Letter to our Son's Special Education Director

Take a read and let me know what you think....Please though, if you aren't aware of what all is going on with our son and his School FIASCO, please ask questions before jumping to conclusions/passing judgment. Thanks!

What follows is an Email we sent to our son's Special Education Department Head just yesterday over several issues that have been going on since the beginning of November. We obviously have serious concerns and want them addressed & remediated.

12/3/11

(Head of Special Ed),


We are emailing to make you aware of our serious concerns and objections to several things that have been occurring during LilO's Tutoring sessions with (Lilo's Tutor).

From the very start, (Tutor) has used little to no Sign Language with (LilO) at all, preferring instead to lean in towards (LilO) across the table and bark/shout loudly, and speak much louder than normal speaking volume. She does this in conversation, in instruction giving, in asking questions, and during Reading time.

Additionally, (Tutor) has not allowed (LilO) to use Sign Language. She has gone to lengths of even pushing his hands down when he tries to Sign and told (LilO), "We aren't doing that anymore!". In (LilO's) Parent Teacher Conference on 11/21/11, (Tutor) told (Mom) that her use of Sign Language with (LilO) "will have to be phased out, because he doesn't need it!" even though (Mom) explained to her that (LilO) insists on using it himself with (Mom) and vice versa.

(Tutor) has also told (LilO), "Sloppy speech! Sloppy speech! Sloppy!" which we find unacceptable! (LilO) has only recently acquired speech, has Autism, has breath support issues due to Medical conditions, and needs his Teacher to use Sign Language as well as to be allowed to do so himself.

In all past IEPs up until the new format came out, "Total Communication and ASL" were listed in addition to "requires use of Sign Language to Learn" in the Supplementary Aids, Accommodations, and Modifications section for Instruction of (LilO's) IEP. His current IEP, dated 10/3/11, still reads requires " requires use of Sign Language to Learn" in the Supplementary Aids, Accommodations, and Modifications section for Instruction, but somehow "Total Communication and ASL" have been dropped off.


1. We object strongly to "ASL" being dropped off as an Supplementary Aid/Accommodation/Modification for (LilO's) Instruction needs on his IEP.

2. We object strongly to (Tutor's)l unilaterally attempt to change (LilO's) Mode of Communication for Instruction.

3. We object strongly to the force/pressure by any personnel to implement an "Oral Only" program for (LilO).

4. We are deeply concerned and offended that there seems to be a lack of respect for ASL as (LilO's) First Language and for our family's desire to facilitate his Education through continued use of ASL & Sign Language foremost, and supplement his Education with whatever variable Verbal/Speech (LilO) develops or is able to maintain.

5. We strongly object to the fact that under the "Linguistics and Cultural Accommodations" section of (LilO's) current & past IEPs, it continues to be marked "NO". Next to the statement: "SPECIAL EDUCATION AND RELATED SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED IN A LANGUAGE OR MODE OF COMMUNICATON OTHER THAN OR IN ADDITION TO ENGLISH. IF YES, THAN SPECIFY ANY ACCOMODATIONS:"

We strongly believe this is where it is applicable that it be written:

"ASL/Sign Language Fluent Instructor and ASL Interpreters for any/all Related Service Personnel who are not fluent in ASL/Sign Language."

(LilO) is a long established DHH Student with hearing loss that has only worsened over time to the point of Profound Loss on one side, Mild to Moderate Loss on the other. He suffers with Chronic Ear Infections that also threaten his residual hearing. What is left of his hearing will not improve!

We obviously want these issues resolved properly and promptly. We are concerned for (LilO's) self-esteem and identity in this process as well. We find these issues disturbing and in need of attention immediately.


Sincerely,

(LilO's) Parents

Wordy? Maybe! But I wanted the details to get it all on the table, prove our points, and get some dialog going towards fixing these issues.

Again, I am open to all suggestions, even criticism as long as there is some understanding of our situation or Deaf Education/Deaf Rights, etc. Thanks so much!

-Reneé