United Brachial Plexus Network

My son has a left BPI from birth. He is 8 years old and in 3rd grade. This year he was denied speech, PT and OT, but he is still classified as OHRI (other heath related impairment) He does have and IEP--it says they (PT, OT and speech teachers) will check on him quarterly to make sure he is doing well in school, etc, etc. In school he recently started playing the recorder in music. He brought it home this weekend. I asked him to play something for me. He did and then proceeded to tell me how he is suppose to play--put his fingers on the holes with his left hand (his injured arm), but it just feels better to use his right. I tell him whatever is better for him. He says no mom the music teacher keeps correcting me and makes me switch hands. OK--what do I do? Obviously I need to talk to the music teacher, but do I say something to the OT and PT--obviously they havent check on him to see that he is having a problem in music. I swear it is always something. I talked with my son and told him, he's getting old enought now that he should be able to explain to people about his injury and how it affects him--he's very shy and I know him, he doesnt want to make a scene. In 4th grade they try ALL instruments in music--now that should be interesting!!! I will have to park myself at the school for that one!! So tell me who should I be going after and what should I say?? The school district is trying to get rid of services for my son. Its such a pain. Thanks for listening.

Josh's mom, I have a 10 year old boy. My son doesn't have an IEP at all, however, the OT "keeps an eye" on him to address difficulties as needed. In your situation, I'd contact the music teacher directly, then contact the OT and tell her. Unless someone directly tells her your son is having difficulty, maybe she just hasn't made it for her quarterly checkup. Then use this opportunity to explain to the school district the need for the continued monitoring.
I know there are probably some people here who would tell you you need to keep an IEP. I just never have done it. Maybe I'll need to in the future.
Jaime

What is an iep?

An IEP is an Individualized Education Plan which will make modifications for the student in the school environment.

If your son has an IEP in place already you are a step ahead of things. They must re-test your son. Also, even without an IEP the teacher needs to understand that our child cannot do it her way, it has to be the child's way. My son has no 504 and IEP and I have had no porblems. His teacher is really understanding and makes modifications on her own. The only way they have to give him OT and PT though if it is affecting his academics.....RICH.......links please, you are always so good at this subject...actually any subject, but this one you really helped me on !!! Gayle

You just need to make music and gym teachers aware and part of the IEP. That your child will be allowed to have modifications to the programs. Considering that you have an IEP it shouldn't be a problem. It appears that you are getting consultation services for your child, which is ok, but you have the right to have a private OT/PT come in and observe if you feel they are not providing intervention as he needs it (new desk or chair for proper sitting alignmnet for example). He may also find benefit for typing sessions now if his handwriting is an issue or if he tires easily. He may also get services if there are state tests and he may need someone to take his answers and fill in all the little circles etc.

You must have an idea of what he is having trouble in (like the music), but it sounds that if you just include those departments in the IEP, (your PT/OT people can help with that).

So I would call for an IEP meeting (you have the right to call one, and request the Phys ED and music teacher to attend along with the OT and PT to doscuss what modifications need to be implemented to allow your child to fully participate in these school programs and not be demerited for having to do it differently.

If that doesn't work or if they rebuff you, make sure to know your rights. www.wrightlaw.com is comprehensive and will provide links to specific states, although I assume they will work with you

-richinma