Low incident disablity

Adrianne - posted on 11/12/2009

Hi, Ann,

Here in Michigan there's a program under the state Department of Education called the Low Incidence Outreach program. It pays for services that can't be covered under a child's IEP for whatever reason. They might be able to cover the cost of any amplification that would be present in an HI room, or anything else your son might need, for that matter, to adapt any available classroom options to his needs. If he signs, (even if he doesn't at this point) you could ask for an interpreter who would be willing to both interpret and orally reiterate what is being said in the classroom.



One thing that has really helped me to advocate for my son (he's four and was implanted at the age of 2) has been to call on Michigan Protection and Advocacy, which is a lot like CAUSE, if you're familiar with that. A lot of people treat it simply as a complaint route, but if you call them, and tell them you want to work cooperatively with your school district to create the closest thing to an HI classroom you can, and you want advice on how to do it, they can often find someone to consult with about bringing in what your child needs, and how to get it paid for. They will work so hard for a parent who really wants to build a good relationship with her child's school district.



The other thing I've found helpful is to consult with whatever clinic implanted your son to ask their advice about coordinating the best service. Our son was implanted at the University of Michigan, and his Speech Pathologist was willing to meet with everyone in his IEP to help them pool their resources in the most effective way. You could ask whoever heads up your son's IEP if he/she would be willing to pursue that - usually they're thrilled to have some support.



I probably should have put this idea first, but it might be helpful, if your son has been in an HI class in elementary school, for the personnel there to work with the Middle School to help them create the next-best thing for him. You could talk to them about what they'd recommend, and again, ask the person heading up your son's IEP if they'd be willing to work with them.



Of course there's always the extreme option of moving to another school district! I know someone who got an apartment in Grand Rapids and stayed there with her son during the week so he could go to school there. I didn't consider it because my own family would be a wreck if we were all separated so much! But every family is different, and I believe so strongly that as parents we know in our guts the what is best for our kids - so you'll know what route will help your son the most.



I wish you the very best and hope things work out well for your son next year! HANG IN THERE!