FAQ
 |
| What
are developmental disabilities? |
|
Federal
legislation describes developmental disabilities as a condition
that: |
| • |
Results
from a mental and/or physical weakness; |
| • |
Becomes
evident after birth and before the age of 22; |
| • |
Is
likely to continue indefinitely; |
| • |
Causes
a reduced capacity to function in three or more or the following
areas: self-care, understanding and expression through language,
learning, mobility, self-direction, independent living, and
securing an adequate income; |
| • |
Indicates
the need for individually planned special long-term care, treatment
and/or other services When I attend my daughter's CSE (Committee
on Special Education) meeting I am allotted 15 minutes for the
meeting. This is not enough time to discuss all my questions. |
| Can
I request more time? |
|
Most
definitely. You can not only request more time to discuss your
issues, your daughter's CSE meeting must be scheduled at a mutually
agreeable time. |
| Do
I have a right to be informed of my child's progress in his
special education placement? |
| |
Parents
have a right to be kept informed of their child's progress at
least as often as those parents who's children are not disabled.
I have a child who uses a wheelchair because my daughter has
cerebral palsy and cannot walk. She also has other disabilities
that effect her school placement. |
| What
can I do if her therapies are being discontinued because "she
has reached her goals"? |
| |
This is one we are hearing with some degree of regularity. It
is a new way to reduce or negate the need for the more expensive
and time-consuming therapies by a busy district.
Tell your chairperson of the CSE that you do not agree with
their recommendation that you are going to seek a multi-disciplinary,
independent evaluation, at school district expense to challenge
their recommendations. Then call your advocate, service coordinator
or advisor and start the "ball" rolling. Parents,
family members, and other professionals call (315-797-8630)
or write us with you questions.
|
Our service is free and is available Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:30
daily. |
