Ms. Bruner,
I received your email from Judy Rohrbach. She has been kind enough
to help me with correspondence that I have been sending to
legislators. We understand that there is a need, in the state of
Missouri, for legislative change. Our state is not up to the same
standards as many others in the country and we understand that DESE
has only so much power to make districts do their jobs.
I am the co-founder of the Lee's Summit Autism Support Group. We are
parents of children that have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum
Disorders. Our children attend schools in the Lee's Summit R-VII
School District.
I have members that are dissatisfied with the services that our
children are receiving through the district. The complaints run from
IEPs that are not implemented, services that are inappropriate or not
offered, students being put in closets, students being sent to
schools other than their home school because their home school has
nothing to offer them, and under diagnosed.
Our special education director won't even tell you how he is going to
implement an IEP until you agree to the IEP. How can you agree to
something without knowing what you are agreeing to? He will not
discuss methodology without an agreement on goals. How does one know
if the goals are good if they don't know how they will be addressed?
When asked to have a child put in adaptive PE because of an abusive
PE teacher and offered extensive information on why children with
autism should be in adaptive PE, he said the child had to be in
regular PE or have a note from his physician excusing him from PE.
The child's psychologist wrote the note stating that it would be
emotionally damaging for this child to remain in this class.
When offered information about autism, from experts, he has told me
that you can't believe everything that you read. I believe that his
degree is in history. How can he ignore the advice of experts when
he obviously has no expertise in the area?
Our district has 210 children with a diagnosis of autism that is
medical, educational, or both. Yet, the district states that they
only have 83-88 children with an educational diagnosis of autism.
Where are the rest? How can there be such a discrepancy?
There was a recent due process case filed and won against the
district. It was about the treatment of a child with autism. There
are several more that are going to be filed.
That is an expensive and unnecessary step for parents to take. They
should not have to decide between housing their families and fighting
for their child's education. Yet, that is the only action that will
ensure that their child gets what is legally their right.
Our district has several autism directors. They are highly trained
in this area. They know what they should be doing. We have been
told that our children will learn social skills simply by being in a
regular classroom with their peers. Yet, the district's training
materials state that no child with autism will learn social skills
simply by being in an inclusive classroom.
We have been told that our children don't need to have FBAs done.
They state that these are only for severely disruptive students.
Yet, our children are punished for behaviors that are due to their
disabilities. My child has been disciplined for things that would
not happen if his teachers simply followed his IEP.
I filed a complaint with the OCR. They stated that the district had
failed to implement my son's IEP, but it didn't materially effect his
education. Well, it effected his emotional well being. He wanted to
die to make my life easier. I have so much information that I could
share with you. Did my school eventually follow my son's IEP? Yes
and no. They do once they are forced. Then they quit following it
until enforced again. I shouldn't have to report them every time
that they won't do their job. They should face repercussions for not
doing their job and they should be forced to do what is federally
mandated. They shouldn't have a certain amount of time to do it.
They should do it on the first day of school until the last day of
school. Why should my son continuously be forced to pay an emotional
price for the district's inconsistencies?
My son has the intelligence to work in a regular classroom without
modifications to his work. He was even on the honor roll. He also
has the interpersonal skills of a three year old. This has lead to
severe depression, talk of wanting to die, and being medicated. The
school district believes that they are doing their job because he is
at grade level. He is not at grade level on the MAP tests. They
believe that he will learn social skills simply by being in the
classroom with his peers. The special education director, for my
district, says that it is not feasible for him to train regular
education teachers or paras in my son's disability. Therefore, he is
with seven different teachers, with different expectations, that know
nothing about autism.
I'm sure that you will be able to conclude that the district is not
out of compliance at the moment. When they are out of compliance you
will be able to conclude that they got into compliance when you
scolded them, but at what price? How many of our children are going
to suffer and be left behind because the letter of the law allows the
experts to do part of their job? When is someone going to say enough
is enough and start making the experts do what is morally and legally
the right thing to do?
Thank you for time and attention to this matter. You may contact me
at any time. I have group meetings on the first Monday of each
month. I would love to have you attend one so that you could talk to
my members and see, first hand, what is happening in the world of
special education.
Sincerely,
Sherri Tucker
Friday, December 28, 2007
We Must Hold Our Legislators, Administration, and Educators Accountable
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
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
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
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