tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2546079800339862904.post2167106190461460402..comments2015-11-09T21:00:59.732-08:00Comments on Still Life With Shark: shark filled waters: let's cut to the chasetedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13243733893045198185noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2546079800339862904.post-29753639889988183272008-05-30T22:14:00.000-07:002008-05-30T22:14:00.000-07:00Thanks Sheri. The Seattle schools seem to favor th...Thanks Sheri. The Seattle schools seem to favor the tactic of hiding available services. They have a limited budget, yet they have to provide the services, but they don't have to provide them if no one knows they exist! They can't even help themselves from saying, "who told you about that!" when we ask for things. <BR/><BR/>I always picture them with their hands behind their backs, and us saying "what's that in your hand?" They hold out one empty hand and say "oh nothing." We demand to see the other hand, and they clumsily switch what they're hiding to the other hand, hold out another empty hand, and say "oh nothing." <BR/><BR/>They can play that game for quite a while. And it's very effective, because most people who have young children with disabilities are too overburdened as it is to spend time playing games with the school district. The district knows this, and takes advantage of it.tedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13243733893045198185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2546079800339862904.post-22466244947483081312008-05-22T15:39:00.000-07:002008-05-22T15:39:00.000-07:00I could have written this myself. I only wish oth...I could have written this myself. I only wish other parents had the knowledge you have in this area. I hear them talking about the school system and they are so full of praise, little do they know that their child is not getting even half of what they are eligible for. <BR/>Do you have a copy of your rights??? And is there a state-run agency there where you can obtain them??? We live in Indiana, and if Sharky lived here, he would be eligible for preschool the day he turned 3. Also, if he were receiving early intervention, our special education cooperative took their recommendation of services into account. The most important thing to remember when requesting services is when they say, "It isn't in our budget." Show them your copy of Article 7 and your state laws/rights and say, "Jeez, lack of funds is not a reason for denial of services." And then ask them to find that clause for you. You would be surprised how quickly they turn around. And ESY (extended school year) is a state requirement here, meaning Sharky might be able to attend a summer program. They also have to take any doctors diagnosis into account when considering placement. <BR/>Good luck. If you want to e-mail me, my address is minniemama68@hotmail.com. Give Sharky a hug from a fan in NW Indiana.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com