Hatrack River Forum: National Alliance for the Mentally Ill

This is topic National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
http://www.hatrack.com/ubb/main/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=018182

Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :

I had a meeting at a school today for a client. Two advocates from NAMI attended for my client's sake.

I love those people. They knew what the laws grant mentally ill kids in the school system, and knew how to get the school to follow the law instead of weaseling out of it.

It was beautiful to see.

If we hadn't been there, the teachers were going to lay everything at this student's feet and insist that it's her fault that she can't handle it.

Which is crap. DOCUMENTED crap, mind you.

Glad they were there to be the "bad cop" to my agency's "good cop."

Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :

[[mixed feelings]]

Posted by Ryan Hart (Member # 5513) on :

Another victory for the mentally ill.

Question. Are you a lawyer? and if so Do you enjoy it?

Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :

I know, Icky. I did think of you. [Frown]

It isn't the teachers that are the problem, most times. Usually it's the special ed director.

Ryan: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA [ROFL]

Posted by Ryan Hart (Member # 5513) on :

Guessin that's a no.

Probably should have remembered who I was talking to.

Posted by Sweet William (Member # 5212) on :

I hope that every kid, including the special ed kids, gets the educational opportunities that they deserve.

How would you respond to this:
I was working with my nephew trying to make sure he didn't fail any classes at the end of last school year (he had completely flunked one quarter).

I asked his science teacher to please email me at the start of each unit with the list of all assignments and their due dates so I could keep on top of it (she wasn't very good at communicating assignments and due dates).

She did not respond to the email, so I dropped in and asked in person.

She said no. She said that she had to send so many emails for the "mainstreamed" special ed kids that she just refused to send me any email at all.

I reported that to the principal, who was not thrilled.

It was as if she was saying "it's these special ed kids' fault that I am so lazy that you have to pry me off my butt with at stick."

He got an A out of her class. No thanks to her.

Posted by foobonic (Member # 5149) on :

/me pockets this information for the next time he has to fight for his brothers right to get an education.

saddly to say he will never really benefit from school, like future "handicapped" children (hopefully) will.

thanks mack... its people like you who give people like me the power to pick up a ruler and smack the people like them (can you tell i dislike the director) on the hand and say "i dont know kung fu but i know crazy, help me educate my bro or im calling (insert name of power agency here)! [No No]

Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :

Sweet William, if you asked me for this, I would say no. For one thing, I only plan a week in advance, so I don't have handy what assignemts I'm going to be giving next week. For another, I would rather find a way of communicating and helping the kid stay organized that doesn't displace the responsibility from him to me. Like, him having a homework pad which he brings to me for initialing at the end of each period, with the knowledge that Mom and Dad will be on his case if he comes home without that signature. In my experience, parents often assume that teachers have absolutely nothing else to do, and can think of no reason why we would not want to assume the responsibilities that should belong to our students other than laziness.

Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :

I also would have suggested a homework pad. They work wonders, I've seen. [Smile]

Posted by foobonic (Member # 5149) on :

icarus, you are right. 100%... im just venting my frustrations with a praticular special education director who doesnt seem to direct crap.

man i really feel sorry for our kids now =/ thinking back to having funds for woodshop, ham radio class, etc.

beyond the DEEPER issues of budget cut backs and the why's...

i respect teachers like the mentors they are. after talking to some of my old teachers at my old high school, they all seem to just have no hope or will.

hrm... give a teacher a hug day. that would be cute and oh so funny =)

enough rambling.