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"I'm
just a parent. This is probably a dumb question but ... "
Most
of us who are parents/advocates started out the same way -- inexperienced about
special education. There is a difference between being "dumb" and being "uninformed."
If
you are like me, no one provided or volunteered you with any information about
where to start, what to do, whom to contact, or what to ask. I learned from the
"School of Hard Knocks" (where, by the way, the school colors are Black
& Blue). Most of my questions were "dumb."
No matter how
"dumb" your questions may seem, they are probably far more intelligent
than the questions I asked when I entered the "maze." I appreciate
the patience of those people who walked me through the maze.
The
parents of preschoolers I meet today are much more sophisticated than I was when
my daughter entered kindergarten -- and had been in the "system" for
four years.
I was so "dumb" that I provided a desk for my daughter
when she was in first grade. I was so "dumb" that I didn't know that
if the school did not have an appropriate desk on hand, they had to provide one.
I was so "dumb" that I provided my daughter's transportation during
kindergarten and first grade, although my other children rode the school bus.
I was so "dumb" that I didn't know the school was required to provide
appropriate transportation for my child if she could not ride a regular school
bus. I was so "dumb" that I didn't know that the school had to reimburse
me if I transported her.
I was so "dumb" that when my daughter
was in first grade, her father or I went to school every day she was scheduled
for physical education so we could remove her from activities that were contraindicated
for her physical condition. I was so "dumb" I didn't know there was
such a thing as adaptive physical education, or that the school had to make accommodations
for her disability and modifications to the curriculum.
How do we become
informed, educated parent advocates for our children when information is withheld
or not provided?
We
have to ask questions. Lots and lots of questions. Wrightslaw's From
Emotions to Advocacy urges parents to ask "Who, What, Why, When,
Where, How, and Explain" (5 W's + H + E) questions.
Asking
questions is the very, very best way to learn how to negotiate the maze of special
education.
The moral of this story is that the only "dumb" question
is the one you do not ask. If you are wondering about something, someone else
-- probably many others -- are also wondering.
So,
ask.
Resources
For information about Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education: A Requirement for Your Child's Special Education Program, click here.
For
information about Related Services, including transportation to school, as Pat described in this article, click
here.
For
information on Modifications & Accommodations, including modifications to
curriculum and Adaptive Physical Education (PE) that Pat mentioned in her article,
click here.
Some
children with disabilities need accommodations and modifications in their special
education programs. This
4 page printer-friendly PDF article defines accommodations and modifications and
gives examples for books, curriculum, instruction, assignments, and behavior.
Remember
that denying the accommodations and modifications that will allow the child equal access
to an education is a denial of the child's right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Learn
more here.
Meet Pat Howey
Pat
Howey has a B.A. in Paralegal Studies from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College where
she graduated with honors.
Pat is an active member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) and other organizations. The Learning Disabilities Association of Indiana honored Pat with its Outstanding Service Award for her commitment and compassion towards students with disabilities.
As a member of the Wrightslaw
Speakers Bureau, Pat provides training for parents, educators, and others
who want to ensure that children receive quality special education services. Wrightslaw special education law and advocacy programs are designed to meet the needs of parents, educators, health care providers, advocates, and attorneys who represent children with disabilities.
"Changing
the World -- One Child at at Time."
Contact Information
Pat Howey
Special Education Consulting
POB 117
West Point,
Indiana 47992-0117
Website: patriciahowey.com
Email: specialedconsulting@gmail.com
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Revised: 03/22/12
