Thanks all....I'm still grinning ear to ear! I'm not sure what exactly worked...
Was it the advocate being present with us?
Was it because as of last May's meeting, they knew we wouldn't take the BS?
Was it because they knew I'm not afraid to write letters to all the supers?
Was it because my husband called Sped Admin a bully...cuz she was acting like one?
Was it the trail of paperwork over the last 2 years?
Was it the results of all the evaluations?
Was it all my "according to the law I have printed right here" to the entire team last May?
I DON'I KNOW! I swear it was like the twilight zone...the atmosphere was COMPLETELY different this time. The Admin was possessed or something and became a different person....almost human this time...I really don't know.
After reading so many horrible stories here, and hearing about them elsewhere, and then living it myself...I wasn't expecting this...but we didn't give up, and I don't think anyone should. I was this close to moving this year because of it, and had decided, even if we do, I'm taking it all the way with these people because some other kids are coming behind him, and who's to say what'll happen to them? They have to know we parents aren't going to be run off. Don't give up! It's shameful to have to battle for these rights, but our children are certainly worth it! And I'm still a firm believer that if you're fighting the RIGHT cause, you'll eventually win it.
Thanks again everyone for the congrats!! I'm still so happy right now!
~Lesley
Way to go, Lesley!
That is wonderful news. It is so nice to hear the positive stories about IEP meetings, because truthfully, the bad ones are starting to scare me!
Rachel
We had our IEP meeting today, and I just have to say that I have a renewed faith in the educational system (ours at least). Of course, school hasn't started yet so I hope I don't have to eat my words!! (It wasn't 3 hours with no progress this time, 2.5 with lots of progress!)
After 2 years of trying to get my son the help in school that he needs, it has finally happened. Never thought I'd be saying "Hooray! My son is in the spec. ed. class" BUT...Hooray! He will be in a class of 4 students total, with a teacher AND an aide, 65% of the time, 35% regular ed, with much emphasis on social skills speech and sensory strategies in both.
Now this may sounds like an academy award acceptance speech, but here goes...
First I'd like to say "thank you!!!!" to Michelle who has provide many of us with some very helpful online resources! Many resources came in helpful preparing for this meeting. (hey! How about that Steelers game! Can't wait for regular season!!!)
Secondly, I'd like to say thank you to all of you who shared your school experiences with me (all of us), it was really helpful to hear all the stories, good and bad, not only to help deal with what we are already, but to help us try to prevent some very unpleasant situations that we just don't think of ahead of time.
It's so frustrating sometimes, like I said, we've been trying for 2 years, but finally there is a payoff for Riley. I will continue to think of all of you who are starting/have started school and hope that your kids get all they need and then some.
Thanks for your support! I've gotten more out of reading this board for the last 3 months than I ever expected...by far the most valuable resource of all.
~Lesley & Smiley Riley
Tammy
LESLEY
I'm so glad Riley will be getting services he needs at school! GREAT JOB ADVOCATING!
I am so happy to happy to hear that the IEP went well!!! You are right, Michelle has been a great resource of information. Someday you will have to let us know what strategies worked best for you, but meanwhile, do the happy dance for your great advocating job!
Aloha, Renee
HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi!
I totally concur with YOU! With "autism" being on the rise and all, People NEED to KNOW why our children act as they do! YOU have a LOT of 'courage" and "heart"! To hear of the "fight for our children's rights" Gives me "hope" and KNOW that we will ALL stand in a circle and conquer the "ignorant" people out there! Weather it be vaccinations, cleaning the cat box while pregnant, etc.. Society needs to KNOW and ACCEPT our children!