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Things Parents of Special Needs Children Should Know.... - Page 2

© Mary Pantazis

7. If the IEP says that your child is supposed to get 1/2 hour of speech services a week that is NOT ENOUGH. You as the parent can request MORE. Keep a journal. Request that the teachers keep a journal. Request that you know when and how long every week your child is seen. AND IF IT IS NOT HAPPENING CALL THE SCHOOL.

8. If you apply for Social Security Disability for your child and you are turned down...APPLY AGAIN....if you are still turned down...APPLY A THIRD TIME. Keep applying...that too is a game.

9. Medicaid reimburses your school for the educational aides that are with your child, if your child receives medicaid. If your child does not receive it, then by all means apply for it. Then let the school know your child has it so that they can be reimbursed for the cost of the specialists for your child. Medicaid also reimburses for the time spent in Speech/ Language, OT/PT and psychologists. This should help your school in the long run.

10. Have it in the IEP that you want WEEKLY REPORTS from the teachers. Dont wait for the report card to hear how your child is doing.

11. Parents of children with disabilities all say one thing the same; they wish their children had more friends. With that in mind I assume the parents themselves feel pretty lonely. Ask about groups for parents to attend. By attending groups you might be able to find some friends for your children as well.

12. If you are the parent of a child with a disability and would like further advice, feel free to email me and I will try to help you out.

13. Make sure that you can make some visits to see your child in his program. Ask to see him at lunch time, and at various times during the day and make some of these visits a surprise. The teachers will be on the lookout for you and your child will be treated with more respect. He will be more likely to get all of his services.

14. Most importantly REMEMBER you are doing this for YOUR CHILD. Only YOU know that child. Do not let anyone try to convince you otherwise.

15. Help your child to join groups like the Special Olympics. There are acting groups available for students with special needs. Call area agencies looking for information. Vocational Rehabilitation programs often exist to take students on outings on weekends. There are many support groups available. Make use of them for you and for your child. In the long run it will help.

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