I'm upset! My ex father in law promised me that I would never have to worry ~ HE would pay for my children's college education, apparently he put money aside for this purpose. He did pay for the first two semesters, but when my house sold and a move was imminent, my daughter FREAKED and withdrew herself from her classes. I guess my father in law believes that Brittany could have stayed with my oldest son, who remained in SWFL. That was NOT an option, in my opinion. He lives in an extremely small 2 bedroom trailer with his fiancée and her brother, in a less than desirable part of town. While I may have been able to help her salvage this semester, she decided to be a "grown up" and take matters into her own hands. Well, it seems that my father in law is angry that Brittany didn't consult with him, ahem, consult with HIM??? How about ME, whom she lives with??? Because she didn't consult with him first, he refuses to pay another dollar toward tuition. Soooooooo, she makes a not so good decision at 19 years old and she pays for it for the rest of her life???
Tomorrow I go to court because with my father in law's help, my ex-husband is seeking a downward modification of his child support. I was prepared to accept a settlement for pennies on the dollar, but with college expenses looming in my future, I'm not so sure it is a good idea. This settlement would relinquish any current/future responsibility my ex-husband has for my children.
AAGH!! What to do! What to do!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Today was my son's first day at a new school. I know, who moves their child when there is only 47 days left in the school year? Well, our house sold, and in this economy, we had to do what we had to do. I was afraid for him, for the last few years, Adam attended a relatively small school in Cape Coral, FL. He had the same group of teachers for the last two years and they would have followed him into 8th grade, too.
The day started well, Adam seemed to take to the strict dress code without complaint. When we got to the school, we were surprised at how busy it was. We waited patiently for someone to give him his schedule and discuss his classes with him. I was thrilled to learn that they felt that the Advanced Learner program was still appropriate for him. (Adam has been in a gifted program since 4th grade). The guidance counselor introduced him to another student that would help him get acclimated to the school. I couldn't help but notice that she was adorable!! Adam said he didn't notice. Yeah, okay! I spent some time speaking with the PTA President who seemed thrilled to learn that I wanted to volunteer on a regular basis. While my son went off on a tour with the student, I got a tour of my own with the PTA President. I got the "inside scoop" and I do believe that I can rest easy........Adam will be just fine!
He, however, does NOT like the school bus ride, apparently the middle school students ride the same bus as the high school students. No problems, they just like to keep the age groups separate, so that means the middle school students must squeeze in toward the front of the bus, 3 to a seat. Adam was NOT comfortable, we are talking about a boy that is 5'7, 170lbs......I get where he is coming from.........but, we'll try again tomorrow.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Moving!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
"The Princess and The Frog"
Reminder:
Sensory-friendly showing of "The Princess and The Frog" this Saturday at AMC Merchant Crossing in N. Ft. Myers at 10am. Tickets are $5. Support AMC's efforts to accomodate our families!
Sensory-friendly showing of "The Princess and The Frog" this Saturday at AMC Merchant Crossing in N. Ft. Myers at 10am. Tickets are $5. Support AMC's efforts to accomodate our families!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Reno's World
Dear Friends:
Announcement: (Book) Reno's World ~ Presenting Autism and Related Disabilities To Youth is finally finsihed!
Reno is 12 years old and for the past year has been a public speaker trying to spread autism awareness to his community. Reno was born legally blind and carries many diagnosis including Asperger's but hopes this book and his story will not only teach you about autism but inspire you to always look at your abilities, NOT your disabilities.
After realizing that he did a few things different than some of his friends he started researching what having Asperger's really did mean. He did not understand the terminology that was used, so after months of research, he wrote a brochure and power point to educate those around him using terminology that everyone including his peers could understand.
His book is comprised of all of his writings, focusing on how to be a good friend to kids with autism.
This book is truly an educational tool to all who read it! Please feel free to pass along this email to anyone that you feel would benefit from this book.
Thank you all so much for the support you have all given to our family and especially the tremendous support and praise that you have given to Reno!
Please take time to notify your local library about Reno's World ~ Presenting Autism and Related Disabilities To Youth, to help continue autism awareness throughout all of our communities. Together we can make a difference!
Information about the book is available at:
www.amazon.com
Amazon.com: Reno's World, Presenting Autism and Related Disabilities To Youth (9781936051670): Reno Williams, Nikki Nacco: Books
http://www.amazon.com/Renos-Presenting-Autism-Related-Disabilities/dp/1936051672/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259368459&sr=8-13
If you have any questions please contact us at renosworldautism@yahoo.com.
Thank you for your continued support,
Tuesday Williams,
Announcement: (Book) Reno's World ~ Presenting Autism and Related Disabilities To Youth is finally finsihed!
Reno is 12 years old and for the past year has been a public speaker trying to spread autism awareness to his community. Reno was born legally blind and carries many diagnosis including Asperger's but hopes this book and his story will not only teach you about autism but inspire you to always look at your abilities, NOT your disabilities.
After realizing that he did a few things different than some of his friends he started researching what having Asperger's really did mean. He did not understand the terminology that was used, so after months of research, he wrote a brochure and power point to educate those around him using terminology that everyone including his peers could understand.
His book is comprised of all of his writings, focusing on how to be a good friend to kids with autism.
This book is truly an educational tool to all who read it! Please feel free to pass along this email to anyone that you feel would benefit from this book.
Thank you all so much for the support you have all given to our family and especially the tremendous support and praise that you have given to Reno!
Please take time to notify your local library about Reno's World ~ Presenting Autism and Related Disabilities To Youth, to help continue autism awareness throughout all of our communities. Together we can make a difference!
Information about the book is available at:
www.amazon.com
Amazon.com: Reno's World, Presenting Autism and Related Disabilities To Youth (9781936051670): Reno Williams, Nikki Nacco: Books
http://www.amazon.com/Renos-Presenting-Autism-Related-Disabilities/dp/1936051672/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259368459&sr=8-13
If you have any questions please contact us at renosworldautism@yahoo.com.
Thank you for your continued support,
Tuesday Williams,
Thursday, November 26, 2009
What Does It Feel Like To Tie Up A Child?
What Does It Feel Like To Tie Up A Child?
Rich La Belle, Executive Director
Family Network on Disabilities
So, I've been wondering. What does it feel like to tie up a child? What does it take for an adult to think it's a good idea or even just ok to tie up a child? It seems to be happening all the time, most recently in Hillsborough County, Florida: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/nov/19/disabled-hillsborough-student-tied-chair-documents/news-breaking/ . All the time, that is, as long as the child in question has a disability.
What goes through the mind of an adult that actually moves them to tie up (or down) a child placed in their care? In this latest case, it appears that a teacher tied a student in his class to a chair with a coaxial cable, like a tv cable.
The story in the Tampa Tribune says that the teacher had been teaching for four years and was certified to work with students in exceptional education. The teacher, however, says he had no formal experience with students with severe disabilities.
Ok, I can understand a lack of experience, but how does that translate in the mind of a trained educator into "it's ok to tie up a kid with a tv cable"? Before anyone asks, the student wasn't being unruly and he wasn't a danger to himself or others (not that that would automatically justify tying him up). He was simply identified as a "runner". For that, he got tied up - by his teacher.
What happened to the teacher? The district investigated, the sheriff's office investigated and - you've got to know the story by now - no charges were filed. Even though the sheriff's office found "signs of child abuse and neglect." The school district closed its investigation in August. It suspended the teacher for five days, which can be spread out by the teacher over the course of the school year. I can feel that slap on the wrist all the way across the bay.
That brings me to another question - why does the law seem to be suspended when it comes to these type of cases? Why are there few prosecutions? Why are the administrative punishments of those who do these things to our kids so weak? I don't have an answer for this. I just think it's outrageous - and it's beginning to give other educators a bad name. That's another real crime.
So, what's happening now? The family is suing the school district. I recently heard that a preliminary estimate of the cost of providing initial Positive Behavioral Supports training for a school is about $2,000.00. That's not even going to cover the cost of the District's lawyers to file an initial response to the family's lawsuit. Can't we spend our money better than this? If I lived in Hillsborough County, I'd be really ticked off that my tax dollars were going to pay lawyers to defend against something like this. This might be an issue to raise with the school board at their next meeting. What do you think?
Help end this - join and build the Cause (over 1,200 members as of this writing): http://apps.facebook.com/causes/341382/48640532?m=6fb2fd15
* Please note my new email address:
richlabelle@fndusa.org
Richard La Belle
Executive Director
Family Network on Disabilities
2196 Main St. Suite K
Dunedin, FL 34698
(727) 523-1130/(800) 825-5736
Fax: (727) 523-8687
www.fndfl.org
Rich La Belle, Executive Director
Family Network on Disabilities
So, I've been wondering. What does it feel like to tie up a child? What does it take for an adult to think it's a good idea or even just ok to tie up a child? It seems to be happening all the time, most recently in Hillsborough County, Florida: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/nov/19/disabled-hillsborough-student-tied-chair-documents/news-breaking/ . All the time, that is, as long as the child in question has a disability.
What goes through the mind of an adult that actually moves them to tie up (or down) a child placed in their care? In this latest case, it appears that a teacher tied a student in his class to a chair with a coaxial cable, like a tv cable.
The story in the Tampa Tribune says that the teacher had been teaching for four years and was certified to work with students in exceptional education. The teacher, however, says he had no formal experience with students with severe disabilities.
Ok, I can understand a lack of experience, but how does that translate in the mind of a trained educator into "it's ok to tie up a kid with a tv cable"? Before anyone asks, the student wasn't being unruly and he wasn't a danger to himself or others (not that that would automatically justify tying him up). He was simply identified as a "runner". For that, he got tied up - by his teacher.
What happened to the teacher? The district investigated, the sheriff's office investigated and - you've got to know the story by now - no charges were filed. Even though the sheriff's office found "signs of child abuse and neglect." The school district closed its investigation in August. It suspended the teacher for five days, which can be spread out by the teacher over the course of the school year. I can feel that slap on the wrist all the way across the bay.
That brings me to another question - why does the law seem to be suspended when it comes to these type of cases? Why are there few prosecutions? Why are the administrative punishments of those who do these things to our kids so weak? I don't have an answer for this. I just think it's outrageous - and it's beginning to give other educators a bad name. That's another real crime.
So, what's happening now? The family is suing the school district. I recently heard that a preliminary estimate of the cost of providing initial Positive Behavioral Supports training for a school is about $2,000.00. That's not even going to cover the cost of the District's lawyers to file an initial response to the family's lawsuit. Can't we spend our money better than this? If I lived in Hillsborough County, I'd be really ticked off that my tax dollars were going to pay lawyers to defend against something like this. This might be an issue to raise with the school board at their next meeting. What do you think?
Help end this - join and build the Cause (over 1,200 members as of this writing): http://apps.facebook.com/causes/341382/48640532?m=6fb2fd15
* Please note my new email address:
richlabelle@fndusa.org
Richard La Belle
Executive Director
Family Network on Disabilities
2196 Main St. Suite K
Dunedin, FL 34698
(727) 523-1130/(800) 825-5736
Fax: (727) 523-8687
www.fndfl.org
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