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Post by laurasnowbird on Apr 13, 2006 21:18:51 GMT -5
Claire,
I am seeing RED after reading your story. I know how uncomfortable it can be to have to "take it to the next level", but when you have exhausted your other options there is no reason to feel bad about it. You tried to play by the rules, and they wouldn't!
We filed a complaint with our state about Ethan's experience in the birth to three class. I did everything but stand on my head to try to avoid it, and made no progress. It was a very difficult decision, because we struggled with the fact that we will continue to live in this district, and we knew we would be VERY unpopular with the school administration if we went forward. After a lot of thought, we decided that it was necessary, and that we were speaking for so many more children than just our son. We knew that the changes that would result would benefit many other families, and it made it much easier to do what needed to be done.
What you are facing is tough, but it is the right thing to do. We are all here to support you!
P.S. Some VERY positive things came about as a result of the complaint we filed. Things are done much differently in our district. The expected backlash never came, in part because I think they realized that we know our rights and wouldn't hesitate to use them!
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Post by Claire on Apr 15, 2006 0:17:37 GMT -5
We agree with you Laurasnowbird. Although Adam is not in that school anymore, we feel we have to set a precedent for other children attending that school to not be treated the way my son was. We did not only document to the proper authorities but we are also going public. Media sometimes has a way of turning things around. That is what is scary. But it seems the only way to get anything done now when you want justice. We have to be very careful of every step we take. It will not just be our local Newspaper picking this up. As for our community except for the School Board and the people being accused of doing these things, I know for a fact that we will get the support. Just to let you all know about ourselves, (not that we are perfect people), we are from a small town, my husband and I are known in the public eye for several volunteering things we do, I also have an advocacy group for people with intellectual disabilities and we volunteer on regular basis in group homes, fund raising and parties for them. I have also given presentations on Down syndrome to educate grade 8th in our district for the last 4 years. I have done 11 presentations this year and have 4 to go. Our business sponsors all of this. We also own our own business and have proven to be one of the few honest business left. I have fought town councils on several occasions for adequate handicap parkings and so on. So I am known as an activist. So the people having a problem with what I do, most of the time praise me for the achievements afterward. My older son's 29 and 24 are both good men. One is a Autobody Technician like his dad and works in our business and the other lives in Ottawa and owns his own music store. I would go as far as to say that even though we are a middle class family,( which is what the School board counts on us not being able to afford a lawyer) we are well respected in our community and known to stand up for what is right. I am sure the town council would agree. ;D ;D ;D I should also mention that Adam is the only child with Down syndrome here, the other ones are over 18, so everyone knows Adam, but not necessarily us. ;D ;D We meet people on the street and everyone always has a high five for Adam, some children that I have given presentations to in the schools actually sometimes stop and do the high five (everyone knows him for this ;D) and will reach in their pockets and give him some sweets. It is wonderful to see. So I'm sure that once people know how he has been treated the principal and whoever else is responsible are the ones that will have to worry about the media affecting them. The only worry I have about going media is that the Ministry will be there with their big shot lawyers, and will nit pic at everything. But then that is when parents like all of you come in and bombard them with mail. ;D ;D I am feeling better about the whole thing now that we have finally decided where to go with this. We are so exhausted of fighting for what is an human right, not just for Adam but any other child, that we think they need to be reminded once in a while. Adam is not the first child to be treated this way. If every parent came forward the Government would have their hands full, maybe they would forget about our wonderful taxes. ;D
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Post by momofrussell on Apr 15, 2006 21:11:27 GMT -5
YES! What Laura said!! I agree too! I too feel this is SOOO important! We are not just doing things for OUR kids.. but for others too! That is why we have places like Unomas, ect... That is why I wrote the letter I did after the Mother's Day Tea fiasco.. it was already a done deal for Russell.. but what about the next child.. what about next year, ect.. Also.. when we started this year... the things I "noticed" in the kindy room that weren't up to par, inclusion-wise, for me.. I addressed for the new parents and kids coming in SO proud of you Claire!!!!!! A.
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Post by poojamom on Apr 15, 2006 21:51:54 GMT -5
Claire, You are fighting a good cause.Our support is always here for you. Good Luck
Rajitha
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