Iep??

[zurgswife]

Thanks for all the great info and advice.

While we live in PA and that might predispose us to bad IEP and 504 adherence. I think the uniqueness of the town we live in is what most of you don't get.

You do need to write down your request for testing - asap!! Its just a start, but sometimes, esp at this time of year, it can take a long time - even if you are in a private school, you write a letter, and you deliver it in person to the school districts administration building... ask where to deliver it, ask what services, ask to talk to someone who can answer basic questions!!

We don't have a school district. We don't have IEP's or 504's. I don't have anywhere to request testing. If we decide to switch to public school; we do have a school board and I have to request that she be granted a waiver to attend the public school. There probably isn't any other town in the entire US that has the schooling set up we do here. If we are granted the waiver then at that time the public school in the next municipality over will assign us a psychologist and testing will be done, but that is down the road.

 

[eeyore45]

ZW - are you saying you dont pay educational taxes? My only point of course is finding that starting point - many people do pay oop for testing, and there's nothing wrong with that, but at the same time, you do pay taxes, and it is covered by the federal law - ADA... again, just a starting point, for when you're ready... eta - I re read your statement, and so this doesnt really apply -

You again are right, you know what you need better than any of us here on the internet - so do go with your instincts... and dont misunderstand me, I only know of a small disability group with problems getting adherence to their unique IEP - for your situation, I really dont know - so I'm sorry if I've given a bad impression... right now I'm remembering a family that had a son with severe disabilities, he was able to live at home, wonderful family, and they loved their life in Pennsylvania!!

and you're right, every situation is different, and from what you describe, yours does sound unique!! I understand a little bit better!!

 

[zurgswife]

Our town is unique to not only PA but to the US I would imagine. Our school tax is the bare minmum which covers the 10 children in our town who attend the public school in the next municipality.

We did pay for educational testing for my son years ago to the tune of $1200 because he is so severly dyslexic and we needed some guidence for our little school. Unless my dd attends public school I'm not going to pay anything out of pocket for her to be tested, her needs while they cause frustration aren't totally ruining her academic ability like my sons.

We are considering public school because of the possibilties that and IEP or 504 would afford us depending on which is more applicable to our dd's needs. Though first we have to get a waiver to send her to public school. The deadline for application was May 1 after may first you have to request for a special waiver. So, I'm not sure what will happen if we decide and are turned down. My dd hasn't been kicked out to the church school, she is in very good academic standing acutally.

 

[fakereadhed]

Just thought I'd pass along a good website with lots of information-IEP information
This is a page that explains 504 vs. IEP-http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/sec504.who.protect.htm

 

[MN Dis Fans]

We are currently dealing with an on-topic problem in our school district. DS11 has had an IEP since first grade for Asperger's Syndrome for speech and social skills. He attends a parochial school and like op is in a very small class (9 kids) in a small school. This has actually been a blessing. He has done very well this year despite a few situations here and there.
Out of the blue, the school district called a meeting to have him "dismissed" from special ed and given an 504 instead. My gut feeling is that we need to stay with an IEP as he moves on to Middle School. They say that since our school is so small, wonderful, etc... he already has a 504 in theory and that sometime parents use IEPs as a security blanket. Our meeting is on Wednesday and I really don't want him to lose that IEP.

 

[tw1nsmom]

We are currently dealing with an on-topic problem in our school district. DS11 has had an IEP since first grade for Asperger's Syndrome for speech and social skills. He attends a parochial school and like op is in a very small class (9 kids) in a small school. This has actually been a blessing. He has done very well this year despite a few situations here and there.
Out of the blue, the school district called a meeting to have him "dismissed" from special ed and given an 504 instead. My gut feeling is that we need to stay with an IEP as he moves on to Middle School. They say that since our school is so small, wonderful, etc... he already has a 504 in theory and that sometime parents use IEPs as a security blanket. Our meeting is on Wednesday and I really don't want him to lose that IEP.

Have they done a complete current evaluation on your son? They have to do this if they are considereing declassifying him. What services is the public school providing? Under 504 they don't have to provide any services except minimal oversight. If you feel strongly, don't sign off. In fact, make sure you use the words that you are rejecting this proposed change. If they have done an evaluation, and you don't agree with the findings, request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at school district expense.

 

[SueM in MN]

Here's a link to a FindLaw article about private schools and 504. I do know from when I was a public health n urse that some schools are VERY careful to not accept any assistance (direct or indirect) from ANY government entity - that included not even calling the health department if they had a problem that we might help with (like head lice) and some even went to the extent of not using any federal or state websites for information about things like head lice.

I got these resources from the PACER Center site.. PACER (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Education Rights) is based in Minnesota, but is a national resource.
The Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
State Chapters and Representatives Contact List
Pennsylvania
Parents Involved Network of
Pennsylvania
1211 Chestnut Street, 11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 751-1800 Ext. 214
(215) 636-6300 fax
(800) 688-4226 Ext. 214 in-state
gfine@mhasp.org
www.pinofpa.org
Community Connections for
Families
Allegheny County
304 Wood Street, 3rd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 350-5721
(412) 350-3458 fax
lmbrown@dhs.county.allegheny.pa.us
www.communityconnectionsforfamilies.org

They might know of people dealing with similar issues with you and should at least have some local resources.

These are general Parent Advocacy Resources for Pennsylvania:
Pennsylvania
Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership Center
1119 Penn Ave. South, Suite 400
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-422-1040 Voice & TTY
866-950-1040 Toll Free
412-281-4408 FAX
Email: info@pealcenter.org

Pennsylvania
Parent Education Network
2107 Industrial Hwy
York, PA 17402-2223
717-600-0100 Voice & TTY
717-600-8101 FAX
1-800-522-5827 in PA
1-800-441-5028 (Spanish in PA)
E-mail: pen@parentednet.org
Website: www.parentednet.org

Pennsylvania (CPRC)
The Mentor Parent Program
P.O. Box 47
Pittsfield, PA 16340
814-563-3470
814-563-3445 FAX
1-888-447-1431 (in PA)
E-mail: gwalker@westpa.net
Website: www.mentorparent.org
Serving: Rural Northwest Pennsylvania

Hopefully, one of these can be helpful to you.

 

[zurgswife]

Sue thanks for all the info.

As far as doing anything right now while any of my kids are in a religious school; I'm positive I have no rights. With the diabetic kids we spent thousands of dollars this past year trying to find some opening but there isn't any.

I did get some great insight into what i might be able to get for my DD if we attend public school next year, but we don't meet with the guidance counsler until Jun 13th to even discuss it.

 

[SueM in MN]

We are currently dealing with an on-topic problem in our school district. DS11 has had an IEP since first grade for Asperger's Syndrome for speech and social skills. He attends a parochial school and like op is in a very small class (9 kids) in a small school. This has actually been a blessing. He has done very well this year despite a few situations here and there.
Out of the blue, the school district called a meeting to have him "dismissed" from special ed and given an 504 instead. My gut feeling is that we need to stay with an IEP as he moves on to Middle School. They say that since our school is so small, wonderful, etc... he already has a 504 in theory and that sometime parents use IEPs as a security blanket. Our meeting is on Wednesday and I really don't want him to lose that IEP.

Contact the PACER CENTER (www.pacer.org). They can help you out with information on the phone (thinking thru your options) or even to send an advocate with you.
You have the right to say that you can't meet with them on Wed if you are not ready and that they will have to reschedule the meeting.
But, seriously, call Pacer Center. We have used them in the past and they are very helpful.
With an IEP, your son should have been re-evaluated before this and (was already mentioned), they can't just unilaterally decide to change his status without some evidence that his status has changed. And, since he is making a move to middle school soon, you want to have all your ducks in a row so that he has the support he needs when he starts there.

 

[Forevryoung]

Zurg, I have bipolar disorder. I was diagnosed when I was 15 (I am 21 now) and I have a ton of ideas and tips about living with bipolar disorder (I am very open about my life).

I made it through high school without an IEP or 504 but the school and my wonderful teachers created accommodations for me (simple ones).

I have also led an online chat about bipolar and education/schools for the past year or so and have information from other's experiences and other stuff in my brain.

Feel free to PM me if you want to pick my brain. I would also be willing to email her and talk about bipolar or anything... I know what it's like to feel alone.

-Kate

ps Sorry this is not so cohearant, I just got back from vacation in Arizona and spent 12+ hours trying to fly back to NY

 

[zurgswife]

Kate thanks for the post....I'll PM you soon.