In the law, Congress states:
Disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to participate in or contribute to society. Improving educational results for children with disabilities is an essential element of our national policy of ensuring equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities.
The vision of the Lake Travis ISD Department of Special Services is to be the model of excellence in special education by fostering partnerships that empower students to achieve individual success in a nurturing and transformative community of learners.
🎢Life of a medically fragile child has been a rollercoaster. Hayden has been in Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) in LTISD Elementary since he was just 3 years old. He has come so very far from little to no use of his hands and very little verbal communications to thriving in his environment and completing his entire elementary education in one school.
I believe he has been treated with unanimous love and support and is the definition of educational equity, not equality. As a parent/advocate, I have been blessed to honestly say that the teachers, staff, and administrators have had the same goal I have had for Hayden; to care for him and see him succeed to his highest potential.
Our daily road is rough. We have never fit well within standard procedures (meant for the standard population) and we have many compensating factors that make us pursue change and adaptation which requires more time and better communication.
Navigating special education is challenging especially for parents that are already pushed to their limits by plowing through obstacles all along the road less taken on a daily basis. It takes humility, fortitude, determination, courage, patience, and respect for those that are trying their best to serve to not see them as oppositional when there are situations that don't fit even the best-intended standards or procedures.
What I have learned and accepted is that we each may have our own ideas and a slightly different path of obtaining our goal. It is through my confidence and respect for the team/tribe that I have been able to listen to other suggestions that I may not have considered from seasoned professionals and to feel safe to vocalize any opposing views working in collaboration to develop an educational plan that serves at a higher purpose for success.
#fape #ltisd #idea #collaborate #advocate #equity #empathy #respect
