I am writing to every legislator and senator in my district and that
is on any committee that has anything to do with education. I
believe that it is imperative that we all do this.
I have worked within the system. I have worked around the system. I
have tried to work from every angle that I can. Here is what I know:
The State of Missouri is so far behind in their thinking and they
are not going to change within some serious legislative action.
The feds insist that the states close a child complaint within 12
months. That is 12 months of your child's life that you can't get
back. Until January, Missouri only did that 32% of the time. That
is not only against federal regs, it should be criminal. Someone
should be facing time. That's what our children are doing. They
are losing time that can not be made up. It's gone.
What did Missouri say about this? They said that it wasn't really
their fault because the feds changed their regs and they didn't get
a chance to address the changes until January.
Now I would like to ask each of you the following question. If your
boss gave you 12 months to do your job and you only did it 32% of
the time would you still have a job? I know that I wouldn't.
In Missouri the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has
very little power and exercises it very infrequently. As long as
your school district eventually does a somewhat adequate job, they
are satisfied.
I go to my legislators and they tell me to address my school board.
I address my school board and they tell me that they are doing an
excellent job. I go to the Department of Education and they tell me
go my administrators. I go to my administrators and they tell me
that I need to go to my Special Education Director. I go to my
Special Education Director and he says that we have a difference of
opinoin. I go back to the Department of Education and they tell me
that the letter of the law is being followed. I go to the OCR and
they say that the IEP isn't being implemented, but it isn't
materially affecting my son's education. This circle is insane. At
what point is someone going to say, "The buck stops here. We know
that we are doing a lousy job and from this day forward we are going
to make a consitent effort to turn it around?" A girl can dream!!!
I am now going to keep writing to legislators and bugging them until
someone hears me. I will not stop until legislation is drawn up
that gives the children of Missouri the free and appropriate
education that they are supposed to be entitled to. Please join me.
Sherri
Friday, December 28, 2007
Greater Kansas City Autism Alliance
KC WALK FOR AUTISM AWARENESS
APRIL 12, 2008!
The Fifth Annual KC Walk for Autism Awareness will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2007 at Unity Village, Missouri (just outside of Lee’s Summit at the intersection of 350 Highway and Colbern Road).
The event will consist of a two-mile family fun walk, a nature trail, our kids’ Butterfly Fun Run and resource fair in a carnival-like atmosphere. The resource fair, which has grown significantly over the years, will consist of local organizations and autism service providers, sharing their knowledge and information with participants. Parents can meet a variety of autism service providers while kids enjoy moonwalks, carnival activities, a petting zoo and pony rides. The children’s activities will expand dramatically. Autism awareness products will be available for purchase as well.
The KC Walk for Autism Awareness is the signature fundraising event of the Autism Alliance of Greater Kansas City, uniting parents, children and families in a fun, friendly, empowering environment. Each and every participant plays a critical role in this annual event. Your continued support enables the Autism Alliance to be consistent with our mission to broaden public knowledge and awareness of the behaviors, social issues and emotional needs of individuals on the spectrum and to provide monies to local programs that serve these individuals and their families. Online registration will be up on January 15, 2008.
For additional information regarding the 2008 autism walk or other activities, please call the Alliance at 816.84AAGKC (816.842.2452) or visit www.autismalliancekc.org.
APRIL 12, 2008!
The Fifth Annual KC Walk for Autism Awareness will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2007 at Unity Village, Missouri (just outside of Lee’s Summit at the intersection of 350 Highway and Colbern Road).
The event will consist of a two-mile family fun walk, a nature trail, our kids’ Butterfly Fun Run and resource fair in a carnival-like atmosphere. The resource fair, which has grown significantly over the years, will consist of local organizations and autism service providers, sharing their knowledge and information with participants. Parents can meet a variety of autism service providers while kids enjoy moonwalks, carnival activities, a petting zoo and pony rides. The children’s activities will expand dramatically. Autism awareness products will be available for purchase as well.
The KC Walk for Autism Awareness is the signature fundraising event of the Autism Alliance of Greater Kansas City, uniting parents, children and families in a fun, friendly, empowering environment. Each and every participant plays a critical role in this annual event. Your continued support enables the Autism Alliance to be consistent with our mission to broaden public knowledge and awareness of the behaviors, social issues and emotional needs of individuals on the spectrum and to provide monies to local programs that serve these individuals and their families. Online registration will be up on January 15, 2008.
For additional information regarding the 2008 autism walk or other activities, please call the Alliance at 816.84AAGKC (816.842.2452) or visit www.autismalliancekc.org.
Autism Society of the Heartland Meeting
Autism Society of the Heartland
Tue Jan 15 7pm – Tue Jan 15, 2008 8pm (Monthly at 7pm on the third Tuesday)
Faith Village Activity Center 14150 W. 113th St., Shawnee Mission, KS
TUESDAY, January 15th at 7:00 PM at FAITH VILLAGE
See you there...come and join us, bring your questions and suggestions.
Comment from a Parent:
"Every bit of helpful information that we have received has originated from someone in the group. I always feel a little better after those meetings, it is very therapeutic. It’s something about meeting with people who are going through what you are going through, (I wish no one had to go through it). I image it must be how combat veterans feel when they meet. That instant understanding that can only come from a shared experience that no one else could possibly comprehend."
General Meetings:
Faith Village Activity Center
January 15th
February 19th
March 18th
April 15th
May 20th
June 17th
Member Social Events: Held Quarterly
There will be Child Care for the first ten children who reserve a spot.
Email Bill to reserve your Child Care Spot.
Directions to Faith Village Activity Center,
14150 W. 113th St., Shawnee Mission, KS :
FROM COLLEGE & QUIVIRA:
-Go west on College to Greenwood (if you go to Strang Line Rd, you've gone
too far)
-Turn left (south) onto Greenwood (there is one small street sign there, so it's
hard to see; however, a large assisted living community is under construction
there)
-Directly after you go past the construction site (short distance), look for the
Faith Village sign on the right.
-As you turn in, the Activity Center bldg will be on the right, but go past it to
get to the parking lot.
FROM 119th & STRANG LINE ROAD:
-Go north on Strang Line Road to College
-Go right (east) on College and follow directions above
Tue Jan 15 7pm – Tue Jan 15, 2008 8pm (Monthly at 7pm on the third Tuesday)
Faith Village Activity Center 14150 W. 113th St., Shawnee Mission, KS
TUESDAY, January 15th at 7:00 PM at FAITH VILLAGE
See you there...come and join us, bring your questions and suggestions.
Comment from a Parent:
"Every bit of helpful information that we have received has originated from someone in the group. I always feel a little better after those meetings, it is very therapeutic. It’s something about meeting with people who are going through what you are going through, (I wish no one had to go through it). I image it must be how combat veterans feel when they meet. That instant understanding that can only come from a shared experience that no one else could possibly comprehend."
General Meetings:
Faith Village Activity Center
January 15th
February 19th
March 18th
April 15th
May 20th
June 17th
Member Social Events: Held Quarterly
There will be Child Care for the first ten children who reserve a spot.
Email Bill to reserve your Child Care Spot.
Directions to Faith Village Activity Center,
14150 W. 113th St., Shawnee Mission, KS :
FROM COLLEGE & QUIVIRA:
-Go west on College to Greenwood (if you go to Strang Line Rd, you've gone
too far)
-Turn left (south) onto Greenwood (there is one small street sign there, so it's
hard to see; however, a large assisted living community is under construction
there)
-Directly after you go past the construction site (short distance), look for the
Faith Village sign on the right.
-As you turn in, the Activity Center bldg will be on the right, but go past it to
get to the parking lot.
FROM 119th & STRANG LINE ROAD:
-Go north on Strang Line Road to College
-Go right (east) on College and follow directions above
Child Advocacy Day 2008 (Jefferson City)
Child Advocacy Day 2008 Agenda
January 29, 2008
9:00 a.m. Registration
9:30 a.m. Welcome and Overview of the Day
10:30 a.m. Participants Select One of the Following Activities:
• Visit With Your Senator and Representative
• Workshops at the Truman Building
• Visit the Exhibits located in the Truman Building
11:30 a.m. Lunch (On Your Own)
12:30 p.m. Participants Select One of the Following Activities:
• Visit With Your Senator and Representative
• Workshops at the Truman Building
• Visit the Exhibits located in the Truman Building
1:40 p.m. March to the Capitol and Show Your Support for
Missouri’s Children
• Convene in front of the Truman Building
• Pick-up a poster (while supplies last)
• Be prepared to chant during the march to the Capitol!
1:50 p.m. Rally for Children and Families
2:30 p.m. Continue visits with your Senator and Representative
Click here to download a copy of the "2008 Save the Date" flyer.
**We urge you to call your senator and representative in advance to schedule a 15-minute meeting. Click here to find your legislator.
January 29, 2008
9:00 a.m. Registration
9:30 a.m. Welcome and Overview of the Day
10:30 a.m. Participants Select One of the Following Activities:
• Visit With Your Senator and Representative
• Workshops at the Truman Building
• Visit the Exhibits located in the Truman Building
11:30 a.m. Lunch (On Your Own)
12:30 p.m. Participants Select One of the Following Activities:
• Visit With Your Senator and Representative
• Workshops at the Truman Building
• Visit the Exhibits located in the Truman Building
1:40 p.m. March to the Capitol and Show Your Support for
Missouri’s Children
• Convene in front of the Truman Building
• Pick-up a poster (while supplies last)
• Be prepared to chant during the march to the Capitol!
1:50 p.m. Rally for Children and Families
2:30 p.m. Continue visits with your Senator and Representative
Click here to download a copy of the "2008 Save the Date" flyer.
**We urge you to call your senator and representative in advance to schedule a 15-minute meeting. Click here to find your legislator.
Missouri Autism
This blog is for families that are interested in change. They are a growing group of people interested in acquiring information about Autism Education Reform. It is a very important cause that they are passionate about. They are striving to learn more as well as educate more people on this issue. They serve information about autism education reform in Missouri as well as information in other states.
The state of Missouri will never make changes without being drug into the the present. Too many families are afraid of retaliation. There is nothing to be afraid of. They are already failing our children. What more could they do? They are taking children that could be tax paying citizens and making them tax takers.
Until their hear our voices (and that can mean votes) they will never help us. For many of us that means that our children will never have voices.
The state of Missouri will never make changes without being drug into the the present. Too many families are afraid of retaliation. There is nothing to be afraid of. They are already failing our children. What more could they do? They are taking children that could be tax paying citizens and making them tax takers.
Until their hear our voices (and that can mean votes) they will never help us. For many of us that means that our children will never have voices.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
This would be a wonderful thing to present at the beginning of your IEP meetings.
This would be a wonderful thing to present at the beginning of your IEP meetings.
I've added some songs at the end in case you want to make your own. I'm sure there are more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-1N-5S-YKM
The lyrics to the song
Tile :Christina Aguilera - Beautiful
This is lyrics from www.lyrics007.com
Spoken:
Don't look at me
Every day is so wonderful
And suddenly, i saw debris
Now and then, I get insecure
From all the pain, I'm so ashamed
I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
I am beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring me down
So don't you bring me down today
To all your friends, you're delirious
So consumed in all your doom
Trying hard to fill the emptiness
The piece is gone left the puzzle undone
That's the way it is
You are beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring you down
You are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring you down
Don't you bring me down today...
No matter what we do
(no matter what we do)
No matter what they say
(no matter what they say)
When the sun is shining through
Then the clouds won't stay
And everywhere we go
(everywhere we go)
The sun won't always shine
(sun won't always shine)
But tomorrow will find a way
All the other times
'cause we are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes, words won't bring us down, oh no
We are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring us down
Don't you bring me down today
Don't you bring me down today
Don't you bring me down today
a song by Mark Leland called "Missing Pieces
http://www.frinkfest.com/
Verse 1:
It was a mid December evening,
in a room of heavy breathing,
When I looked into my baby's eyes,
And like the ships that sail the ocean,
he had captured my emotions,
and wrapped them up just like a gift
at Christmas time,
I thanked the Lord above that he was mine
I prayed to God that everything was fine,
Verse 2:
And after months we saw him changing,
Nathaniel's speech was rearranging,
So we took him back to see what they could fine,
And after ironing out the creases,
They came up with missing pieces,
And they told us that Autism's on the rise,
I looked into my little baby's eyes,
I promised him to find the reasons why,
Chorus 1:
Now I lay him down to sleep
I pray the Lord my son could speak,
And make him strong, where he is weak,
This I ask of YOU...
And just like him, there's many more,
That need out help to win this war,
Cause who knows what might lay in store,
To help them make it through.
Bridge:
The doctor says, there's so much more to do,
to put the pieces back together,
but it's up to me and you
Chourus 2:
So now we lay them down to sleep
And pray the Lord they all could speak,
Please make them strong, where they are weak,
This we ask of You..
Cause now we know there's so many more
That need out help to win this war,
And who knows what might lay in store,
To help them make it through.
Yes, who knows what might lay in store,
The missing piece is me and you...
I love you daddy
AND MY FAVORITE
Tile :Mark Wills - Dont Laugh At Me
This is lyrics from www.lyrics007.com
I'm a little boy with glasses
The one they call the geek
A little girl who never smiles
'Cause I've got braces on my teeth
And I know how it feels
To cry myself to sleep
I'm that kid on every playground
Who's always chosen last
A single teenage mother
Tryin' to overcome my past
You don't have to be my friend
But is it too much to ask
Don't laugh at me cuz im ugly
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me
I'm the cripple on the corner
You've passed me on the street
And I wouldn't be out here beggin'
If I had enough to eat
And don't think I don't notice
That our eyes never meet
I lost my wife and little boy when
Someone cross that yellow line
The day we laid them in the ground
Is the day I lost my mind
And right now I'm down to holdin'
This little cardboard sign...so
Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me
I'm fat, I'm thin, I'm short, I'm tall
I'm deaf, I'm blind, im ugly fugly hey, aren't we all
Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me
I've added some songs at the end in case you want to make your own. I'm sure there are more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-1N-5S-YKM
The lyrics to the song
Tile :Christina Aguilera - Beautiful
This is lyrics from www.lyrics007.com
Spoken:
Don't look at me
Every day is so wonderful
And suddenly, i saw debris
Now and then, I get insecure
From all the pain, I'm so ashamed
I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
I am beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring me down
So don't you bring me down today
To all your friends, you're delirious
So consumed in all your doom
Trying hard to fill the emptiness
The piece is gone left the puzzle undone
That's the way it is
You are beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring you down
You are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring you down
Don't you bring me down today...
No matter what we do
(no matter what we do)
No matter what they say
(no matter what they say)
When the sun is shining through
Then the clouds won't stay
And everywhere we go
(everywhere we go)
The sun won't always shine
(sun won't always shine)
But tomorrow will find a way
All the other times
'cause we are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes, words won't bring us down, oh no
We are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring us down
Don't you bring me down today
Don't you bring me down today
Don't you bring me down today
a song by Mark Leland called "Missing Pieces
http://www.frinkfest.com/
Verse 1:
It was a mid December evening,
in a room of heavy breathing,
When I looked into my baby's eyes,
And like the ships that sail the ocean,
he had captured my emotions,
and wrapped them up just like a gift
at Christmas time,
I thanked the Lord above that he was mine
I prayed to God that everything was fine,
Verse 2:
And after months we saw him changing,
Nathaniel's speech was rearranging,
So we took him back to see what they could fine,
And after ironing out the creases,
They came up with missing pieces,
And they told us that Autism's on the rise,
I looked into my little baby's eyes,
I promised him to find the reasons why,
Chorus 1:
Now I lay him down to sleep
I pray the Lord my son could speak,
And make him strong, where he is weak,
This I ask of YOU...
And just like him, there's many more,
That need out help to win this war,
Cause who knows what might lay in store,
To help them make it through.
Bridge:
The doctor says, there's so much more to do,
to put the pieces back together,
but it's up to me and you
Chourus 2:
So now we lay them down to sleep
And pray the Lord they all could speak,
Please make them strong, where they are weak,
This we ask of You..
Cause now we know there's so many more
That need out help to win this war,
And who knows what might lay in store,
To help them make it through.
Yes, who knows what might lay in store,
The missing piece is me and you...
I love you daddy
AND MY FAVORITE
Tile :Mark Wills - Dont Laugh At Me
This is lyrics from www.lyrics007.com
I'm a little boy with glasses
The one they call the geek
A little girl who never smiles
'Cause I've got braces on my teeth
And I know how it feels
To cry myself to sleep
I'm that kid on every playground
Who's always chosen last
A single teenage mother
Tryin' to overcome my past
You don't have to be my friend
But is it too much to ask
Don't laugh at me cuz im ugly
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me
I'm the cripple on the corner
You've passed me on the street
And I wouldn't be out here beggin'
If I had enough to eat
And don't think I don't notice
That our eyes never meet
I lost my wife and little boy when
Someone cross that yellow line
The day we laid them in the ground
Is the day I lost my mind
And right now I'm down to holdin'
This little cardboard sign...so
Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me
I'm fat, I'm thin, I'm short, I'm tall
I'm deaf, I'm blind, im ugly fugly hey, aren't we all
Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me
Friday, October 19, 2007
My Speech Before the Missouri Blue Ribbon Autism Panel
I recently spoke before the Missouri Blue Ribbon Autism Panel. I encourage everyone to contact their legislators to make real changes for our children.
I am the mother of three beautiful children. My twin daughters came into my life through adoption. My son came into my life through birth. My children are precious and have brought me more joy than I could ever imagine.
My son is 14 years old. He has been diagnosed with Early Infantile Autism and some of its co morbid conditions. He is honest, fair, and intelligent. He also will probably never leave home because he didn't receive the early intervention that he needed to become successful.
Before my children were born I was working for a Fortune 500 company and was making a very good wage. I am now working for a grocery store making $7.50 per hour. I am unable to make more than that for several reasons. They all have to do with my son's disability.
I co-founded the Lee's Summit Autism Support Group because I was frustrated and didn't know where to go for help. I met another mother on a website for parents of children with disabilities. We quickly became support for each other and spoke on the telephone frequently. We started our group because we knew that there had to be other families out there that were suffering the same way and needed the same support that we were looking for. I will not begin to describe the trials and tribulations that we have encountered trying to get our support group going, but I can proudly tell you that through persistence and sheer will we have a wonderful group of parents now.
This leads to my issue with employment. I can not give up my support group and it takes a huge amount of my time. I am willing to accept that challenge and I make the sacrifices. I can do a lot of the work when my children are in bed.
My son is in high school and because there is such a lack of knowledge about autism, he misses 30 days of school each year. This is because his IEP isn't being implemented, or his teachers don't understand that children with autism need to chew and he is reprimanded for chewing, or he shuts down and his teacher writes him up. This all leads to him becoming physically ill and having to be picked up from school.
Then there are the appointments with doctors to try and find the right medication to address some of his issues. This is no small task and requires diligence and time. I can't work for a company that expects me to be at work every day. I need to be available during school hours. I can only work weekends, evenings, and nights.
This has lead to me making half of what I made over 20 years ago and missing out on a lot of family time with husband and children. I am fortunate. My husband makes a good living and I can afford to make this sacrifice.
For years I was able to stay home, but with the present economy, I have been forced back to work. Some families can not. Some families are made up of single mothers that are in fear of losing their jobs when they are called to the school to pick up their children.
I stand before you a mother that felt she knew everything that she needed to know to raise children. The day that my son was born, that all changed. I have become an advocate and a lobbyist. Not because I enjoy it or even want to do it. My son's life depends on it.
This affects every part of my family. My daughters feel that I love my son more than I love them because he is biological and they are adopted. They think that all of the time that I spend fighting for my son's life is about favoritism. They are losing the right to have their Mommy be what she should be. They had to give up part of their youth because I have to fight for my son. This is something that I can't take back or do over. Children shouldn't have to pay the price for the inadequacies of society.
I am holding two pictures of my son. The one on the left is how the world sees my son. The one on the right is how I see him. Thank you for your time.
I am the mother of three beautiful children. My twin daughters came into my life through adoption. My son came into my life through birth. My children are precious and have brought me more joy than I could ever imagine.
My son is 14 years old. He has been diagnosed with Early Infantile Autism and some of its co morbid conditions. He is honest, fair, and intelligent. He also will probably never leave home because he didn't receive the early intervention that he needed to become successful.
Before my children were born I was working for a Fortune 500 company and was making a very good wage. I am now working for a grocery store making $7.50 per hour. I am unable to make more than that for several reasons. They all have to do with my son's disability.
I co-founded the Lee's Summit Autism Support Group because I was frustrated and didn't know where to go for help. I met another mother on a website for parents of children with disabilities. We quickly became support for each other and spoke on the telephone frequently. We started our group because we knew that there had to be other families out there that were suffering the same way and needed the same support that we were looking for. I will not begin to describe the trials and tribulations that we have encountered trying to get our support group going, but I can proudly tell you that through persistence and sheer will we have a wonderful group of parents now.
This leads to my issue with employment. I can not give up my support group and it takes a huge amount of my time. I am willing to accept that challenge and I make the sacrifices. I can do a lot of the work when my children are in bed.
My son is in high school and because there is such a lack of knowledge about autism, he misses 30 days of school each year. This is because his IEP isn't being implemented, or his teachers don't understand that children with autism need to chew and he is reprimanded for chewing, or he shuts down and his teacher writes him up. This all leads to him becoming physically ill and having to be picked up from school.
Then there are the appointments with doctors to try and find the right medication to address some of his issues. This is no small task and requires diligence and time. I can't work for a company that expects me to be at work every day. I need to be available during school hours. I can only work weekends, evenings, and nights.
This has lead to me making half of what I made over 20 years ago and missing out on a lot of family time with husband and children. I am fortunate. My husband makes a good living and I can afford to make this sacrifice.
For years I was able to stay home, but with the present economy, I have been forced back to work. Some families can not. Some families are made up of single mothers that are in fear of losing their jobs when they are called to the school to pick up their children.
I stand before you a mother that felt she knew everything that she needed to know to raise children. The day that my son was born, that all changed. I have become an advocate and a lobbyist. Not because I enjoy it or even want to do it. My son's life depends on it.
This affects every part of my family. My daughters feel that I love my son more than I love them because he is biological and they are adopted. They think that all of the time that I spend fighting for my son's life is about favoritism. They are losing the right to have their Mommy be what she should be. They had to give up part of their youth because I have to fight for my son. This is something that I can't take back or do over. Children shouldn't have to pay the price for the inadequacies of society.
I am holding two pictures of my son. The one on the left is how the world sees my son. The one on the right is how I see him. Thank you for your time.
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