August 17, 2007

• Two Steps Forward

  Well, there was a tiny set-back today.  Apparently someone from Albuquerque Public Schools called Colorado Springs and was told that Michael doesn't qualify for Special Education services.  And the person from Colorado Springs went on to say that he was on a 504 plan but only because *I* had pushed so hard since they could find "no evidence of disability." 

  I know that if you don't have a student who is affected by these things all that stuff is just gobbledy gook.  But the short story here is that Spec Ed is responsible for providing services to students with a disability such as a learning disability, a hearing problem, or autism.  A 504 plan is a temporary plan that was designed to help students in need of short term services, for example, if they have a broken leg or an extended illness that requires a long convalescence at home.

  In short, Michael doesn't have anything from Colorado that we can use here to get him into services.  And because of the way that the laws are written he can't be admitted to services just because it's obvious that he needs them.  There have to be supporting documents that qualify him.

  Now the good news is that the people here are on my side.  Mr O'Toole said to me that the only way he could imagine that the person in Co Springs didn't believe that Michael needed direct services was that she hadn't spent time with him.  The saddest part of that is she DID spend time with him.  In fact, she was responsible for conducting the tests that were used last year to disqualify him from receiving services.

  The teachers here have to put him into "regular" classes, so his schedule is about to change, but they have already put their heads together and worked out a plan to help him until we can get the testing done that will enable them to get him the services he needs.  It may not be a perfect solution but can you imagine the difference in the way it feels to have people ON OUR SIDE as opposed to telling me to my face that I'm just overprotective and that there isn't a problem.  That autism isn't a disability.

  Mr O'Toole told me that this morning Michael came walking up to school concerned that he was late.  Mr O'Toole said, "I told him he wasn't late, but he should walk a little faster ..... And that was when I discovered that Michael only has one speed.  I've never seen someone look so hurried but walk so slow." 

  I'm disappointed.  I'm disappointed that the woman in Colorado Springs couldn't just let us go.    I'm saddened that we are going to have to go through all this process.  But to be honest, I had been expecting to go through it anyway and was pleasantly surprised when the people here told me they thought it could be avoided. 

  In the end, Michael is in a very good school.  He is with wonderful caring teachers.  And he's going to be all right.  These are just teeny little tadpoles in the swimming pool of our happiness, but I'm not worried.  I'm adding a little more chlorine to the water. 

   

  • 7:10 pm
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