School Update

Today, we had an ARC meeting for Abby to discuss the need for her to have a one-to-one aide and to increase her minutes in the regular classroom.  Thankfully, the meeting went well, and an aide was written into her IEP.  We have requested an aide a couple of times since Abby entered preschool, but each time it was determined that she was "well cared for" without an aide.  Our latest request was about 6 weeks ago.  It was again determined that it wasn't needed.  Ugh. We weren't happy with the decision, so we scheduled an ARC meeting to discuss it further.  A couple of weeks before the meeting, Abby was injured at school. She was sitting in a chair that was knocked over, sending her face first to the floor.  Fortunately, she didn't put her hands out to catch herself (which certainly would have caused a fracture), so her only injuries were to her lips, teeth, and gums.  After the trip to the hospital, our resolve to get her an aide was even stronger.  I wish it hadn't taken an accident to get Abby the services that she needed, but that's pretty much how it went. After a lot of phone calls to attorneys and advocates, recommendations from doctors and specialists, and Abby missing over a week of school, the district finally did the right thing for Abby....albeit a little late, but they did it nevertheless.

It has been beyond stressful. I'm so relieved that this fight is over. It has left me very disappointed in our school district, or at least the decision-makers who do not actually work with the kids that they are making decisions about.  However, the teachers and staff that work with Abby are great.  They are supportive and have her best interests at heart.  I am so excited for her to have more time in her mainstream room! I did a little lesson about Abby and Rett Syndrome for that class a few weeks ago and they were very receptive and welcoming to her. She has been increasing her time in the regular classroom gradually since kindergarten.  It has worked well, and she is progressing smoothly. She has reached the maximum amount of minutes she can mainstream without changing her placement to a regular education classroom.  For now, the placement is great.  She loves being around her typical peers.  Without their own communication barriers, they are able to connect with her in a very different way than nonverbal kids like herself.  With her aide, I am comfortable with her being able to have the modified instruction she needs.  I still think she is benefiting from the small group instruction in her self contained room, especially while she is learning how to use her device. For now, this is a great fit for Abby and I am very excited for what the rest of this year will bring.  

School buddies