This thread started out with "curiosity" and some PP are wondering why those of us with kids who have IEP/504 are defensive. Let me tell you some possible reasons.
#1- Maybe we're sick of people being "curious" about our child...my son has been in the hospital dozens of times, and has come home prior to his Mic-Key feeding tube with an NG feeding tube hanging out his nose for 4 months, while being in a wheelchair, 30lbs underweight and as pale as snow, we have had enough curiosity to last a lifetime, thanks.
#2- I want you to think about this question before jumping to answer...why is it any of your business???? Yes, there are probably many more IEPs now than ever before, but isn't that a good thing? Doesn't that mean that kids with special needs are being given an equal opportunity? I know that you can't begrudge a child from getting an equal chance at success, and when it comes down to the brass tax of it, that is what the IEP/504 does.
#3- there is so much assumption that these kids are disruptive. My son is the sweetest least disruptive child you will ever meet. He loves everyone, even those non-IEP jerk kids who think its funny to call names, they are way more disruptive than my boy. I wonder if they are being taught in their home that those darn IEP kids have it so good, and that's why they think it's ok to act that way, hmmmm.....anyway, most modification's will not affect your child's schooling, and some may even enhance their education. Most teachers have told me that the class has become better off having a child with special needs in it, the kids learn that everyone is different, and that everyone gets treated uniquely, not equally. That is a vary valuable lesson in life.
#4- I think some of the problem is people assuming they know what modifications IEPs give, such as handing out A's, and letting kids climb the walls. My son was born with CP, so writing is very difficult for him. His IEP states that he can type his assignments. His muscles in his eyes have become very weak and he can no longer read even simple words without much trouble, so his IEP says that anything that needs to be read is read to him. This can be done by a reading buddy (looky there, an opportunity for YOUR kid to shine) or an aide. He has other modifications, that only help to level the playing field for him. His work is still graded, he gets an F for a missing assignment, and he is expected to participate in class discussions.
#5-It looks like some people are just sure that IEPs are handed out like candy. Well my son is very obviously physically and mentally disabled, and his designation took letters from his Neurologist, Pediatrician, Nuero-physcologist and physical therapist...many of whom had to sign things that read "His condition is not expected to improve" and agreeing that my son is in fact disabled. We did have early intervention, but every IEP meeting we still have to prove that his condition is the same, and that all his previous accommodations are still necessary. I spend whole days working on his IEP, we have quarterly IEP meetings and a big one in the Fall and Spring. Unless the school system just sucks down there, I honestly have to say I can't see a school just giving an IEP.
Overall though, my biggest problem was the "tone" that seemed to say "Ugh, all these kids with these things, and they get all this attention and my normal kid is just wasting away in the back of the class". That just makes me cringe, I really get so irritated at peoples jealousy over my kid getting services that just help him be like any other kid.
