Seeking Mom's Who Have Problems Getting Their Special Needs Child an Education

I understand this all too well. I had major problems with South Orange County. It's been like pulling teeth to get stuff done. They were supposed to give my son Physical Therapy and it took me threatening to sue to get it done. He did not get the year of make up sessions he was supposed to have had.
I am now in Palm springs Unified School District. I now have a problems with my son's placement for next year and nobody will change it. They have placed him in a school which has the closest program and it is not a good school from what I have heard from other parents of Special Ed kids. I heard the prinicipal is a drunk and the teacher is totally burned out.

There are two states in the country that have top notch Special Ed... NY (where we were from) and North Carolina.
NY was wonderful, they would tell us everything that my son was eligible for and ask if we wanted it. No pulling teeth to get the simplest of things done. It's too bad I cannot handle the cold weather as that would be the best place for him.

Hi, I can truly relate to the problems you are having. I have been through a lot in my son's 8 years of life with the school district and I am told that I live in a good district compared to most(long beach unified). My son is diagnosed with autism and is extremely bright. I find also that IEP's are not always honored. My son has been to 5 schools and after this year his teacher wants us to look into another one. I am frustrated with this because he has no time to make friends(with his disability this is hard enough as it is)., and he is forced to get used to new teachers, classmates, school site, and his main issue is transitioning,

When it comes to lawyers I know what you are going through. Luckily for me I did not pay a dime. The district had to pay for it because they were at fault. They too did not follow the IEP that said my son needed an escort to the bathroom and also 1:1 supervision. He was lost not once but twice! Thank goodness he never went too far but who knows what could have happened. My lawyer was wonderful. They are based in Los Angeles, called Martin & Martin. You can look them up online. The managing partner also has a special needs child.

If you need anyone to talk to please feel free to ask. I have helped several friends with children with special needs get and KEEP their services. It is a battle, but it can be won. It is also not easy when you go it alone, I am a single mom of 2. There are support groups , even online ones. Maybe even after school activities can help. Does your daughter belong to a regional center? They can help with advocacy or at least financial help with after school programs. Good luck and please let me know if you need any other assistance.

I just had to respond, to say that you are such an inspiration! And so is your child, and she is so lucky to have you behind her. I'm sorry about your husband. Good luck with all of your endeavors.

M. Dawson
(I had my child at 43, and he just turned 4) It's alot harder when you have a child later in life, but a huge blessing.

Hi C.,

I noticed that we live in the same city.

CCRC(Childcare Resource Center) might have ideas, but I am not sure. Their phone # is ###-###-####. I would also suggest writng letters to public officials.

D.

Carol, im sorry i have no words of wisdom but i can say this,keep up the great work!!!!! I have a 9 yo and a 3yo my 9 yo was having prob at sch and because i spoke up my son was picked on and targeted by the principle of his sch. I never gave up and sat in the district office daily til my point got across. I have transfered my son to another sch but ot cuz the principle won but because i feel that he needs to be challanged a bit more. Good luck with your efforts and god bless!

Hi C.,

I'm sorry to hear you're having a hard time with your daughter's school district. I don't know what district you're part of but I do know that Long Beach Unified has an excellent Special Ed dept. Maybe if you call them they can help you.. ###-###-####, ext.180

M.

C....

I too am a mom of a special needs child in the Newport Mesa District (which has become one of the worst districts to be in) My 8 1/2 year old daughter has been without the agreed upon services for 1 1/2 years now! Even after Due Process/Mediation...the district decided not to comply with that legal document!

I would love to chat with you more! My personal email address is: alsmiles at earthlink dot net. Send me an email and maybe we can exchange numbers and chat in person!

What district are you in? Is is in Southern California? Look forward to comparing notes! Hang in there! :)

T.