts rarely engage in the kind of rigorous statistical review many say is needed.
The article says that Missouri has also dismantled a program due to funding reductions that had sent inspectors randomly into schools to ensure tests are administered properly.
That article also acknowledged that Mo. education officials say looking for "red flags" would add thousands of dollars to the testing contract at a time when the state has cut department funding.
$24 Million in Grants Awarded to 22 States to Improve Training Systems to Help Children with Disabilities | U.S. Department of Education
$24 Million in Grants Awarded to 22 States to Improve Training Systems to Help Children with Disabilities | U.S. Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education announced today the award of $24 million in grants to 22 states to improve personnel training systems to help children with disabilities. States receiving grants are: Alabama, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin.
The U.S. Department of Education announced today the award of $24 million in grants to 22 states to improve personnel training systems to help children with disabilities. States receiving grants are: Alabama, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Springfield schools look outside the box for expansion options to deal with influx of students - kspr.com
Springfield schools look outside the box for expansion options to deal with influx of students - kspr.com
Just like Lebanon they are thinking of putting special education students in a separate building. Lee's Summit did this, too.
School leaders say once the school board leases the property, the church will become a second campus for special education students, who are currently being spread throughout the district in small makeshift classrooms -- because their only campus is full.
Just like Lebanon they are thinking of putting special education students in a separate building. Lee's Summit did this, too.
School leaders say once the school board leases the property, the church will become a second campus for special education students, who are currently being spread throughout the district in small makeshift classrooms -- because their only campus is full.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Monday, September 24, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
Awareity
Awareity
Lawsuits and Deliberate Indifference
Schools and school leaders are not exempt from the litigious society we live in. Therefore, all school personnel must be equipped to take appropriate actions when they know or should know about events of harassment, intimidation, bullying, cyberbullying, sexual assault, etc.
Recent settlements and pending lawsuits are establishing precedents school leaders should take very seriously to prevent devastating harm to their school’s bottom line, reputation and the community too.
For example, the town of South Hadley (Massachusetts) paid $225,000 to the parents of Phoebe Prince (who committed suicide after being bullied by classmates). This settlement did not include legal fees incurred when six former classmates were charged in connection with Phoebe’s treatment at school. More recently, the Emerson Board of Education (New Jersey) settled a lawsuit brought by a former student who said bullying linked to his perceived sexual orientation over a six-year period was ignored by school administrators. The student will receive $130,000 from the Bergen County School District.
A pending lawsuit filed by the mother of Seth Walsh (who committed suicide after being bullied by classmates) against the Tehachapi Unified School District (TUSD) is one all school leaders should be watching closely. The lawsuit was filed using the results of a federal investigation by the Department of Justice and Department of Education that found TUSD “failed to act in an appropriate manner” even though the school was aware of the harassment towards Seth Walsh. Our greatest opportunities often occur during times of adversity, and making a difference for student safety will not happen until status quo approaches, excuses and acts of deliberate indifference are eliminated. Can your school afford a legal settlement of $130,000, $225,000 or more?
Lawsuits and Deliberate Indifference
Schools and school leaders are not exempt from the litigious society we live in. Therefore, all school personnel must be equipped to take appropriate actions when they know or should know about events of harassment, intimidation, bullying, cyberbullying, sexual assault, etc.
Recent settlements and pending lawsuits are establishing precedents school leaders should take very seriously to prevent devastating harm to their school’s bottom line, reputation and the community too.
For example, the town of South Hadley (Massachusetts) paid $225,000 to the parents of Phoebe Prince (who committed suicide after being bullied by classmates). This settlement did not include legal fees incurred when six former classmates were charged in connection with Phoebe’s treatment at school. More recently, the Emerson Board of Education (New Jersey) settled a lawsuit brought by a former student who said bullying linked to his perceived sexual orientation over a six-year period was ignored by school administrators. The student will receive $130,000 from the Bergen County School District.
A pending lawsuit filed by the mother of Seth Walsh (who committed suicide after being bullied by classmates) against the Tehachapi Unified School District (TUSD) is one all school leaders should be watching closely. The lawsuit was filed using the results of a federal investigation by the Department of Justice and Department of Education that found TUSD “failed to act in an appropriate manner” even though the school was aware of the harassment towards Seth Walsh. Our greatest opportunities often occur during times of adversity, and making a difference for student safety will not happen until status quo approaches, excuses and acts of deliberate indifference are eliminated. Can your school afford a legal settlement of $130,000, $225,000 or more?
State to pay $4.4 million in landmark settlement
Advisen FPN
Aug. 29--The state has agreed to pay $4.4 million to settle a landmark lawsuit filed by a couple who alleged the Department of Education failed to provide their daughters with appropriate autism-specific services during the girls' formative years in the 1990s.
Attorneys say the suit could have far-reaching implications for other cases filed on behalf of special-needs students who have not received a free, appropriate public education, as federal law requires.
"Clearly, school districts are on notice that a denial of meaningful access for kids can expose them to significant damages," said Susan Dorsey, lead attorney for the Levin Education Access Project, a nonprofit that assisted the family with the case.
"The rest of the country will be looking at this decision. It's a huge victory for children."
Lee's Summit did this to my son. I wonder if I should sue them. I know of many other families that have had the same thing happen in Lee's Summit. Maybe we should all sue them.
State to pay $4.4 million in landmark settlement [The Honolulu Star-Advertiser]
Aug. 29--The state has agreed to pay $4.4 million to settle a landmark lawsuit filed by a couple who alleged the Department of Education failed to provide their daughters with appropriate autism-specific services during the girls' formative years in the 1990s.Attorneys say the suit could have far-reaching implications for other cases filed on behalf of special-needs students who have not received a free, appropriate public education, as federal law requires.
"Clearly, school districts are on notice that a denial of meaningful access for kids can expose them to significant damages," said Susan Dorsey, lead attorney for the Levin Education Access Project, a nonprofit that assisted the family with the case.
"The rest of the country will be looking at this decision. It's a huge victory for children."
Lee's Summit did this to my son. I wonder if I should sue them. I know of many other families that have had the same thing happen in Lee's Summit. Maybe we should all sue them.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Monday, August 6, 2012
Missouri Autism Guidelines Initiative
I just received my copy of the Missouri Autism Guidelines
Initiative: Guide to Evidence-based Interventions
It is sponsored by the Thompson Foundation for Autism; the
Division of Developmental Disabilities, Missouri Department of Health; the
Office of Special Education, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education; and Mercy Children’s Hospital – St. Louis and Springfield.
Here is the part that I want you to pay attention to:
Advisory Committee:
Julie Donnelly, PhD AUTISM CONSULTANT AND TEACHER, Columbia Public
Schools. Provided diagnosis and program planning for students with autism.
Taught class within a class and learning disabilities resource room. half-time
1992-93. TEACHER, Delaware Elementary, Springfield, MO. Taught
Multi-handicapped students with autism. Organized community based programs,
peer integration, structured functional individualized curriculum. Provided
alternative and augmentative communication methods and computer use for all
through adaptations; 1988-1992. TEACHER, Westport Elementary and Pershing
Junior High, Springfield, MO. Taught self-contained EMR grades 1-3. Provided
independent living skills training for junior high students with autism;
1985-1988. SPECIAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR AND TEACHER, Norwood R-1 Schools, MO.
Coordinated special services including initiation of a gifted program. Taught
EMR and LD K-6, 7-12 and Title I Math; 1981-1985. TEACHER, Seymour Public
Schools, MO. Taught self-contained Educable Mentally Retarded class K-6. Initiated
Foster grandparent program; 1979-1981.
EXPERT WITNESS CONSULTATION AND TESTIMONY
Gills vs Columbia Public Schools, MO (School prevailed in due process, appeal and appeal
to 8th Circuit)
Nordbergs vs Minneapolis, MN Schools (School prevailed in due process and appeal)
Lee's Summit, MO due process (settled in school's favor,
unnamed for confidentiality)
Asburys vs Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Ed
(DESE prevailed and in
appeal & 8th district, Supreme Court review denied)
True vs Farmington Schools, Farmington, Minnesota (School prevailed in due
process)
Beth
Emmendorfer, EdD
Associate Superintendent at Jackson R-2 Schools
Stacey
Martin, MA, MAC
Autism Consultant for Lee’s Summit R-7 School District. In charge of my son’s IEP
throughout his education. Never used any evidence based interventions for
my son. Never worked on my son’s social issues in a manner that is
scientifically proven and evidence based. Decided to give my son a
calculator for math instead of one-on-one help as recommended by
psychologist. If you need to more, ask me. I can fill you in on a
lot.
Donald McCary, Director of Applied Behavior Analysis for Special School District
Kaye Otten, Ph.D. Autism and Behavior Specialist
with the Lee’s Summit R-VII School District Also worked with my
son. Enough said.
Kim Ratcliffe Associate Executive Director Student Services at
Missouri School Boards' Association
Keenan Stump SLPSpeech-Language Pathologist Olathe, KS
Sherri R. Tucker
Cofounder and President Lee's
Summit Autism Support Group
Cofounder MOAFAA (Missouri
Advocates for Families Affected by Autism)
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Saturday, August 4, 2012
How to Avoid Special-Ed Lawsuits | Plog
How to Avoid Special-Ed Lawsuits | Plog
Back in 1998, the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) annual law seminar included a section titled “Special Education for Early Childhood Autistic Students -- How to Avoid Parent Demands for LOVAAS/TEACH Methodologies.” (In this case “TEACH” is a typo; it’s supposed to be TEACHH, an acronym for Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children.) That program and LOVAAS (named for the doctor who invented it) are now considered among the best methods for teaching young autistic students. The notes on the pictured copy of the law seminar’s program were written by Kansas City attorney Kim Westhusing, who has represented several parents of autistic children in due process cases against metro school districts.
Back in 1998, the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) annual law seminar included a section titled “Special Education for Early Childhood Autistic Students -- How to Avoid Parent Demands for LOVAAS/TEACH Methodologies.” (In this case “TEACH” is a typo; it’s supposed to be TEACHH, an acronym for Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children.) That program and LOVAAS (named for the doctor who invented it) are now considered among the best methods for teaching young autistic students. The notes on the pictured copy of the law seminar’s program were written by Kansas City attorney Kim Westhusing, who has represented several parents of autistic children in due process cases against metro school districts.
Friday, August 3, 2012
autism
autism
Senator Scott Rupp also:
~Created the office of Autism in the state so families can navigate through the confusing departments within their state government.
~Created and was a founding member of the Missouri Autism Commission
~Was instrumental in the saving and reforming of the First Steps Program that was slated for elimination in 2005.
Senator Scott Rupp also:
~Created the office of Autism in the state so families can navigate through the confusing departments within their state government.
~Created and was a founding member of the Missouri Autism Commission
~Was instrumental in the saving and reforming of the First Steps Program that was slated for elimination in 2005.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Proposed Changes To State Regulations
proposedstateplan2012
The Office of Special Education, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is proposing changes to the State regulations implementing Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The proposed changes are available for inspection until September 19, 2012, in the Office of the Assistant Commissioner, Office of Special Education, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 205 Jefferson Street, 4th floor, Jefferson Building, Jefferson City, MO 65102 during regular office hours.
Public hearings, in the form of a webinar, are scheduled for the following dates and times:
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Written public comments on the proposed changes are being solicited and should be directed as follows no later than the close of business on September 10, 2012:
Bonnie Aaron, Director, Compliance
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
P. O. Box 480 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480
Fax: 573-526-5946
Email: Idea.Comments@dese.mo.gov
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Becoming a teacher without heading back to school : News : HeartlandConnection.com
Becoming a teacher without heading back to school : News : HeartlandConnection.com
To qualify for the program, the candidate must have a Bachelor's degree where they obtained a 2.5 g.p.a. or greater, and pass a background check. The program offers certification to teach 5-12th grades, in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Elementary Education, English Language Arts, General Science, History, Math, Physics, Special Education, and a Reading Endorsement.
To qualify for the program, the candidate must have a Bachelor's degree where they obtained a 2.5 g.p.a. or greater, and pass a background check. The program offers certification to teach 5-12th grades, in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Elementary Education, English Language Arts, General Science, History, Math, Physics, Special Education, and a Reading Endorsement.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Saturday, July 7, 2012
50 Cent Autism Tweets: Holly Robinson Peete Writes Letter To Rapper In Response To Offensive Statements
50 Cent Autism Tweets: Holly Robinson Peete Writes Letter To Rapper In Response To Offensive Statements
The ugly tweets were in response to an eager fan who wrote to 50: "Release the album or get shot again." The rapper allegedly tweeted back, "yeah just saw your picture fool you look autistic." And, he didn't stop there. "I dont want no special ed kids on my time line follow some body else," he posted later.
The ugly tweets were in response to an eager fan who wrote to 50: "Release the album or get shot again." The rapper allegedly tweeted back, "yeah just saw your picture fool you look autistic." And, he didn't stop there. "I dont want no special ed kids on my time line follow some body else," he posted later.
Easy Puzzle Nails - YouTube
Easy Puzzle Nails - YouTube
Nail Art Video. It's a simple puzzle design with Autism Awareness Colors. I think it is a fun way to show support for Autism Awareness. It can be viewed from this link.
Nail Art Video. It's a simple puzzle design with Autism Awareness Colors. I think it is a fun way to show support for Autism Awareness. It can be viewed from this link.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Do You Believe That People With Disabilities Should Have The Right To Make Their Own Decisions?
email : Webview
Do you believe that people with disabilities should have the right to make decisions about our own services? To choose with whom and where we live? To be able to invite visitors home and make our own decisions about how to spend our day, decorate our homes and what kinds of services we want and don't want? Today, you have an opportunity to make these rules law!
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the government agency that funds most disability service provision in the United States, has put forward a regulation that would set out requirements for how service providers receiving Home and Community Based Services funding can behave. CMS has proposed a wide variety of crucial protections, such as protecting people with disabilities from eviction from our homes due to refusing a particular service or treatment, requiring that community providers must respect the choice and autonomy of the people they support and many other important protections that will empower people with disabilities in interactions with their service providers.
But these regulations are facing severe opposition from many in the provider industry that believe that people with disabilities are "too disabled" to make these choices for ourselves. We have till this Monday to make our voices heard, before the CMS Public Comment period closes for good! Follow these simple instructions to make sure you're represented:
Do you believe that people with disabilities should have the right to make decisions about our own services? To choose with whom and where we live? To be able to invite visitors home and make our own decisions about how to spend our day, decorate our homes and what kinds of services we want and don't want? Today, you have an opportunity to make these rules law!
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the government agency that funds most disability service provision in the United States, has put forward a regulation that would set out requirements for how service providers receiving Home and Community Based Services funding can behave. CMS has proposed a wide variety of crucial protections, such as protecting people with disabilities from eviction from our homes due to refusing a particular service or treatment, requiring that community providers must respect the choice and autonomy of the people they support and many other important protections that will empower people with disabilities in interactions with their service providers.
But these regulations are facing severe opposition from many in the provider industry that believe that people with disabilities are "too disabled" to make these choices for ourselves. We have till this Monday to make our voices heard, before the CMS Public Comment period closes for good! Follow these simple instructions to make sure you're represented:
Carmel on the Case - Locked In A Closet?
Carmel on the Case - Locked In A Closet?
The Broward State Attorney's Office is investigating a special needs teacher on possible child neglect charges. A mother says the way her autistic son was punished by the teacher crossed the line. Investigative reporter Carmel Cafiero is On the Case.
Read more: http://www.wsvn.com/features/articles/carmelcase/MI95511/#ixzz1zOAmAvPh
The Broward State Attorney's Office is investigating a special needs teacher on possible child neglect charges. A mother says the way her autistic son was punished by the teacher crossed the line. Investigative reporter Carmel Cafiero is On the Case.
Read more: http://www.wsvn.com/features/articles/carmelcase/MI95511/#ixzz1zOAmAvPh
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