[blindkid] Getting around school

Carol Castellano blindchildren at verizon.net
Mon Jan 26 03:14:28 UTC 2009


Set of print books at home?
Carol

At 01:47 PM 1/25/2009, you wrote:
>Hi,
>
>Just thought I'd weigh in on this one.  It' been a constant concern for me
>with my daughter and will become even more of a concern in the future.
>
>First, I heartily echo Carrie's comments.  IEPs ARE individualized to the
>student for a reason.  There is no need for anyone to feel that they will be
>criticized for having items in the IEP that are individualized to their
>child.
>
>That being said, it's also important to keep an open mind -- what may
>have been necessary at one time might no loner be necessary.  And I believe
>that we are the watch guards to ensure that our children's IEPs are tailored
>to their needs -- not too much and not too little.
>
>
>My daughter, Anna Catherine, is in our local elementary school and must use
>the staircase 2-6 times per day.  At first, the school wanted her to use the
>elevator instead.  We nixed it.
>
>
>The school's elementary classes travel in packs, but Anna's IEP has a goal
>that she will remain in the first one-third of the line without prompts 100%
>of the time when moving from class to specials, lunch, etc.  Now, I'm sure
>this doesn't happen all the time, but it serves as a message to the school
>that we expect Anna Catherine to keep up with the class and to be in the
>regular rotation for class "line leader," an honor she was not allowed
>before (they just skipped over her).
>
>
>
>Now, Anna Catherine does have orthopedic problems with her hips and will
>likely be using a wheelchair at least part-time in high school (or maybe a
>portion of middle school).  However, for now, she is expected to preform all
>gross motor activities of her peers (and takes two dance classes per week).
>We treat her pain but remember that she needs to meet the same physical
>demands as do her classmates -- for as long as she can.
>
>
>
>Regarding the issue of a great deal of equipment, when Anna Catherine's
>equipment was actually working (it hasn't been for a while, we're having a
>meeting on Friday), she used a rolling cart to carry it.  She did receive
>help carrying it down the steps because she is quite small and none of her
>peers would be expected to be able to manage the cart down the stairs.  I
>don't know if an older student could manage the cart of equipment and the
>cane down a set of stairs, but I imagine that many could, with practice.
>Also, the rolling cart eases the burden on the student's back so that s/he
>may walk comfortably upright.
>
>
>
>Regarding more/heavier books, you're right, it's unfair.  In kindergarten,
>Anna had an aide pack and unpack her book bag and carry it for her from and
>to the parking lot.
>But we have now determined that relieving Anna of the responsibility of
>carrying her own book bag is not the answer.
>Anna Catherine's book bag is heavier and bulkier than the book bag of any
>other child in the school (including the fifth graders).
>She must carry her braille reading book volume as well the print version
>everyone else has to carry.  Her math materials are heavier, and the abacus
>and tactile clock make her book bag even bulkier.  Also, she is smaller than
>her classmates and has orthopedic problems.
>But guess what?  She carries her own book bag at all times.  Period.
>Is it unfair?  You bet.
>Does she complain it?  You bet.
>Are we changing it?  No.
>She is *capable* of taking care of her own coat, book bag, etc.  That's the
>bottom line for us.
>Even though these tasks may be harder than what her peers are expected to
>do, she can do the tasks.
>
>
>
>Again, every parent must determine what is best for his/her own child in the
>child's particular school setting.
>
>
>
>
>Just a few thoughts . . .
>
>
>Carlton
>
>--
>Carlton Anne Cook Walker
>213 North First Street
>McConnellsburg, PA    17233
>Voice: 717-485-3383
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