tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post3154760466374198001..comments2023-10-01T10:37:57.605-05:00Comments on The 30 Day Journey For Hope: Facts The Disabled Community Needs To Know---Pass AlongUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-87473610198097331542010-08-17T10:56:28.749-05:002010-08-17T10:56:28.749-05:00Despite the fact that the State of Tennessee passe...Despite the fact that the State of Tennessee passed legislation concerning restraints and seclusion, they did not remove the option. I feel that the Federal law could help support more investment in positive methods. <br /><br />Restraint and seclusion methods remain abusive, demeaning and frightening for our children in Tennessee. Most live in fear in order to receive an opportunity for an education and will develop negative behaviors as a result of this methodology. I have seen this negativity in children that are abused in this manner from Pre-K through 12th grade. The children never to graduate because of the lack opportunity for a meaningful education experience.<br /><br />According to Tn Dept of Education Assistant Technology Service Policy Memorandum #08-028, weights, weighted vests, weighted blankets are listed under INELIGIBLE Assistive Technology:<br />15) Any items deemed experimental in nature, including weights, weighted vests, weighted blankets, ets. <br />The memorandum does not list straps.<br /><br />http://www.tennessee.gov/education/teis/doc/28assistivetechjuly08.pdf<br /><br />Who provides Tennessee schools with this form of technology and why are these items available to teachers without discussion or consent from the child's parents or physicians? There is no scientific evidence that this method is meaningful, and it causes humiliation and fear in some children.<br /><br />Tennessee's present special education program should recognize the huge challenges a child with a disability faces including around a 75% unemployment rate, and address the true positive intent of IDEA. I understand the meaning of "death panel" from several IEP meetings that I have attended and our tax dollars could be invested towards a more positive environment for education.<br /><br />I am deeply saddened that the Dept of Education in Tennessee is not protecting our children from this violent abuse, they are promoting it and paying for it with our tax dollars. You would think that restraint and seclusion practices would be prohibited under the Bullying Prevention Program, or doesn't the program extend to adults?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-12602815590075012922010-08-12T20:31:53.408-05:002010-08-12T20:31:53.408-05:00As the Mom of a son with Asperger's Syndrome, ...As the Mom of a son with Asperger's Syndrome, those stories want to make me vomit. I can only thank God that I chose to home-school him and always have!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-1711840642125844462010-08-12T15:56:40.622-05:002010-08-12T15:56:40.622-05:00I am a very long way from Tenesse but I was outrag...I am a very long way from Tenesse but I was outraged when I read those stories you posted. This would never happen in my country. Will be praying for your election :)Annahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03735586619218558766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-20078525093766717762010-08-10T13:14:45.214-05:002010-08-10T13:14:45.214-05:00Hi Melanie. I don't live in your district, bu...Hi Melanie. I don't live in your district, but I am in tears after reading this. My heart ACHES for these children who are treated with such ridiculous forms of "control". I feel like if it takes 3-4 adults to constrain 1 child and you have to pin the child to the floor, then there is a major problem. The adults clearly have NO working understanding of how special needs kids think, feel, and process their surroundings.<br /><br />I used to work in a preschool and had several children come through my class that were autistic. There were times when these kids would spin out of control (overstimulated usually) and they needed to be removed. Yet because they were so sensitive to touch, you could not dare just grab them and physically restrain them. That would be cruel. Instead, you had to find ways to calm them first and then remove them. Sometimes the best solution was removing the other children to another area of the room and then dealing with the child who was so upset.<br /><br />Good educators can find ways to cope without using power as abuse. I am appauled by those stories and I commend you for raising awareness. God bless you!<br /><br />Amber Benge<br />Hudson, NCAmber Bengehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07071072319018194914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-11880749134911315422010-08-10T11:24:17.095-05:002010-08-10T11:24:17.095-05:00IMelanie,
I came across your blog and found it in...IMelanie,<br /><br />I came across your blog and found it interesting. As a resident if Franklin, I do have one question for you. You stated "Rest assured, if elected, I will REPRESENT my district by asking those affected by potential legislation what their opinions are BEFORE PROPOSING A BILL OR VOTING FOR A BILL."<br /><br />I guess my question is this...how? How will you identify who specifically in your district is affected by each of the almost 3,000 bills proposed each year by our Legislature and then ask their opinions? I just wanted to ask how you expected to accomplish this.<br /><br />Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-31541044227343283972010-08-10T07:33:01.167-05:002010-08-10T07:33:01.167-05:00This blog was touching. Having been a mental heal...This blog was touching. Having been a mental health professional for over 30 years, I understand. As for Marsha Blackburn, we really need to get her out. Her Democratic opponent recently challenged her to debate. Doubt she will, but here is a link. Please send to all your friends, ask them to sign the petition, and also log onto www.rabidoux4congress.com and make a contribution. Greg Rabidoux needs our help. Here is the link to the Debate Watch: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Debate-Watch-Dr-Greg-Rabidoux-v-Marsha-Blackburn/144764958884355Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9005861697438274250.post-72490818820523129672010-08-09T16:30:04.226-05:002010-08-09T16:30:04.226-05:00I am in no way defending the use of the restraints...I am in no way defending the use of the restraints and isolation incidents that you described, but as someone who does not have special needs children directly in my care or life, I'm not what the teachers should have done instead in a few of those situations. I have a feeling they were desperate to get order in their classroom for the safety of all the kids, not just the one subjected to the mistreatment. Like I said first, I'm not defending their actions at all, but I have a slight bit of sympathy for people that have been given a responsibility for children that they may not be adequately equipped to care for. <br /><br />I'm wondering if maybe there is a problem in our school systems that goes beyond just this bill, that our teachers are not trained properly, or given the resources they need to take care of these kids. Maybe its possible that they just want to keep their jobs so they don't want to admit that they can't do it? <br /><br />Just some thoughts, maybe I'm way off base. But I'm excited to see someone like you taking this on. I will pray for you (I don't live in TN so I can't vote for ya!) -KatieAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12059876595027322693noreply@blogger.com