6 Year Old with Special Needs Tied down to "Special Chair" for Musical

Hi K.-

I used to be an early childhood special ed teacher and I have NEVER heard of strapping a child to any kind of chair, especially during a special event. I think that is terrible, and I feel so bad for your daughter and your family. I can't imagine how you must have felt watching that.

The only reason I could justify doing this would be if it were for safety. If there were a chance your daughter could fall out of her chair and become injured, then maybe, but otherwise not a chance.

I would talk to the director or principal of the school to see how this could be handled differently next time. Perhaps her aide or para could go on stage in all black and act as a helper for her. Remember, no one cares for your child like you do and no one will advocate for her the way you can. Good luck!

I, too, have a child who sits in a Rifton chair and appalled to think that the schools may be forced to not "tie them down". My child exhibits lots of injurious behaviors and seems to feel mor comfortable "tied in his chair". Maybe you could suggest to the teachetr that if she can't do a program without the chair, that she not participate. Yet, if she was able to participate because she likes "being tied to her chair" then your family and friends need to understand the importance of the security the chair gives. If she's a runner, what else could they have done to have her participate? I think they just wanted to keep her safe.
B.

Hi- I have a special needs daughter as well. Is she able to communicate with you well enough to answer questions? We asked my daughter if she would prefer participating and looking "different" or not participating. If she is ok with it, then the rest of us should be as well.

I don't have a special needs child, so you can take my opinion FWIW.

I think it really boils down to whether or not your daughter enjoyed being in the musical, or if it just created stress and was unpleasant for her. If she enjoys participating in these types of things, and the only way for her to safely do so is to be in her chair, then I don't see a problem. Other people might get upset because they don't understand/know the full story on the chair, but that's life.

If it's impossible to tell if she enjoyed it, then I would err on the side of caution and not have her participate in these types of programs, at least until she is at a point where she can communicate her wishes to you.

I have a cousin who is in a special needs program, and the kids from his class put on their own little plays and programs--perhaps you can suggest that to her teacher. These programs are nice because ALL the kids are special needs so the parents and guest are in the same boat and know that "anything" might happen during the play. Also the audience is very small.

Good luck.