How do you think parents feel when they engage their students in the special education process?

Question

What questions or concerns might they have?

Answer 1

Their feelings depend on what stage they are at emotionally. Finding out that your child has special needs brings out many feelings, similar to the stages of grief described by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross in her book "Death and Dying"

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Some parents are very angry and feel the need to place blame on someone---usually school personnel or each other.

Others are so saddened, that they just feel numb and helpless or perhaps confused and overwhelmed.

Some are anxious to immediately get help and research everything they can about their child's diagnosis. They feel panicked to get all the help they can for their child so their child can be "fixed".

Some parents have come to accept that their child learns differently and are willing to listen and share ideas so that their child improves.

All of these feelings are normal and understandable. And they continue back and forth for some time.

Having a child with special needs means the ending of one dream and the creating of another. Loving your child and accepting them for the special person they are, is part of the journey.

Answer 2

I would find a local support system.  Every school district and state is different.  You are going to need specific information for your area.  Good luck!

Answer 3

proud i guess. im not a good answerer. srry

Answer 4

I would contact your local board of MRDD and get services set up with them . they will give you a case worker who will help with questions , including asking ones you wouldnt think to ask . Also they can be a god send in a time of need .

My childrens MRDD worker made sure to put in their IEP that transportation to and from any institution [school] was door to door . meaning that they are picked up at my front door and returned there too , as apposed to me waiting for the bus down the street or at the closest school as they are bussed to a school on another side of town that has a special ed dept . Our home school does not have any special ed at all .

When I engaged the process I felt relief . Finally someone who could answer questions and help find sollutions to issues that arise day to day .

Answer 5

The process you should engage is the legal process spelled out in the federal special ed laws called IDEA.

Here's the best website about this law

www.wrightslaw.com

This law 'suggests' that children starting at age 16 be in the meetings and be a part of it, telling the school how they feel and the problems they have, also what can be done to help him.

I am not sure if this law says the child HAS to be in the meetings though.

I think it's good because the child can know what is going on and not be in the dark.

BUt it's also a bad idea for children who are sensitive and will get upset about everyone talking about him.

Answer 6

Relief that they are finally getting there child help. Go to the library and check out books and read about your sons different needs, talk to the other parents, talk to the staff.