I'm Rachel, one of the moderators here (also an ed major and currently taking my college's version of the same class, actually...). I'll answer your questions anyway (I have CP, hydrocephalus (without spina bifida), Asperger's Syndrome, ADD, arthritis, expressive aphasia, am gifted, and am a stroke survivor...)

 

1. Because I was fully mainstreamed to the point of honors/AP classes, my district didn't see the need to classify me. I received pullout OT in 3rd/4th grade at the insistence of my mother, who works in occupational therapy herself. Because I was "fully functional" and HATED labeling (still do - I refuse to label children), my district refused to tell me about a 504, something that I could have received years before I actually acquired one (not until my sophomore year of high school), but never inquired about because we were told it was related to an IEP, which we knew you needed to be classified for. So the short answer is NO.

 

2. My mother was rarely welcomed, but it was understood that she WOULD be there as my advocate whether they wanted her or not.

 

3. Disability rights in the classroom still have a long way to go. The child and his/her parent should have the final say of what is best - there is no way for a district to determine that! Teachers are caught up in red tape. Make an effort (maybe delegate this to a specific department, NOT lumped with special ed, but disability advocacy) to KNOW THE LAWS WELL (ADA, IDEA, etc.). This should not be a parent or student's job, and administrators should NEVER assume they know the laws better!! WE live them every day. We know what they say because they are necessary to our survival. Having to reiterate things that you should know as professionals makes us doubt you and is exhausting on top of having to advocate. The federal government should mandate this department for districts with a significant disability population.

I am a college student and currently taking a class on "The Exceptional Child". I hope to be a preschool teacher and I currently work in a kindergarten classroom in a private school. Although I have been in education for 14 years I have had very little experience with children that have special needs.

I have a couple of questions that I would like to ask, if anyone will help.

1) Knowing that children with special needs cannot be refused help in the public schools, do you feel that your school district supports your child's needs?

2) Are you as a parent or guadian welcomed in the classroom with your child?

3) Is there anything more that the school, government or maybe you could do to help all children with special needs?

Thanks for any help that you can offer.

 

A Student