The Cerebral Palsy Network

The first thing that every parent of a disabled child should know is that "YOU" know what is best for your child. Others can make suggestions and educated guesses based on past experiences of other disabled children in similar situations. What you as a parent need to remember is that every child, disabled or not, is an individual and doesn't deserve to be treated as a stereotype. You are your child's voice, advocate, advisor, lawyer and teacher. It is your job to educate yourself as to what your child's needs are. That means that if your child needs enlarged print to enable them to read then it is your job to make sure that they are getting this. If your child can function in an able-bodied classroom then don't stand by and allow others to place your child in a disabled class. The law states that each and every child should be educated in the "least" restrictive environment possible. You know your child's abilities better than anyone, believe in your judgment, learn the laws, document everything, ask for copies of all papers and testing concerning your child and read them. If you don't agree with something then let your feelings be known.

There are many educators and school districts out there that really do care about your child and will work with you, willingly, to create an educational environment that will benefit your child. These teachers and districts need to be commended for doing exactly what they were set up to do, for following the laws, and for setting wonderful examples for those districts that have, as yet, not updated their facilities or programs to make accessibility possible for disabled children.

For those parents who are dealing with districts that are not up to code yet, there are a few things that you should know to get you started in your fight for equality, accessibility and acceptance for your child. (many of these laws are American laws and apply only to American citizens. If you are from another country or providence and need to know the laws and educational rights of your child, please feel free to contact me through e-mail and I will do whatever I can to get you the information desired.)

1. Document everything! Ask for copies of all reports, tests, correspondents, etc. Make sure that you have been given 'all' parts of your child's IEP, psychological evaluation, learning consultant evaluation, social workers evaluation, teachers evaluation, etc.

2. Make all requests in writing, keeping copies for yourself, and send the request by registered mail. This includes not only requests for paperwork but for testing, placement evaluations and new placement.

3. Make it clear that everything is to be in writing! If someone feels that something will benefit your child, request that they put this information in writing. If they disagree with your assessment of the situation request that their feeling be put into writing.

4. Bring a friend or advocate (some one familiar with the law) to all meeting with you, even the informal ones. If no one is available, take a tape recorder and set it in the middle of the table and tape all proceedings. the tape recorder can be used even if you have someone with you.

5. Know that every child, regardless of the severity of their disability, has the right to a free and equal education in the least restrictive environment possible.

Many of the laws have recently changed. They have been updated and revised to suit the growing needs of the disabled community. You can get copies of these laws by calling your Senator or Representative and asking for a copy of the IDEA laws (ask for S.717/H.R.5) or you can download copies from one of two site on the internet

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/IDEA -

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), at the Department of Education; choose "The Law" or

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/OSEP/

Education Administration On-Line; choose "IDEA Full Text"

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Last updated 03/24/03

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