This is the second post in a 3 series blog. What does the law require? Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law that provides federally funded facilities (like public schools) from discriminating against those with disabilities. Under 504, public schools must ensure that students with a disability must have equal …
This is the first post in a 3 series blog. It’s a question on the mind of every special ed parent right now. And it’s a hard one to answer. There’s very little guidance from the Federal Government or state, beyond a “do your best” and the little disclaimer of “as long as it is …
What is The District Obligated to Provide to My Students? Read More »
We lost a family member last week. After a long illness, my husband’s aunt passed away. She had been very close to Annie when she was a toddler, but Annie doesn’t have clear memories of her great aunt. She was just too ill for too long. The news of her death was not unexpected. Annie’s …
When we began this journey, I shared a list of the life skills (see link below) a person should have to gain independence. It’s a long list. And while I am a professional special ed advocate and this subject is my passion, I am not an expert in everything on this list. Nor am I …
Participation in the community is important for everyone, but for those with disabilities, it can be essential. Being active in the community allows a person to be visible, allows a person to be seen in light of their abilities, rather than their disabilities, and it provides social interaction and fellowship. Volunteerism can help build a …
If you know me personally, you probably know that I am a very politically involved person. I have worked for, volunteered for, and given money to candidates. I vote in local elections. I vote in midterms. I have firm policy positions. When Annie was 3, and just beginning to speak (thank you Rainbow Pediatric Rehab), …
Last week, I had the opportunity to sneak out for a long hike with a friend. Annie was asleep when I left, and I had intended to give her the day off. Instead, she surprised me by texting to say she was going to cook pasta. (Don’t panic, her dad was in the house.) After …
Annie is really, really cute. And cuddly. She loves Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Pokemon, and she sleeps with about two million stuffed animals. Her innocence is charming. Everything about her sweet and unjaded way of looking at the world fills me with joy. Her bubble is a lovely place to live. Sadly, the bubble also …
Today in Transition Skills, we continued with cooking. Annie made Nutella pancakes. I would love for Annie to learn to bake from scratch. This adventure is about her, though, and not about my secret childhood to be Laura Ingalls. Instead, we are being practical. Since Annie doesn’t really eat many baked goods and doesn’t like …
This post isn’t about a particular skill I’m teaching Annie, so much as it is a skill I have learned myself, and am applying to our transition practice. In my previous job, I sponsored Parenting with Love and Logic three times. I attended every class all three times. At seven sessions per course, three hours …
