[blindkid] blindkid Digest, Vol 68, Issue 14

[Leslie Ligon]

>
> ------------------------------
> Kim,

I know there's a way for Kayleigh to be taught - and fairly well - as  
a former dancer and ballet teacher, I teach Ethan steps to choir and  
theater productions whenever there's no one else who will.

Perhaps, instead of the young woman who's dancing and choreographing,  
there's another student who'd be excited to have the chance to work  
with your daughter, teaching her the steps/blocking she's not  
comprehending in rehearsals. (I wish I were where you are; I'd be so  
happy to!)

It will take someone who's not afraid of body parts, though. I'm not  
shy at all about that. But in the public school arena, you're up  
against teachers who are legally prohibited from touching students.  
(I used to sub  for a ballet teacher in the local arts magnet h.s.  
and I was told not to touch the students! Also, the students are  
going to be at different stages of comfort, so while some may be fine  
with telling Kayleigh to hold their hips/knees, shoulders while they  
first move through a portion of a combination, otherers will be remiss.

Luckily, she wants to learn, and the one person has told you Kayleigh  
won't be pulled as a "bad dancer" just because she can't see as well  
to emulate the others. Your biggest hurdle is frustration of knowing  
Kayleigh is able and willing.

So, step back and see if Kayleigh could find strength to ask at the  
beginning of rehearsal one night. We often remind Ethan, who's almost  
13, that the more he can handle things with blatant humor, the more  
quickly others are likely to include him in the reindeer games!

Kayleigh and you are also welcome to call or write me to ask very  
specific questions if either of you would like to.

No, regarding presents for teachers:

May I be so bold as to suggest ;-) ...

Sincere best,
Leslie
atfirstsight at ligondesign.com
214 675-4061

At First Sight
The original braille fashion jewelry!
http://www.braillestone.com

BrailleInk.
Beautifully designed braille/print books for children.
http://www.brailleink.org


> Message: 5
> Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:04:08 -0800 (PST)
> From: Kim Cunningham <kim at gulfimagesphoto.com>
> Subject: [blindkid] Need help
> To: Blindkid <blindkid at nfbnet.org>
> Message-ID: <901601.33357.qm at web607.biz.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> I am having a problem with my daughter's school and I need your  
> help. I have composed the letter?below to send to all the school  
> board members as all of my other pleas for help have fell on deaf  
> ears. I would appreciate your opinions on how I should handle this  
> matter. I have done nothing but fight for a equal education all my  
> daughter's life. She is a senior now and I am at the point where I  
> just want to throw the towel in and say "whatever - I'm too tired  
> to continue this!". I'm sorry the letter is long, but I needed to  
> state all the facts. My daughter actually gave a speech to the  
> school board two years ago about the problems she has had in  
> receiving an education as a blind student. Of course, this only led  
> to bickering within the board members and the school lawyer. Not  
> much came of the ordeal....
> Please give me your feedback...I will not send the letter to the  
> board until I calm down.
> Regards,
> Kim Cunningham
> ?