INsource

Last night I attended our local Special Needs Support Group.  This is only the second time I've been and there was a rep from INsource there discussing our rights in the education process for our special needs children.  Most of what she talked about just further confused me. 

Here's my initial thought process....I have this child of mine, who happens to have all these special needs.  I guess, I expect to learn as I go because I've never been in this situation before.  I know what I've been told by the people who have been working in this situation for way longer than I've been a participant in it.  Know what I mean? 

I guess the short version of last night is...we have rights.  INsource is a resource to help us make sure we are not getting steamrolled.  I did find out a few interesting tidbits, which tells me I NEED to read a huge document known as Article 7 and get to know it well. 

Other really interesting tidbit...Lillian is now being taught to communicate with ASL.  When we started working on communication in therapy, it was decided that Lillian would probably speak, so we should just try using signed English.  We bought a book and on we trod.  Well, here we are 4 years later, her ST doesn't think an Ipad is a good choice right now and they are teaching her ASL.  Guess what?  We don't know ASL.  HELLO.  WELL, according to INsource...the law states that our public school..ie the state is responsible for training us.  So, if they are using ASL as a means of teaching her to communicate...then they have to also provide training for us.  I just have to make a request in writing to the powers that be.  AND, if they deny our request then INsource will step in and advocate for us because all these issues are laws...people...laws. 

Now, back to my beginning point...I had NO idea this was possible.  I've often wondered about issues such as these, but didn't really know where to turn. 

I also made a new Warrior Mama friend. That was a nice bonus too.