A bit of a vent- unexpected expense. Update

[daughtersrus]

To answer your question: no. When did this get labeled assault?

The school district labeled it an assault not an accident. The student put his hands on my DD and pulled her glasses off.

In post 1 the OP stated outside. Later down the page it became out the window.

She was on the bus. The only way to look outside would be through a window since the door wasn't open nor was the wheelchair lift down.

No matter what, it does not matter. If people believe that the 1:1 should pay, that will be what they believe. I see it as an accident and accidents happen every day. I refuse to hold someone who probably makes minimum wage be held responsible for this. I also don't believe that the taxpayers should foot the bill.

You asked about salary before so I looked it up. It's much more than minimum wage but I'm not sure what that matters.

What salary level do you think people should be paid before they are required to do their job?

 

[midwestdee]

I've just read some of the posts - first, get the child's bus changed! frankly, depending on the problems of the other students AND the bus driver - I would not at all say the parapro was necessarily at fault. People cannot envision how some of these kids are - really - I'm not kidding. The parapro may have been stuck with too many kids, that maybe should have had 1 on ones of their own, but don't and 1 adult can only do so much. Believe me, the parents of the psycho that broke the glasses would be the first ones to hire a lawyer and sue this parapro personally for what would have been a defensive action on her part, had she seen it coming. We are talking about kids that are aggressive, dangerous, and don't come from Beaver the Cleaver homes. Do whatever you can to keep your child safe, believe me the district will pony up for the glasses - but get that bus changed.

 

[Skywalker]

What if the other student grabbed DD's hand and broke her wrist or finger? What if the student poked DD in the eye? DD only has vision in one eye. If she were to injure that eye, there's a strong change that she could be totally blind.

I find that playing the "what if" game is rarely helpful. That is just your imagination and it always goes to the worst case scenario. None of that happened so any stressing over that is just in your head.

I also think that the aide that was assigned, just because she is a one on one for your daughter, does not mean she ceases to be a human being. You do not know exactly what happened or why she looked out the window etc. You may think she should be 100% on your daughter every second, but no one is a robot.

I think the other child's parents should be responsible for the glasses he broke, but to paint the worker as a villain is wrong.

 

[mrsklamc]

No one is painting the worker as a villain.

 

[undertheradar]

The school district labeled it an assault not an accident. The student put his hands on my DD and pulled her glasses off.



She was on the bus. The only way to look outside would be through a window since the door wasn't open nor was the wheelchair lift down.



You asked about salary before so I looked it up. It's much more than minimum wage but I'm not sure what that matters.

What salary level do you think people should be paid before they are required to do their job?

I'm trying to understand, are you saying that the 1:1 must be all focus 100% on your child or they are not doing the job? You, in your own personal life, have never looked away from this child?

 

[mrsklamc]

I'm trying to understand, are you saying that the 1:1 must be all focus 100% on your child or they are not doing the job? You, in your own personal life, have never looked away from this child?

Those two questions are completely unrelated. A parent, in the normal course of the day, of course has to do things that take their attention off their child. The 1:1 is getting paid to give up her time in order to focus 100% on the child, so if they are not, then no, they aren't doing the job.

 

[undertheradar]

Those two questions are completely unrelated. A parent, in the normal course of the day, of course has to do things that take their attention off their child. The 1:1 is getting paid to give up her time in order to focus 100% on the child, so if they are not, then no, they aren't doing the job.

Seriously, how do you explain it?

 

[mrsklamc]

Seriously, how do you explain it?

As a parent, OP has to do all of the 'stuff' of life while being a parent. She can't wait around and do it when she isn't a parent.

The para is an employee. She has 'sold' her time and attention to her employer. Her 'personal moments' need to happen off the clock.

 

[nyrebecca]

OP - I just wanted to say I am sure this is a very frustrating and emotional time for you. I will be thinking of you and your daughter and hope not only is there a good outcome with the glasses, but something can be done to solve the bus issue with the other students.

My son has Autism and takes a bus to a separate school. He has been on the receiving end of another students actions and I know how you feel, and the worry that you have in your heart.

Wishing you the best -

Rebecca

 

[poohguys]

I called the transportation dept for our school district to review the video tape on the bus. We discussed a plan (1:1 would stand by DD when any of the students were getting on/off the bus to protect her).

Friday I get a call from our distinct office student service administrator. She said that another student ripped DD's glasses off her face and broke them. She assured me that DD was not injured. They refuse to allow us to review the video because doing so will violate the privacy rights of the other students.

OP I do not think they can refuse to show you the video. Check out this article from Wrightslaw: www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/ltrs/video_privacy.htm

I would suggest getting it quickly if you can. DS had an issue on the bus that we did not find out about for about two weeks and the school said they do not keep the video that long. Besides how are they protecting the other students privacy? What is to stop you from looking through the windows on the bus when it picks up or drops off your DD and seeing all of the other kids?

Good luck I hope you are able to get compensated for the glasses.

 

[Gracie09]

I'm trying to understand, are you saying that the 1:1 must be all focus 100% on your child or they are not doing the job? You, in your own personal life, have never looked away from this child?

Because the aide is being paid to give up her time to watch this child. If she doesn't like the working environment she is able to quit. What the OP does in her life as a parent is immaterial to this discussion.

If I hire an agency to clean my house, I expect the person they send to clean my house. Not take personal time to look out the window, watch tv, check their phone etc. If they don't do their job correctly, I expect the agency to rectify the situation.

 

[ForAandA]

I'm trying to understand, are you saying that the 1:1 must be all focus 100% on your child or they are not doing the job? You, in your own personal life, have never looked away from this child?

The school district obviously felt as though the para did not do their job, hence the replacement.

 

[manning]

I'm trying to understand, are you saying that the 1:1 must be all focus 100% on your child or they are not doing the job? You, in your own personal life, have never looked away from this child?

By golly you may have it.

Let's see 1:1 means one on one thus pay attention to the one you are assigned to.

 

[daughtersrus]

I find that playing the "what if" game is rarely helpful. That is just your imagination and it always goes to the worst case scenario. None of that happened so any stressing over that is just in your head.

I also think that the aide that was assigned, just because she is a one on one for your daughter, does not mean she ceases to be a human being. You do not know exactly what happened or why she looked out the window etc. You may think she should be 100% on your daughter every second, but no one is a robot.

I think the other child's parents should be responsible for the glasses he broke, but to paint the worker as a villain is wrong.

As I said, this is the second time DD was hurt on the bus in the few weeks that she has been riding it. The first time she was punched by a different student so it isn't my imagination that DD could be hurt.

After that incident, a written procedure was put in place. This procedure was that DD's 1:1 was to stand next to DD every time a student entered or exited the bus. The other bus monitor was supposed to escort the student putting the 2 adults between DD and the student walking. No one is asking them to be a robot. Just asking them to follow the procedures for their job.

I'm trying to understand, are you saying that the 1:1 must be all focus 100% on your child or they are not doing the job? You, in your own personal life, have never looked away from this child?

Yes. I'm saying that the 1:1 must follow the procedure written in DD's IEP.

At home there is no one that will come up to DD, take her glasses off and then break them into 4 pieces. Nor is there anyone that will punch DD as they walk past her.

OP - I just wanted to say I am sure this is a very frustrating and emotional time for you. I will be thinking of you and your daughter and hope not only is there a good outcome with the glasses, but something can be done to solve the bus issue with the other students.

My son has Autism and takes a bus to a separate school. He has been on the receiving end of another students actions and I know how you feel, and the worry that you have in your heart.

Wishing you the best -

Rebecca

Thank you!

OP I do not think they can refuse to show you the video. Check out this article from Wrightslaw: www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/ltrs/video_privacy.htm

I would suggest getting it quickly if you can. DS had an issue on the bus that we did not find out about for about two weeks and the school said they do not keep the video that long. Besides how are they protecting the other students privacy? What is to stop you from looking through the windows on the bus when it picks up or drops off your DD and seeing all of the other kids?

Good luck I hope you are able to get compensated for the glasses.

Thank you. I will call again in the morning.

 

[Sandy321]

As I said, this is the second time DD was hurt on the bus in the few weeks that she has been riding it. The first time she was punched by a different student so it isn't my imagination that DD could be hurt.

After that incident, a written procedure was put in place. This procedure was that DD's 1:1 was to stand next to DD every time a student entered or exited the bus. The other bus monitor was supposed to escort the student putting the 2 adults between DD and the student walking. No one is asking them to be a robot. Just asking them to follow the procedures for their job.




Yes. I'm saying that the 1:1 must follow the procedure written in DD's IEP.

At home there is no one that will come up to DD, take her glasses off and then break them into 4 pieces. Nor is there anyone that will punch DD as they walk past her.



Thank you!



Thank you. I will call again in the morning.

HOLY MOLEY - are you in Lake County IL?

I'm so sorry - this is beyond unacceptable. I had a special needs child in Lake County IL and I did ride the bus as a "para" back in the day - I cannot begin to express how unacceptable they are being to you! (as in, I was so emotional putting ds on the bus for years, that we moved closer to his school, I applied and then I was hired as a para or a teacher assistant - so I could ride those busses when other mothers could not)

its as if you are not asking the right questions and they are counting on your innocence!

Maybe post on the disability community board - I would think there are parent advocates that have btdt that can help you - I'm just shocked beyond words they are not automatically replacing the glasses AND suspending the kid that broke them - that is assault, and you can sue and you can get a lawyer and you can make it better - you have to advocate for your child - you need someone to advocate for your child - (someone that "knows" the system that we do not - I'll never forget sitting in on a class finding out that a severe disabled kid would be better served with x equipment, everyone knew it, but the parents, no one could tell him because then the district would have to pay for it, as long as no one mentioned "x" they didn't have to - beyond ridiculous imho... it breaks my heart)

its been so long since I've been "in the system"

I'm so sorry you're going through this - but get mad, do NOT apologize for getting to the bottom of why you and your child are being mistreated!

and please do update the thread -

 

[RitaE]

Seriously, how do you explain it?

Look, this is getting ridiculous. Is it honestly that hard to understand that during pick up and drop-off the girl in the wheelchair is at risk of being touched by the autistic children because the children are moving from point A to point B and the likely opportunity exists for contact…. THAT is the time when the Para needs to be on special alert because the children are out of their seats and walking close together?????

The Para-Pro of course gets breaks during the day and even time periods where she does not have to be on extra-hyper alert. The time when these incidents are happening is NOT one of those times.

How do we explain it? I don't know because numerous people have tried to explain it to you but you seem to be deliberately unwilling to accept the explanation.

Children within touching distance …. school/bus employees need to follow the written procedures they have been given to keep the children safe. The employee WAS NOT DOING THAT and the child's glasses were grabbed and broken. The IEP which is a legal document between the school and the parent states that the school personnel would follow that procedure. The school personnel did not follow the guidelines of the legal document. Damage happened. School liability exists.

And as a taxpayer just let me say that if you further feel inclined to lead a posse of moral outrage as our representative …. I'd prefer it if you direct your attention to the fact that a publicly funded employee isn't performing the job the taxpayers are paying her to perform and lay off your disgust of Special Education funding. I'm actually quite fond of Special Ed funding myself because over the long-haul it saves the taxpayers quite a bit of dollars in Long-Term Care Adult Services.

 

[4HppyCamprs]

Look, this is getting ridiculous. Is it honestly that hard to understand that during pick up and drop-off the girl in the wheelchair is at risk of being touched by the autistic children because the children are moving from point A to point B and the likely opportunity exists for contact…. THAT is the time when the Para needs to be on special alert because the children are out of their seats and walking close together?????

The Para-Pro of course gets breaks during the day and even time periods where she does not have to be on extra-hyper alert. The time when these incidents are happening is NOT one of those times.

How do we explain it? I don't know because numerous people have tried to explain it to you but you seem to be deliberately unwilling to accept the explanation.

Children within touching distance …. school/bus employees need to follow the written procedures they have been given to keep the children safe. The employee WAS NOT DOING THAT and the child's glasses were grabbed and broken. The IEP which is a legal document between the school and the parent states that the school personnel would follow that procedure. The school personnel did not follow the guidelines of the legal document. Damage happened. School liability exists.

And as a taxpayer just let me say that if you further feel inclined to lead a posse of moral outrage as our representative …. I'd prefer it if you direct your attention to the fact that a publicly funded employee isn't performing the job the taxpayers are paying her to perform and lay off your disgust of Special Education funding. I'm actually quite fond of Special Ed funding myself because over the long-haul it saves the taxpayers quite a bit of dollars in Long-Term Care Adult Services.

Thumbs up!

 

[Lewisc]

another student ripped DD's glasses off her face and broke them

This would not be considered an accident. It would be an accident if the bus stopped short and the glasses came off. To the poster who insists it's not an accident...I punch you and break your nose. It's an accident. I didn't intend to hit you hard enough to break your nose. That excuse won't work. You're confusing the meaning of words. I think you meant to say the actions weren't malicious. I don't think anyone in this thread is suggesting punitive damages.

Many places which sell glasses sell, or may even include in the price, a "service plan" which includes damages. Can you salvage the lenses and just order a new frame?

Posters talk about school district insurance. We're talking about a $500 claim. Many of our auto insurance, and homeowner polices, have deductibles of $500 (and more). I'd be shocked if a claim that small doesn't either fall under a deductible or a self insured part of the policy.

The school doesn't want to accept liability. I'll agree with the posters who suggest getting the police involved.

A few posters are concerned with the taxpayers fitting the bill for $500. The real issue is what will it cost the taxpayers if major damages result from the inattention of the 1:1s in the future. There is something seriously wrong with the budget if it doesn't have a provision for unanticipated expenses which can handle a $500 claim. A lot cheaper then paying for private transportation.

 

[kymom99]

Thumbs up!

Two of them!

 

[Vidia2]

This would not be considered an accident. It would be an accident if the bus stopped short and the glasses came off. To the poster who insists it's not an accident...I punch you and break your nose. It's an accident. I didn't intend to hit you hard enough to break your nose. That excuse won't work. You're confusing the meaning of words. I think you meant to say the actions weren't malicious. I don't think anyone in this thread is suggesting punitive damages. Many places which sell glasses sell, or may even include in the price, a "service plan" which includes damages. Can you salvage the lenses and just order a new frame? Posters talk about school district insurance. We're talking about a $500 claim. Many of our auto insurance, and homeowner polices, have deductibles of $500 (and more). I'd be shocked if a claim that small doesn't either fall under a deductible or a self insured part of the policy. The school doesn't want to accept liability. I'll agree with the posters who suggest getting the police involved. A few posters are concerned with the taxpayers fitting the bill for $500. The real issue is what will it cost the taxpayers if major damages result from the inattention of the 1:1s in the future. There is something seriously wrong with the budget if it doesn't have a provision for unanticipated expenses which can handle a $500 claim. A lot cheaper then paying for private transportation.

I think there's always a few posters who jump on any thread that has the word "autism" in it and jump on the opportunity to demonize them and their parents and paint the education system as being their ever weary victims, as well as the public at large.

Since OPs child has been failed more than once by this district, I'm just going to assume that the child who broke the glasses has been failed as well. It's basic common sense.