Post #1: Beginning as a parent with questions

To start my investigation into the options for a family with a child diagnosed with autism I did what I assume parents would do.  I went to some public school websites to see how this issue was addressed.  I started with CPS.  I clicked on “Academics” and then found a “Programs and Services” list.  I clicked on “Special Education”.  The pages opens wit the following statements: “We Believe that...  All children are equally valuable and have the right to achieve to his/her greatest potential.  Collaboration among families and other stakeholders enhances the educational outcomes for diverse learners.  Learning is the result of interactions between learners, teachers, parents, and community.  High quality education is important if all children are to achieve at the maximum levels of which they are capable. Appropriately planned/designed interventions delivered with fidelity are beneficial to all children.  All families want the best educational opportunities available for their children.”  This falls in line with the family centered practice the text describes.  As a parent of a child diagnosed with autism, these statements would please me.  I then clicked on the “Services” link.  This page began to describe the types of professionals who would be working with a child with “special needs” along with their responsibilities.  Described were: Speech-Language Pathologists, the School Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Audiologists, Intervention Specialists, Case Coordinators, and Supplemental Services Teachers.  Also listed was the “Autism Resource Center” with the following text: “The Autism Resource Center will provide instructional strategies, equipment, access to technology, and the resources needed for supporting students with an autism spectrum disorder. The center will provide these services to teachers, related service providers and families. Through on-going workshops and training activities, families will become aware of services offered by the Cincinnati Public Schools and its community partners.”  There is a “get more information” link, which I clicked on.  The page then describes the center and the team that will work with your child.  On the side of the page is contact info for the center along with “frequently asked questions” and “links”. 

To see how greatly CPS’s information would differ from a more successful district I visited the Southwest Local School Districts site.  The opening page dose not have an “Academics” tab but had a link: “Whose IDEA is this”, to the 74 page document “A Parent’s Guide to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA)”.  I would be very overwhelmed and frustrated with this if I were a parent.  I then noticed the schools in the district were listed at the top of the page so I clicked on one of the Elementary Schools.   Once again no information was listed about “Special Needs” or “Children with Disabilities”.  The principal’s email address was listed, so I emailed her today.  Now I’ll wait for her response!