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Roberta's Corner
Be an advocate for your Kids!
May 15, 2009
Hello and welcome back!
Did you know there's extra funding earmarked for your child through the stimulus package? How can you make sure your child benefits from it?
Yesterday my husband and I had a meeting with the head of assistive technology at our district, my child's teacher, and his speech therapist (all wonderful people who go above and beyond for Jack, my son with Down's). As the meeting wrapped up, I inquired about how they planned to spend their stimulus money earmarked for special education and how Jack would benefit. I already knew that there's $11.3 billion dollars going to IDEA/special education programs across the country, and my district is getting over $3.5 million (over $1,500 per student receiving special ed services). Well, I was totally shocked that Jack's speech therapist had not heard anything about it, and the head of AT had heard but had no idea if their school district would benefit!
Let me tell you...every school district will benefit, and it is up to you to tell your child's caseworker, social worker, therapist and teachers that you expect your child to benefit from this funding. You can get more information here.
Armed with this knowledge in my meeting, I proceeded to ask for more minutes of OT for Jack. Prior to this I was told there is no funding, they don't have the staffing and money is tight. But yesterday I was told they will look into it and follow up with me within the week!
All I am saying is, as parents, we are our child's voice and advocate. I know how hard it is to ask for more all the time, but remember, it is not for you, it is for your child!! Educate yourself on the stimulus package and use it to benefit your child.
Find out how much your district is getting–download this PDF. (Opens a PDF in Adobe Reader. Get Adobe Reader here if you don't already have it.)
Until next time,
Roberta
Here's a new picture of Jack with his
little brother Jace at Disney World in April.
What fun!
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