United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi everyone,
I am scheduled for an ARD meeting at Rain's school in September. School hasn't started yet and doesn't start until Sept 6th, but the meeting has already been scheduled for the 8th. Just wondering if there is anything in particular that I need to do to prepare for it. What should I expect? What do I need to take with me to the meeting? Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

DeShawn

Hi DESHAWN,
If nothing else, please take a friend or relative with you to take notes. You then can focus on what is being said and it does keep school districts honest.
Also on the UBPN homepage there are links to letters and documents for schools and you child's teachers; adapt them to your child's needs. Most of all, follow your parent instincts ALWAYS. Know one knows your child better than you do.
Also Rich in MA has alot of helpful information on other threads on this General Message Board.
Hugs,
Carolyn J

Oh...Deshawn....Letters for School are in the "HandBook" .....they are very good.
Carolyn J

Hey DeShawn!:) (Fellow Texan!)
(I'd make a list!!) I truthfully am only familiar with the speech therapy ARDs for both girls I have, but if I were you I'd just start writing down all of your concerns. Usually at our ARDS there is the principal or asst principle, the girl's teachers, the speech therapist, myself and so on - usually about 4 - 6 in all every year - we sit at a big round table - I show up - and I just look at my list of concerns and we all discuss them. Spill your guts and tell them everything that you are worried about and together y'all can figure out the best way to help your daughter. In my experience these meetings have been very friendly and the teachers are just looking to know how they can help you and your child. School started here on Monday - the house seems so quiet!!
Good luck - they are there to help YOU!:) Just remember that!
Christy

I live in NY, (so I don't know what ARD stands for), but remember that school districts have different standards than "Early Intervention" programs have. Everything has to be "educationally related". Beware of them telling you that your child doesn't qualify because she is too smart. So, what usually fits?
1. handwriting
2. having the proper chair
3. holding a lunch tray
4. holding the bannister to walk up/down stairs
5. holding books
6. not having good balance/tripping/falling-a safety issue
7. use of a rolling backpack (if your bpi doc suggests)
8. adapting Phys Ed--so sitting allowed
9. attentional issues that might crop up
10. speech issues
11. visual-motor problems if she has Horner's
12. general ot slowness-cutting, etc.
13. slowness at donning and doffing outerwear
14. special needs for toileting

this should get you started. Look really closely at Rain-- very critically--and make your own list.

Bring Outreach with you (I have extra copies, if you send me your address I will mail you some) and give it to them. Be friendly, but firm in your convictions that your child needs certain things. Don't sign anything unless you like what is being offered.

Good luck,
claudia

claudia@ubpn.org

oops--- I meant to write NO sitting allowed!!!! They should adapt it to fit her abilities without making her the equipment manager..

claudia

Thanks for the responses. I just needed some tips in getting started. I called the school today and spoke with the special services administrator who informed me that since they are a private school they are not governed by the same guidelines that public schools are. I briefly told her of some things that I knew right off hand that would require adjustments, and she thought that there would be no problem. I certainly hope not. I am going to make a list to take with me to the meeting just like you all suggested, and that way I can address everything. I guess time will tell, but I am going to be positive. Think of anything else, let me know. Thanks all,

DeShawn

Hi, DeShawn. I don't know how things work with private schools, but this thread might give you some ideas of areas of concen to discuss. It had some great input! Take care. ~Tina

http://ubpn.org/messageboard/thread ... hread=4754

I'm a little late coming in, but good luck DeShawn!
Let us know how things go...it could help someone else who is going with a private school, too.

Take care!

Peggy