[FEAT BC Admin]

In this discussion area, please feel free to share your experience in implementing A.B.A. programs in the school system. We would particularly like to hear from those parents who converted their school teams to A.B.A. We’d like to hear the nightmares as well as the success stories.

Any insight that can be shared by school-based special education assistants to help parents would also be very meaningful.

Topic

[Jemma Lee]

To those who are not aware: This weighted-blanket crap is a part of the very popular brand of snake oil called Sensory Integration Therapy.

Some occupational therapists love sensory treatment because it allows them to explain (and supposedly to treat) all of a child's behaviours without any knowledge of behavioural science. Some under-qualified behaviour consultants resort to it for the same reason. Since sensory issues are not easily observable, they are an easy "catch all" for anything that the treatment provider fails to explain.

I am not saying that our children do not have sensory issues. What I am saying is there is no scientific evidence to support claims about Sensory Integration and other types of sensory treatment. The smart thing to do is to try behavioural treatment first.

When the scientifically proven methods fail, then you can try whatever you want, but please use some common sense and keep the child's safety in mind.

Jemma

[Debra Antifaev]

Ah… but it could have happened here, Dave.
The only time I have ever seen my usually professional and demure consultant, Sharon Baxter, come up out of her chair was when a school district employee suggested a weighted jacket and/or blanket for my son.
She regained her composure almost immediately and started to expertly explain the lack of science behind this form of intervention…….good catch Sharon!!!
There is just so much misinformation out there and stuff can KILL our kids…..we have to be very, very vigilant.

[Super Dad]

Psychology Grad Available
————————-

I'm posting this for a friend…

***

Dear Parents:

As a qualified student with a strong background in Special and Early Childhood education, I am writing to introduce myself as a candidate for open positions as ABA Therapist.

What I love most about teaching children with special needs is the children themselves. They know that I am interested in them by my enthusiastic approach and my ability to help them learn in the areas in which they are experiencing the most difficulty. I am confident that I would be a strong asset to your team.

I can start working immediately. I am available Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and would like to committ at least one year to the work.

Sincerely,
Deborah D.Y. Kim <debkim@canada.com>

[David Chan]

Hi All,

Sorry to be a stick in the mud, but just caught this story in the Sun about a dead autistic child in Montreal. It shows you what level of trust we should have with our school system. We will never know what level on intervention was agreed upon by the parents of the dead child, and I am sure the educators/professionals did not intend to have a child die on their watch, but alas, you guys can read for yourselves what transpired.

It didn't happen in BC,but just the possibility of it happening here is way too much for us not to be vigilant.check out the article and be afraid, be very afraid, and get angry, because someone has to to be.

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=31bba213-b14b-4bb6-854f-4ec6fdf413aa

[Jacqueline and Dennis Bell]

HI,

We are looking into moving to Nanaimo. If anyone has any information on aquiring an ABA therapist and/or a SEA please email me.

Thank-you
Jacqueline

jmrbell@gmail.com

[Danielle Cross]

I'm out in Chilliwack actually.

I'm speaking with a couple of different advocates, so getting some support and direction that way. It seems that basically, if things don't go the way I'd like at the school meeting next week, I need to file an appeal. If when I file an appeal the board doesn't overturn the district's decision (and they usually don't), THEN I need to hire a lawyer.

ugh.

FWIW, I'm working on getting my degree and then my masters in special ed. Hopefully, if I become a special education teacher, I can start fighting to change the system from the inside, which would be more effective.

[Tina]

Hi Danielle,
Not sure if you're with the Vancouver school district.
I used to contact the superintendants when things couldn't be solved at school. It's always good to have every thing documented on black and white.

[Amber Himmelright]

Danielle,

I have a vague memory of another family having similar problems with the school district. They ended up retaining a lawyer (the lawyer that represented the Auton family) and it only took one meeting between the District Staff and the lawyer to have things turned around.
I hope you don't have to hire a lawyer, but if you do, it may not drag on for years.

[Danielle Cross]

Does anyone know what's involved in getting a lawyer in order to force the school district to fulfill their duty to provide access to free and appropriate education?

I'm STILL having problems with our district, and am being shut out – they're not responding to my letters or emails. My son doesn't have a current IEP, I haven't gotten a single report card, and my (written) requests for an IEP meeting and transition meeting are being ignored.

At my wits' end here!

My hesitation with going the lawyer route, is:

a)doesn't that mean I have to pull my son out completely during the proceedings, until a decision is made? If that's the case then I'll spend all my (meager) savings on legal bills and a home educational program, and for what? We might not even win, in which case I'm out the $, and even if we do, it would likely take a couple of years, and then my kid will be two years older (he's 11 now).

b)I feel like if I take that step, there's no going back. It will shut down any hope of a open, working relationship with the district.

I don't want to sue the school district – this isn't about money. This is just about me wanting them to FOLLOW THE LAW and DO THEIR JOB.

Help!!!

[Pam Browne]

Subject: North Vancouver School District Panel Discussion re Inclusion – June3rd, 7 – 9pm, LMCC Important meeting for parents and others supporting children with special needs – June 3rd, 7 – 9pm, Leo Marshall Curriculum Centre, North Vancouver Hopes and Fears for the Practice of the Inclusion of Students with Special Needs in the Province and the School District The Education and Programs Standing Committee of the North Vancouver School District is hosting a panel discussion on Tuesday, June 3rd at 7pm moderated by Assistant Superintendent Larry Johnson. Dr. Pat Mirenda (UBC), Ingrid Jeffrey (Mediated Learning Academy) and district employees, Arleene Ewing, Julie Parker, Todd Henderson and Marcia Garries will each make a brief statement regarding their hopes and fears for inclusion in the North Vancouver School District and in public schools in BC as a whole. The audience will have a chance to ask questions which will be directed to specific panel members by the Moderator. This will be a good opportunity to hear about future directions for inclusion in North Vancouver and to inquire about teacher preparation, professional services, levels of student support for next year, specialized programs or other questions you may have. It could also be a time to share whether you feel that current inclusion practices provide a good education for your son or daughter and how they might be improved. For further information contact Jane Thornthwaite – Committee Chairperson at <mailto:jthornthwaite@nvsd44.bc.ca> jthornthwaite@nvsd44.bc.ca or 604.929.9482. The meeting agenda is posted at <http://www.nvsd44.bc.ca/trustees/meetings/~/media/ad288b19f1c84df5947838ced7d77b8e.ashx> http://www.nvsd44.bc.ca/Trustees/Meetings/~/media/AD288B19F1C84DF5947838CED7D77B8E.ashx Please help to forward this message to any parents or interested parties you may know. —Jan Palmer<http://www.janpalmer.ca> http://www.janpalmer.ca

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