ACC & Your Child At School-Part 2

This post is a continuation of a previous post
last week entitled:
ACC & Your Child At School-Part 1

please note that this information is based on
education in the United States.

Whether you are just sending your child
who has Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum or
a corpus callosum disorder off to school
for the first time or you already have a
child in school there are often times a
lot of decisions to make on behalf of your
child when it comes to their education.

Choosing what is best for your child who
has ACC with respect to their education
is not easy but it doesn’t have to be all
that difficult either.

Chances are that you, as a parent, already
have a good idea of what you want for your
child regarding their education and what
type of school/classroom/educational setting
can provide that.

If you are still unsure, definitely explore
the options. Call or visit your school, your
local Education Service District, private
schools and talk with other parents. There is
also the option to homeschool your child.

Some of you may enroll your child in school
and they will have what is called an Individual
Education Plan (IEP). The IEP provides for, in
writing, specific goals and needs for your child
concerning his or her education.

For my own child, Matthew, who has complete
Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum, I chose to
enroll him in public school in an (ESD) Education
Service District special education classroom
(with an IEP) but I did not want Matthew to
spend the entire day isolated within that
special education classroom. I knew, for Matthew,
it was best for him to have mainstreaming for
50% of his day to offer him the opportunity to
be around typically developing children for
social skills, language, etc. Matthew also
required a one-on-one assistant in order to
be successful in mainstreaming.

Was it easy to get my own child, Matthew,
placed in the best educational setting for him?
Not at all. It didn't happen without a lot of
work, persistence and standing up for Matthew's
needs. But, it DID happen and was well worth
it because Matthew thrived and made wonderful
progress with his particular school placement.

Then there's the decision to make:
will your child ride the bus to school?



Wrightslaw is a website that provides information
about special education law, education law and
advocacy for children with disabilities. It
includes the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act) and information about Section 504
as well as a multitude of additional valuable
information.

Other Educational Information: (two are pdf files)

Educational Suggestions For Children With ACC

Neuropsychological Assessment

"Considerations For Educators of Students With ACC"
This document is written by Mr. McCallum and
he is a teacher who taught a child with ACC in
his classroom. He offers detailed and valuable
information. The web page version of this
document is no longer available. If you would
like to receive a copy of “Considerations For
Educators Of Students With ACC” by Mr. McCallum
please E-Mail me. In your e-mail it is helpful
to know if you are a parent or a teacher
requesting the information.

ACC & Your Child At School-Part 1

A Guide to the Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Be sure to consider getting a copy of the
ACC and Me book if you don't already
have it. It could be a wonderful teaching
tool in your child's classroom.


Important things to keep in mind:

1. YOU are part of the IEP team and YOU
know your child best.

2. Be prepared – Make a list of what your
child needs.

3. Be a strong advocate for your child because
YOU are your child’s best advocate.

4. Visit different classrooms so you can choose
the best placement for your child.

5. Take someone with you to the IEP meetings.

6. Read, Review and double-check the IEP
when you receive it. Is everything
in writing on the IEP that you asked
for that was agreed on?

7. Re-visit the classroom when your child is
placed. Be sure it is meeting your child’s
needs and that you are comfortable with the
placement option. Visit several times.

8. You can request another IEP meeting anytime.
Your child's school placement and IEP can
be changed whenever needed.

9. Listen to your inner voice.

10. Stay Involved.

In conclusion, I found this:

created by a mom who wanted to show her child
in a positive light to the IEP Team and put
a face to her child's name and diagnosis.


Remember why you are all there for this
meeting in the first place…to help a child
learn to the best of his or her abilities in
the best possible educational environment.

Please feel free to comment and give your own
input and insight regarding your child and school.
Or, if you have any questions please feel free to
E-Mail me.

ACC & Your Child At School-Part 1