Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July! Bubba says.... Originally uploaded by Nashtaters Have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day!

Supremes issue their decision in Forest Grove School District v. T.A.

I blogged about this case going before the Supreme Court HERE. The decision was released today, and yes, the school is responsible for reimbursment! Pete Wright writes: Despite a long history of ADHD, severe depression, substance abuse problems, and failing grades, Forest Grove School District determined that T. A. was not eligible for special education services under IDEA, nor for protections under Section 504. As T.A.'s behavior and education continued to spiral out of control, the school offered no help. Finally, his parents placed him in a private school for children with behavioral and emotional problems. In their 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court held that: ". . . IDEA authorizes [tuition] reimbursement for the cost of private special education services when a school district fails to provide a FAPE and the private-school placement is appropriate, regardless of whether the child previously received special education or related services through the public school." (page 16 of the decision) Full opinion here.

Woofstock 2009

woofstocknashseger Originally uploaded by Nashtaters We had a wonderful time today at Hamilton County Indiana's Woofstock benefiting the Hamilton County Humane Society! Nash and Seger loved it! As did we! See if you have a Woofstock near you so you can help unwanted/abandoned/fostered dogs and animals.

Happy Mother's Day!

I received the BEST mother's day present today! I was getting ready upstairs as we are heading to the track to see qualifications at the Indy 500, and it was just too quiet downstairs (you moms know what I mean). I went downstairs and Nash is all dressed with clothes he picked out. The shirt matched the shorts, was on correctly, underwear on correctly, shoes on the right feet and......drum roll..........he had BUTTONED the top button of his jean shorts. OMG. Never has he been able to button. One proud momma who loves her son so much Happy Mother's day to my momma too! and all you fab moms out there!

Supreme Court Weighs Funding For Special Education

As noted in the Indiana Law blog today: Courts - "Court Weighs Funding For Special Education" Robert Barnes and Daniel de Vise of the Washington Post reported in this story yesterday that begins: The Supreme Court will consider a question this week that that has riled parents, cost local school boards here and around the country hundreds of millions of dollars, and vexed the justices themselves: When must public school officials pay for private schooling for children with special needs? The issue has emerged as one of the fastest-growing components of local education budgets, threatening to "seriously deplete public education funds," which would then detract from the care of students with disabilities who remain in the system, according to a brief filed by the nation's urban school districts. It has also become one of the most emotional and litigious disagreements between frazzled parents and financially strapped school officials, with the battles often ending in court. District of Columbia schools allocated $7.5 million of this year's $783 million budget just for such legal costs. Congress and the court have already made it clear that every child with disabilities has a right to a "free appropriate public education." If the school system can't provide one for a child with a disability, it must reimburse parents for private school costs. But the question for the court now is whether schools must be given a first chance to provide those services before placing the child in a private school. Some parents say that could force students, especially poor ones, to spend time in an undesirable situation before getting the help they really need. The argument is today, the case is Forest Grove School District v. T. A. (08-305). Here are the documents, via the SCOTUSBlog Wiki and Indiana Law Blog. I will have more to add later...............

Anyone have information on grants for programs for the summer?

Would love any input on financial assistance/grants for educational programs/summer tutoring for kids with special needs. And no, this would be outside of any state assisted "medicaid waiver" program. That we are STILL on the waiting list in Indiana in which to participate...going on 8 years. Back to researching.............

Down syndrome and adoption

I sometimes get hits on my blog from those that google Down syndrome and adoption, and wanted to get this information out there for those that may wonder where they can find babies with Down syndrome to adopt. Or maybe wonder who to contact to place their baby, who has been prenatally diagnosed, with a loving family in order to give their child the gift of life. Robin Steele from the Adoption Awareness Program in Down Syndrome Association of Cincinnati stated they currently have birth families currently trying to make an adoption plan for their babies that are soon to be born, or have recently been born. Click on their link to view a wonderful video. The National Adoption Awareness Program also provides a link for public and private agencies that have custody of infants or children with Down syndrome and are seeking adoptive families to provide loving homes for children with Down syndrome of all ages. The DSAGC can provide the following resources to birth families who may be considering releasing a baby for adoption: • Information on Down syndrome • Information on making an adoption plan • Direct contact with birth parents that have made an adoption plan for a child with DS in the past • Toll free number - 888-796-5504 • There are no fees for any of the services provided by the National Adoption Awareness Program. Are you interested in adopting a baby boy or girl with Down syndrome? Do you have friends who might be interested? Are you interested in placing a prenatally diagnosed child for adoption in order to make another family's dream come true? To contact Robin please call: 888-796-5504 or 513-761-5400 or email her at rsteele@zoomtown.com