News that the Special Olympics are extending their competitive sports program into Las Vegas schools is great news for the students in the special education program. Students who need extra supports to learn don’t necessarily have the opportunity to participate in organized sports. This may be because of physical challenges, intellectual disabilities, or other factors.
Sports Should be Available to All Students at Las Vegas Schools
Not all learning in Las Vegas schools takes place in the classroom. Students involved in the Special Education Program can and should be exposed to all the positive aspects of being involved in team sports. They get the opportunity to practice and improve their motor skills and coordination. Another advantage to these students attending Las Vegas schools is that they get to interact with each other as a team.
Too often these students, whether they are attending Las Vegas schools or not, are not made to feel as if they are part of the school community. They are in Special Ed for specific reasons, that’s true, but just because they need an alternate learning environment, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t children first. Maybe they won’t be playing for the varsity team at their school, but that certainly doesn’t mean that they can’t enjoy being physically active.
Las Vegas Schools’ Special Needs Kids Gain Confidence
Too often those children in Special Education classes in Las Vegas schools are defined by their challenges, rather than appreciated for what they can do. A sports program, like the one provided by Special Olympics, gives them the opportunity to participate at whatever level they are at right now. Some of the children involved in the program have never played sports before.
Perhaps they didn’t seem interested, or their parents were concerned that they would be picked at because of their abilities (or lack thereof). Participating in sports in Las Vegas schools is a great way to build confidence for special-needs children. They can apply this boost in self-esteem and use it as a springboard to success in other areas of their lives, both in the Las Vegas schools and outside the classroom.
Las Vegas schools should start off with the position that all children should be able to participate in programs offered by the educational system, even if some accommodations need to be made. The students in Las Vegas schools attending Special Education programs can only benefit from this basic premise. Let’s find ways that Las Vegas schools and other educational institutions across the country, can use programs like the Special Olympics to reinforce the fact that all children share similar characteristics, whether they are in the regular program or an alternative one.
By: Patricia Hawke
Posts Tagged ‘Intellectual Disabilities’
Special Olympics Moving Into Las Vegas Schools is a Good Thing
December 27th, 2009Be Prepared – Your Child’s Initial PPT Meeting – Special Education
October 28th, 2009
Many parents have an extra responsibility when it comes to their children’s education. Every year these parents attend their child’s Planning and Placement Team meeting. Any child with a designation within the special education spectrum has one of these meetings every year. These designations include learning and intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbance, autism, other health impairments (ADD/ADHD, etc) and many others. Attending these meetings can be daunting and intimidating to non-educational members of the team. It doesn’t have to be though. If a parent is prepared for the meeting and knows the ‘drill’ it should be much less difficult.
Annual PPT’s are held every year at the same time. Legally there must be a meeting every year within 365 days and a triennial every 3 years. The triennial is a meeting to determine if a child is still eligible for special education. I am jumping ahead here a little, let’s start at the beginning.
If your child has never had a special education designation, a member of the school community, yourself or your doctor may suggest that your child is tested to determine if he or she needs extra support. Sometimes it is obvious (your child may have autism, down’s syndrome, or a physical disability) and other times additional testing needs to be completed to determine eligibility.
The first step is for you or school personnel to start the process. If you initiate the process (through a written letter – example to be shown) the school must hold an initial meeting called a Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meeting. At this meeting a number of individuals may be present. This will include a building administrator, special education teacher, a regular education teacher, the school psychologist, guidance counselor, school nurse, transition coordinator and anyone else deemed necessary. Your child’s strengths and weaknesses will be discussed and you will be asked for your input and what your concerns are. You must also sign a permission to test form. Withholding permission will stop the process. The school district may determine that legal mediation is necessary at this time. A multi-disciplinary will be conducted to determine eligibility and must be completed within 45 of the initiation of services. Therefore, a full evaluation must be completed from the date the school receives your letter (or is internally referred by school personnel) within 45 school days. Weekends and vacations do not count. At the 2nd meeting it will be determined whether or not your child qualifies for special education services. For placement in special education, you must give your written consent. This can be withdrawn but you should seek the advice of an educational lawyer or advocate if you plan to do this. If it is determined that your child does not qualify for special education services, ask about a qualification under a 504 designation. You can disagree with any of the decisions made and have it noted in the Individual Education Plan (IEP). The IEP is the map that school personnel will use to guide them in servicing your child’s educational needs. You also have the option of disputing your position through the courts. The school district I work in tries to work with parents and avoid this altogether. If you win your case, the school district must pay your legal bills. It is suggested that you bring another individual with you (spouse, friend, pastor) for positive support. You should write down the concerns you have: strengths, what your child needs the most help with, goals that you want your child to succeed. If you child will be transitioning from high school to college or the world of work, a transition plan must be developed as well. Be prepared to discuss what you see for your child. Your teen will also be at this meeting (starts attending around 8th grade) and be asked what their interests and dreams are. You can help him or her in discussing this beforehand. Standardized testing will be discussed and it will be determined whether your child needs extra time, special setting or a reader (or any other number of accommodations). A modification page will be in the Individual Education Plan; you should ask for a copy of this page and make suggestions that you think are necessary for your child to succeed without enabling him/her. The number of hours your child will be serviced by special education personnel, counseling staff, etc. will be determined. Goals and objectives will be written for any areas that your child needs additional help in. This can include reading, math, writing, general academics, behavior, self-help skills, communication and other areas as necessary. Make sure to ask questions if you have them and get the name and number of at least one member of the team that you can talk to if you have any concerns or questions about your child, the IEP or PPT meeting. IEP’s generally go into effect 5 days after the meeting or sooner if agreed to by the team. The school is obligated to get you a copy of the IEP within 5 days of the PPT meeting. Any questions you have (or disagreements with the plan) should be directed to a member of the team (usually a special education teacher or administrator). Relax, relax, relax. The more often you attend PPT’s the more comfortable and knowledgeable you will become.
By: Melissa A Gilbert
