A "Special" Person

No Excuse

While I don't offend easily, I must admit that President Obama has finally done it. His offhand comment comparing his bowling game to the Special Olympics callous and thoughtless. This man is the leader of our country, which includes people of all races, genders and yes...abilities. Perhaps Mr. Obama should consider that he is now a role model to many people, and in a position of great authority. Or, perhaps he should just stick to what he does best...speaking WITH teleprompters!

I'M THREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holden had a FABULOUS birthday! Thanks to Grandma Sue, Grandma Debbie/Granddaddy Brance, Grandpa Kim/Grandma Patty for the terrific gifts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BLESSINGS...

I can't believe that our little man will be three tomorrow...I CLEARLY remember his tiny little face staring at mine, our introduction, if you will. I call him a true gift from God...he was a light in a very dark time for our family. God knew what we needed...and gave us a baby with a personality and temperment that fit into our family like a missing piece of a puzzle! What a blessing! God is good...we love you!

IEP...UGH...

It's that time of the year again...the time that all special needs parents dread...IEP season! IEP stands for Individual Education Plan. This is essentially the legal binding contract between a student receiving special education services (and their parent/guardian) and the school system. This document contains all special accomodations that are to be provided to the child by the school system.Seems pretty cut-and-dry, right. Not even close!

Unfortunately we discovered this the hard way this year. Ryan's IEP was developed with language that stated (in special ed lingo) among other things that Ryan should be provided with a one-on-one aid to help him navigate his day. We have been fighting for months to get him this service.

It has been frustrating and overwhelming at times to navigate all of the beurocracy in the school system...and unfortunately this seems to be the norm when dealing with these situations. It is unfair and frankly it just stinks for everyone!

We are not giving up and are optimistic that this will be resolved favorably and soon, but in the meantime, Ryan is the one who loses out. The thing that angers me most is that the school system seems to write-off kids like Ryan. They're never going to amount to anything anyway...right??? Wrong!

When we began this journey, Ryan had no verbal skills or social skills. He tantrumed constantly. Now he has language skills, and the ability to keep pace with his peers if he's just given a little extra help. What an amazing accomplishment...he's worked so hard!

I've never treated Ryan as disabled, and I don't use that word in this house. Ryan is treated as a typical child who has all the potential in the world...and no school system will ever stand in his way!!!!!!!!!!!