Update with the latex allergy

[creativeamanda]

Well, we had the 504 Plan meeting and I did receive a full apology from the 504 coordinator, 504 planner, classroom teacher, and school nurse. Unfortunately, the principal still thinks she did nothing wrong or said anything out of turn. Oh well, that is just the way she is.

All use of latex, banana, and kiwi in the school for her has been eliminated. Her inhaler is now stored in a lock box in her classroom along with her epipen. The classroom teacher has been trained in the use of the epipen and the school has agreed to use one of 2 substitutes for her class who both have some medical training as CNAs. If those CNAs are not available that day, the school is to call me to determine the next step. This shouldn't be too much of a problem though--I worked with her teacher for 7 years and can count on one hand how many days she has missed.

The school now has an action plan to remove latex from the school's purchases (rubber bands--they didn't even know that there were latex free rubber bands) and this week alone her meal was rearranged to delete banana pudding from her tray. She was happy with the change, too--she loves sherbert!

THanks all of you for your help. Even though I deal with special education every day, it's hard for me to separate myself sometimes from the "mama" side and the "school" side and determine whether or not I'm going off the deep end. I know most of the time, the schools have the kids' best interests at heart. Sometimes, however, well, I won't even finish that sentence.

 

[mechurchlady]

It is hard to fight but you did it, congratulations and big hugs. Way to go.
As for the principal, sigh, some people learn and some are so thick skulled that they cannot see the wall they are running into. I am glad to hear that most of the people involved changed for the better. Good luck, happy news, and a happy dance.

 

[mrmagicmph]

I'm VERY glad to hear that things worked out! Yes, most of the time school (& people in general) have the best interests of the kids at heart. It's just occasionally people need a kick in the rump to get their brains jump started again.

Glad to hear that things are better! Let me know if I can do anything else to help!

 

[creativeamanda]

I'm VERY glad to hear that things worked out! Yes, most of the time school (& people in general) have the best interests of the kids at heart. It's just occasionally people need a kick in the rump to get their brains jump started again.

Glad to hear that things are better! Let me know if I can do anything else to help!

You were very helpful. You convinced me we needed a 504 plan for her and now because they had to research her disability, they know that this is potentially a dangerous situation and are being more careful with her. Thanks again.

 

[LauraVV]

All use of latex, banana, and kiwi in the school for her has been eliminated. Her inhaler is now stored in a lock box in her classroom along with her epipen. .....
The school now has an action plan to remove latex from the school's purchases (rubber bands--they didn't even know that there were latex free rubber bands) and this week alone her meal was rearranged to delete banana pudding from her tray.

Some other thoughts about latex and schools based on personal experience.. Art supplies (crayons, markers, paint, etc), adhesives, stickers, erasers, balls (PE/gym class), tire mulch on playground, gym floors, cleaning personnel gloves, etc. can cause all sorts of problems. What happens if the kiddo next to your child erases his paper with a pink pearl eraser and blows it on your child? These are latex based erasers.

I'd want all school personnel educated about the danger of latex. I'd ask the school to pay for a latex expert to come in and teach office, teaching, parent volunteers, lunch, and cleaning personnel. Your kiddo will be exposed to other school personnel who may approach without thought. What about balloons and gloves being brought into the building? What about the school nurse? Lunch lady, gym teacher, school programs?

Oh, another thing, in an emergency it's likely that it'll be impossible to get into a locked box. The inhaler and epi pen should be kept with your daughter, not a lock box. Also, I'd want benadryl and latex free bandages. in the classroom at all times. What kind of construction plans do they have in place in case they would have to remodel or add on? Our daughter did OK until that happened...and latex is all over building resources. She's now homeschooled due to her latex allergy and safety issues.

Even knowing about my daughter's latex allergy we had teachers insist they needed to put tape and stickers all over her desk, folders, and books. Sounds like they didn't go half far enough. Good luck!