Ashley enjoying winter the Koolway!

It has been a long and snowy Canadian winter.   Ashley is always itching to get outside despite the weather.   She is glued to the backdoor if Daddy is outback cooking on the barbeque.  I hate to tell her it's too cold get out there.  Now Ashley is sporting this  Koolway Sports custom made snowsuit. 

Ashley's Koolsuit is purple and hot pink. Koolways snowuits are custom made in Canada and come in many colours.  The best thing is the warmth Ashley legs are now nice and warm while on the ice or being pulled in a sled.  For someone on a slegde or in a chair it is very easy to get cold since your not moving around. We used to put on snow pants and  blankets on her legs but the blanket would  fall off.    Her Koolway leg blanket zips to the Koolway Jacket, plus both the jacket and leg blanket was made  for extra warmth and stays put.    

Koolway generously custom made Ashley  this suit  in-cordination with  ThreeToBe.org  PAL site.   Ashley is one very lucky girl! 

I can now quickly get her dressed and we are off and enjoying this never ending winter.  She has been skating three times since getting her Koolwaysuit  just over two weeks ago.   She is living life the Koolway!  Ashley and I both say Thank you Koolway Sports!!


Also exciting news...

Ashley  is starring in a video called "The Climb" and two photos "Walking on Sunshine" and Let's Play at this years Filmpossible 2013 compeition. 
If you have time it just takes a second to vote.  Jump over to Filmpossible to view and vote on all the amzing entires that are bringing visibility to disability.   All entries are submitted by people who believe in a world of possibility.

Cautionary Tale with regards to Your Child’s Personal Care

 

I learned the hard way that even though you’re at a great school with highly caring and supportive staff.  Important things in your child’s educational program can get overlooked and even forgotten.   At my daughter’s initial commencement at school, she had a successful toileting program which was started upon her first the day of Junior Kindergarten.  She was taken to the toilet twice a day and managed to stay dry most days.  The same procedure was followed in senior kindergarten and again in grade one.  Actually in grade one she would be taken on schedule but also whenever she requested using a tech talk (speech output device).  Her Educational Assistant (EA) was very keen on teaching her the speech device and took her whenever she asked.  I loved how keen they were to help her with speech and toileting.

When Grade 2 started this past fall, I was pleased to hear that she had the same teacher, but once again she had a new EA.  At my daughter’s school board there is no consistency year after year as EAs are relocated to other schools.  I was very focused on my daughter’s education plan for the year and spent much time talking to the teachers about how we would help Ashley to learn to read.  They refined and came up with a great educational program in many areas.

 When your child needs multiple accommodations, it is inevitable that there are many things to communicate each day and in school meetings with the teachers. Unfortunately I recently made the big mistake of not enquiring about toileting at all before two months had passed.  I received feedback that Ashley was not that happy at school and didn’t want to walk. I didn’t understand why that would be so. Then three weeks ago, I learned at our Single Plan of Care Meeting that toileting wasn’t happening.   No one talked about toileting and unfortunately no toileting was taking place.  I found this to be grossly upsetting and I thought it must be addressed immediately. Unfortunately not everyone was comfortable with the process and it took close to two weeks to address this very basic human need.  This need was included on her IPRC statement and was discussed briefly with the staff in the days before school started.

I learned from all this, that it  is very important for parents of non-verbal kids to speak up and ask many questions, even inquiries that may seem somewhat naive.  It is important to continuously be hands-on, show the staff that they must work with your children to assist them in learning how to communicate, how to feed their self, toilet and walk in the most independent manner. No one cares about this more than Mom or Dad.

 I learned that this also happened to a close friend’s daughter recently to her child is also non-verbal.   Just today someone told me this kind of communication breakdown, oversight, misunderstanding or just plain lack of training happens to vulnerable kids all the time.  

I feel I played as much a part of this, as the school did, for not focusing on those skills for which she was reasonably competent and was just part of her basic care.  I feel bad this happened to my daughter and I hope the school will allow me to take a more active role in her care at school.  As Ashley has a 3 year old brother, it’s hard to find the time to be at school. However, it is something I will be making time for in the next few weeks.  I also plan to spend much more time at school with Ashley in the first few weeks of a school year to ensure everyone is comfortable with assisting her with walking, toileting, communicating and feeding my child.  I know that no one intended for this to happen, however it’s sad to me that I learned this kind of oversight happens to children like my daughter all the time.    For other special needs parents I’d love to know if this sort of thing ever happened to your child?  How did you find out?   What kind of questions do you ask in your child’s communication book to make sure that everything necessary is happening each and every day?  

Look who is 7! - Party Video

March flew by and birthday season is in full swing at our house.  Ashley turned 7 last week and I'm amazed at all the progress she has made she's really moving about. She is crawling just a little,  she enjoys balancing on high knees and trying to stand up it's fabulous progress. She's also using her spoon to feed herself a few bites.  She really enjoys her days in grade one too.  I will follow up with a blog post on all her progress later this week.   This weekend we threw Ashley a rainbow gymnastics party at Gymalaya. What a fabulous place to have a party.  She enjoyed her birthday there last year too and perhaps we will do it again next year.  A big thank you to all of Ashley friends and family that came to make this day so special. 

Ashley's smile the entire day!

 Fun Brothers taking after Grampy.

 Rainbow treats - home made by Mom!

Now I have to plan something just as fun for Damon who will be double digits  next week closely followed by Taylor 3rd birthday in 2 weeks. 

Here's a link to last years 6th birthday video also celebrated at Gymalaya.   I did a better job with the video last year. I need to another photographer besides myself at the party.  

Ice Skating - So nice to be included!!

This morning I accompanied Ashley on a winter outing with her grade one class she went Ice Skating.  It felt wonderful to be there with her on the ice.   I  recall  when she was just two sending her older brother off to skate with his grade one class feeling sad that Ashley may have to miss out on such  fun.

Five years later and my outlook is so different.   I really see many doors opening for Ashley as long as we plan there is always a way to participate.  Ashley's wonderful grade one teacher and school therapist arranged for a sledge and  Ashley was on the ice and enjoyed herself so much.  Her friends were happy to see her there and a few asked  why she wasn't on skates.    That would be something I'd love to see one day too and I think is possible perhaps a seated walker and some skates.   I love how the other kids see her doing it all.   Go Ashley Go!!!!

I wish...

Ashley's wish for Christmas.

Ashley gets to speak at last nights holiday concert priceless and an early Christmas present for me.




This Christmas I'm so thankful for Ashley's amazing grade one teachers.  They go above and beyond each day to ensure Ashley is thriving at school and always included.

School here we come!

My first grader

Grade 6 and Grade 4 for these two.

We live close and thought we would walk - Ashley giggled. 

Both Ashley and I enjoyed having Grammy and Grampy here for the first day. 

She continued with that giggle in class too.

I hope the rest of the year will go as smoothly as the first day.

Our Graduate - Amazing video!!

What  a special day this was.  Our girl WALKED in and led her entire class up to the front to graduate from senior kindergarten.  She just learned to walk with the walker this past January.  Her teachers and peers always knew how to support, encourage  and allow her to shine.  This day was no exception.

I will be forever grateful to Mrs G. Ms F and Mrs L for how very far she has come over these past two years.  She's  grown in leaps and bounds and has made gains in all areas.  I couldn't have pictured her walking up just this past december with out someone holding on to her.   I'm truly sad to see kindergarten end but I know she has so much to look forward to in grade one.  Inclusion at it's very best!

Inlcusive Education Petition - Education for all!

Ashley would love it if you take a moment to sign this on-line petition !!

Education for all: Every child to have the right, to access all aspects of curricular and non-curricular activities regardless, of any difficulties or special needs.   The Education Act in Ontario guarantees a child's right to an appropriate education, regardless of any difficulties or special needs. We are requesting that the Government of Ontario enact rules and regulations that force Boards of Education to include the child's right to access all aspects of curricular and non-curricular activities regardless of any difficulties or special needs. We are calling for all children with special needs to be accepted to be full members and partners in their schools and community, be able to equally access curricular and non- curricular activities and that is to include: Sports clubs, Music, Drama and arts clubs, Social clubs, Social activities, parties, school trips, special curricular activities, summer programs and camps offered by school boards etc We call the Ministry of Education to make an immediate change to stop the indirect discrimination (1) of special needs children in our schools. Make our schools a place where there is “Education For All”. http://www.petitiononlinecanada.com/petition/education-for-all-every-child-to-have-the-right-to-access-all-aspects-of-curricular-and-non-curricular-activities-regardless-of-any-difficulties-or-special-needs/92

Inclusive Education - Emily Eaton Thank you

Ashley at her local public school where she is included!

I was told by another Mom to read the case of Emily Eaton.  These are the parents I'm very thankful to for paving Ashley's way to inclusive education.  Thank you Eaton family for insisting I have the final say in which classroom best meets my daughters needs.

Also please read my daughter  Ashley's benefits of Inclusive Education


Emily Eaton's case from the following website  http://www.abilities.ca

Eleven-Year-Old Emily Eaton Wins Landmark Charter Victory

Janet Bedgell, Anne Molloy

On February 15, 1995, the Court of Appeal for Ontario released a landmark decision. This decision will have a major impact on the education rights of children with disabilities, not just in Ontario, but throughout Canada.

The decision ended a three-year legal fight by Emily Eaton and her parents against the Brant County Board of Education to have Emily integrated into the regular class at her neighbourhood school. In its decision, the Court of Appeal, the highest court in Ontario, recognized that under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, segregating children with disabilities in special classes against their parents’ wishes violates their equality rights under section 15(1)* of the Charter. The Brant County Board of Education has 60 days from the date of the decision to bring a motion for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Emily, who has cerebral palsy, is 11 years old and lives in the rural community of Burford, near Brantford, Ontario. She spent kindergarten and grade one at Maple Avenue School in a regular class. However, during grade one, the school decided that Emily should be sent to a special class for students with disabilities. Her principal requested an Identification Placement and Review Committee (IPRC), provided for under Ontario’s Education Act, to change her placement from the regular class to a segregated class for students with disabilities at a school in Brantford. Emily’s teachers and other school officials told the IPRC that they did not feel they could meet her needs in the regular classroom, and that, because of Emily’s difficulty communicating, they weren’t able to assess whether or not she was learning.

Emily’s parents strongly believed that their daughter’s needs could be met in the regular class. They felt that nothing could be done in the special class to meet her needs that could not be done just as well in the regular classroom. The Eatons also believed that their daughter would be psychologically harmed if she was sent to a segregated class -- but the IPRC agreed with the school.

The Eatons refused to allow their daughter to be moved to a segregated class. They appealed to the Special Education Appeal Board, which upheld the IPRC. From there, they appealed the case, under provisions contained in the Education Act, to a Special Education Tribunal. At the tribunal hearing, the Eatons called extensive expert evidence about the benefits of integration and the potential harm of segregation, and testified about why they believed Emily should be in the regular class. Central to their position was the belief that in order to be truly part of her community, Emily needed to go to her neighbourhood school with her peers. The school board’s witnesses testified that they were unable to assess whether Emily was learning in the regular class, and stated that they felt the special class would be "better" for her.

The tribunal rejected the Eatons’ arguments and ordered that Emily be placed in the special class. In its reasoning, the tribunal stated that Emily’s needs were not being met in the regular class, and that it was in her "best interests" to be placed in a segregated class. However, the tribunal did not make any findings about what would be done in the special class to meet Emily’s needs that could not be done in the regular class.

The decision was released in November, 1993, when Emily was in grade three. Her parents immediately launched an appeal and, rather than allow their daughter to be segregated, moved Emily to a Catholic school which had a fully integrated program, pending the outcome of the court case.

The Eatons were unsuccessful in trying to overturn the tribunal’s decision at the first level of judicial review, the Ontario Divisional Court. In December, 1994, they went to the Court of Appeal for Ontario, which entailed three full days of legal argument. In addition to submissions from the Eatons’ and the school board’s lawyers, the Court heard from the Attorney General of Ontario, the Canadian Disability Rights Council and the Ontario Association for Community Living, all of which had intervened in the case.

In a decision which will have a far-reaching impact on the education rights of children with disabilities, the Court of Appeal overturned the Divisional Court’s decision and found in favour of Emily and her parents. The Court held that forcibly segregating a child because of her disability violates her equality rights under Section 15(1) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Court also considered the historical reality of exclusion experienced by persons with disabilities in our society, recognizing that the "history of discrimination against disabled persons, which the Charter sought to redress and prevent, is a history of exclusion." The Court found that by excluding Emily from the regular class and denying her the opportunity to go to her neighbourhood school with children her own age, the school board had discriminated against her and violated her Charter rights.

In coming to this decision, the Court recognized that being forced to attend a segregated class resulted in discrimination, and explicitly identified the negative, stigmatizing effects of being forcibly excluded. The Court also held that making distinctions on the basis of disability is no less discriminatory than distinctions based on race or gender.

In addition to acknowledging the harmful effects of segregation, the Court also recognized the benefits of including children like Emily in the regular class and the importance of inclusion in the school system to the success of community living. It stated that: "Inclusion into the main school population is a benefit to Emily because without it, she would have few opportunities to learn how other children work and how they live. And they will not learn that she can live with them and they with her." This concept, in fact, reflects the Eatons’ own reasons for wanting Emily to be integrated. As Clayton Eaton testified before the Special Education Tribunal:

"I think our community includes [Emily’s] neighbourhood school. And the people who live in our community, the children that she will grow up with and [who] will be part of her community when she’s an adult, go to that school. They need to have an understanding of Emily, they need to know Emily, they need to be integrated with Emily now... We can’t bring her back at the end of her school career and plug her into that community. She has to be there now and grow up with those children and those children have to grow up with her..."

The Court concluded that the Education Act itself violates the Charter because it gives school boards the discretion to place children with disabilities in segregated classes against their parents’ wishes. The Court therefore ordered that a provision be read into the Education Act preventing school boards from placing children with disabilities in segregated classes against their parents’ wishes except as a last resort. School boards must provide the least segregated placement possible which meets the child’s needs, and, before moving a child over a parent’s objection, a board must show why a less exclusionary placement can’t meet the child’s needs. The Court held that the tribunal had not applied the Charter in this way, and had not held the school board to the standards required by the Charter. The Court ordered that Emily was therefore entitled to a new tribunal hearing before a different panel of decision makers in order to have her educational placement determined in accordance with her equality rights.

This case will have a major impact on the educational rights of children with disabilities. The Court of Appeal’s decision will apply to all school boards in the province of Ontario, and will require those school boards to comply with Charter rights of children with disabilities. The case will also have a significant impact on the education systems of other provinces and on the development and recognition of disability rights generally, not just for education, but in all areas of life.

* (NOTE: Section 15(1) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states: "Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability."

COUNCIL OF CANADIANS WITH DISABILITIES

926-294 PORTAGE AVENUE

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA R3C 0B9

TEL: (204) 947-0303

FAX: (204) 942-4625

E-MAIL: ccd@pcs.mb.ca

WEBSITE: http://www.pcs.mb.ca/~ccd/

Grade one planning already - Benefits of Inclusion

Yesterday my husband and I met with our local school to plan for Ashley's 1st grade.  The school feels she will need a one on one aid next year and they would like to send her to a community class. We feel strongly that she is excelling and progressing here at home with her friends and brothers by her side.    I was very thankful  to have CTN supporting us at this meeting.  I'm also  extremely  thankful for the thousands of parents that fought for 30 years before Ashley was even born to ensure kids with special needs had rights  to attend their home school, be safe and not be excluded.  

^{Benefits of Ashley’s inclusion at Public School}

Over the past two years while in  Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten  Ashley has blossomed in every way possible.  Ashley entered kindergarten unable to walk, talk or even eat. 

She is now walking unaided with her Kaye Walker, this would not have been possible if she didn’t get to practice multiple times a day here at school.

She is gaining a pound a month since last September and is now close to 30 pounds; 8 pounds more than when she began SK.  Eating with her peers has been extremely beneficial in her weight gain.   She is making nice progress on drinking with assistance too.  She very much enjoys lunchtime at school. 

Ashley always has many friends who want to sit at her table for lunch or snack.

She is now reaching and even pointing for her communication cards rather then using eye gaze.  This has opened up a whole new world to her.  She is hopefully moving to a dynamic voice shortly. 

Ashley has made progress on her IEP goals and has shown that she is able to identify, to her teacher, shapes, animals, some numbers and letters.  Her IEP goals have now been expanded.  She loves reading and is working very hard on literacy skills.  She is now able to grip a pencil to scribble and form lines.

Socially Ashley is able to attend school all day and is acting and behaving appropriately for her age.  She is welcomed and accepted by her peers.  Ashley often times can be seen surrounded by friends at  School and at the local park.  She is invited for play dates and attends their Birthday Parties.  She is truly accepted for who she is.  Her friends don’t see her limitations they see a little girl who smiles and enjoys their company and shares similar interests.

Ashley is patient, gentle with her peers, and enjoys exploring all the learning centers of her classroom.  

She is participating fully and successfully in the kindergarten program.  She demonstrates imaginative play at home and school.  She is also demonstrating to us more and more everyday that she is emulating her peers and brothers. 

We are very thankful to the school, staff and students for embracing our daughter and helping her to reach her potential. We feel Ashley will be successful in 1^st grade next year right here with her brothers and peers by her side encouraging her on.

Sincerely,

Mom and Dad

Ashley (pictured between her friends)

The benefits of inclusive education are numerous for both students with and without disabilities.

Benefits of Inclusion for students with disabilities

1. Friendships

2. Increased social initiations, relationships and networks

3. Peer role models for academic, social and behavior skills

4. Increased achievement of IEP goals

5. Greater access to general curriculum

6. Enhanced skill acquisition and generalization

7. Increased inclusion in future environments

8. Greater opportunities for interactions

9. Higher expectations

10.  Increased school staff collaboration

11.  Increased parent participation

12.  Families are more integrated into community
 

Benefits of Inclusion for Students Without Disabilities

1. Meaningful friendships

2. Increased appreciation and acceptance of individual differences

3. Increased understanding and acceptance of diversity

4. Respect for all people

5. Prepares all students for adult life in an inclusive society

6. Opportunities to master activities by practicing and teaching others

7. Greater academic outcomes

8. All students needs are better met, greater resources for everyone

There isn’t any research that shows any negative effects from inclusion done appropriately with the necessary support and services for students to actively participate and achieve IEP goals.

** Benefits of Inclusion was found here at Kids Together.inc  

Damon's grade 3 pioneer log cabin

The past two weekends Damon has  been painting popsicle sticks and glueing away to come up with this project for his grade three social studies class.  It wasn't long ago that James made one of these..cabins and I blogged about it here too.  Can't wait to help Ashley and Taylor with their's too.. actually hopefully their brothers will be able to assist at that time.

Long awaited blog update.

It's been busy here with Taylor into absolutely everything but I had to find time to share some news on the kids.

I had an excellent meeting with the school this morning.  I managed to get everyone hyped about Ashley attending Grade 1 at her local school.  The special ed teacher was trying to write down a number of things  I was saying.Which I think is a good sign.  She attempted to sell me on the merits of a community classroom but she was speaking to the wrong mama.   In the end she said my case was very touching and hard to disagree with.  It helped that the Teacher, EA and school board PT where all cheering me on.  I've been preparing for this discussion for who knows how long which was lucky for me because we were suppose to meet on a new walker for Ashley not grade 1 planning. Luckily I was more then prepared.

Also  fabulous and almost unbelievable news  Ashley  gained  6 pounds in the last 7 months.  She is 27.9 pounds now.    It's amazing and I'm sure eating lunch with her peers has helped with this weight gain too.

Here's a few pictures  of the fun things Ashley gets to do at school - sledding at lunch recess. This was her lunch assistant idea too she thought this would be more fun for Ashley then the special needs stroller ride through the snow.  Boy was she right.

Reptila in the school. Scary but fun.

My boys have their first official job! Early days yet but they love it already.

Last on a bitter sweet note my girl was discharged from Early Intervention as she is turning 6 in march and now in SK.  It was bitter sweet but my girl is growing up and Dorothy the best Early Interventionist in the entire world is needed by other little ones that are just starting down this roller coaster of ups and downs.  Dorothy will always have a special place in my heart and I'm so thankful for all her kind words of encouragement and support over the past few years.  She was always available to listen and guide me in the right direction and will forever be a dear friend to me and Ashley.

Dorothy I know we will stay in-touch but I'll be missing all your wisdom, insight and your amazing presence at my side at all those school meetings.  Thank you for being one of Ashley biggest cheerleaders.  We love you!

Come back as I'll be posting video of Ashley walking unassisted with her walker very soon and she is going to trial a pretty pink wheel chair next month too.  I'll be sure to post some video clips.

Schools out!

What a year!
here's a look back
the first day of school this year for the boys

and my girl

 They had the very best teachers which is making me a little sad to see the year end.

 James really matured this year he's grown in so many ways.   His Teacher Mr U was great for him very soft spoken and lots of patients.  I just hope next year James will have a teacher with as much experience. He is off to grade 5 this fall.  He is growing up too fast isn't he.

My Damon he was very lucky to have a super sweet teacher she loves her students so much and oozes with excitement about all the things she is teaching in the classroom.   Her excitement about writing even helped Damon to progress in writing his weakness for sure but he still managed to shine with an appreciation alert for a great piece he wrote.  He learned so much from Ms B this year math science and arts in which he  excels and he made his mama so proud.    I hope all his teachers will be as sweet and caring as this amazing lady is.  Maybe one day Ashley or Taylor will be lucky enough to be in Ms B's class.

My girl I could just go on and on about her team of Mrs G and Mrs L I love them. They have allowed my girl to shine, accepted her and enabled her to make friends, learn and grow just like all the other kids in kindergarden she didn't miss out on anything this year. Ashley finished up today I know she will miss school the next two months I'll try my best to keep her days busy but we will be looking forward to returning to Mrs G class this fall that is for sure. I'm still hoping the school board will change their minds and let Mrs L stay and work with Ashley next year but it's not looking like that is going to happen right now.  Mrs L you will be missed by my girl and her mama that is for sure. 

I can't believe the year is over.  I'm not going to miss the morning routine and getting everyone out the door in a timely manner. I have to admit managing 4 can be challenging for me in the mornings we had our fair share of late stamps on my kids agendas.   Let's hope next year there will be less of these. 

  

The next two months is going to be packed with fun and lots of FAMILY Time.

What is a mom to do?

I could really use some advice -  today unexpectedly I learned that Ashley's beloved Educational Assistant will be sent to a new school next year.  I have to admit I never saw that coming.  Apparently it's a union decision not based on what is best for my child.

This year has been very successful for my girl.  She has made progress in all areas I've blogged about this many times here, here and here for starts.  We are just so thrilled with her teacher and Education Assistant they are so experienced, caring and loving and that spills over into the entire classroom in so many ways.

I started to place calls to  see what can be done about this, then send emails and rally Ashley's team.   What else is a mom to do?  I'm worried very worried this will be a set back for my girl Kindergarten is a 2 year program here in Ontario Junior Kindergarten then Senior Kindergarten why mess with such a good thing.  I don't understand how these decisions are made are the kids involved considered.  Ashley making steady progress why change something that is working so well.    I hope someone will see that this isn't the best decision.   Any advice for me I'd love some help with this?

Here is Ashley with Rose who we love!!

If emails, phone calls and meetings don't solve this maybe I'll have to start baking cookies. 

I have a blogging friend who that worked for. 

Single Plan of Care

I'm so excited I made a fabulous montage of Ashley doing all kinds of gross motor skills for her upcoming Single Plan of Care (SPOC) meeting. I'd love to share it right now but I think I want to  hold off so everyone can watch it at an upcoming team  meeting  May 12th.  It's really sweet.

This will be Ashley's second SPOC meeting at the school, many people attend as she has a PT, OT, CDA (Communication disorders assistant)  and speech therapist (SLP) for home and another team at school.  Her school principal, teacher, education assistant, special education teacher, case manager, early interventionist and a team co-ordinator also attend that is 15 people.  They  all help Ashley reach her full potential it's her DREAM TEAM. She even has a few other members of the team that won't be at the meeting, home nurse, school nurse and  a private PT.  She has 3 PT's on her team and they are all so skilled!  Many members of Ashley's team have come to be dear friends, who understand the ups and downs of this amazing journey we are on.  I feel so blessed to call them friends.

 My video includes a small tribute to her team it is impossible to thank them enough for loving Ashley and helping her excel but I can at least say thanks.

The school loves my girl

Ashley with her amazing EA

My heart is aching a little after reading another blog post  at Roostercalls. for kids that are not accepted and loved for who they are.

I feel so blessed that my beautiful girl Ashley is so totally loved by her teacher, educational assistance (EA) and all 16 children in her class.  Her early interventionist had a classroom visit with her earlier this week and stopped by afterwards to report that in all her years with EIS she has never seen a better teacher and EA.  She has visited many a classrooms over the years and was just totally blow away by how wonderful Ashley class is for her.  At her visit  the children all wanted to sit by Ashley at circle time,  they  have to take turns to  play with her during centre time.  They have picked her to be their partner when given the opportunity to take a friend to the office to drop of the attendance.  I need to allow plenty of time for drop off and pickup because they all gather around to say good morning and good-bye to my sweet girl. They ask me  if Ashley's is going to the park after school and if they can have a play date with Ashley.    Ashley's peers just adore her  just as she is,  she communicates with smiles and bright eyes rather then words and she is accepted.   She walks with assistance or a Kaye walker and spends time in her Otto bock (wheelchair) but they see a friend not a chair.   Today in class they watched a signing times video and many kids in the class where showing Ashley and I new signs as we left.  I can't help but smile when I leave her classroom.

Her teachers focus on her achievements and are optimistic about what she can do. The never once mentioned her limitations.  They find solutions rather then problems. Most of all they just love and accept her and so do her peers. I'm just so thankful to her teachers and  friends.

Junior Kindergarten - October

It's mid october and Ashley is adjusting well to JK despite missing a few days due to illness.  Today she received her step by step simple communication device ,  she had a good time with it. Her EA recorded greetings which she used when they visited people along the way to the library. When she pressed the button it said. "Hi, I'm going to the Library".

You can also  pre-record multiply messages  which they did for snack time she used her device to say  " I'm having cookies what are you having Mya?" ,  "And you Sarah"  , What are you eating Anna? and so on.  The girls eating with her responded right away and really enjoyed talking with her.   They wanted to try the button for themselves but Ashley EA explained it was Ashley voice they had their own.   Ashley was very pleased with all of this.

I was also told she loved the smartboard.  Ashley was thrilled to touch it and enjoy the alphabet software they were using to teach her the letters "a" and "s".  They are working on teaching her all the letters of her name.

My smart cookie!

I went with Ashley to JK this morning to meet with the school physiotherapist (PT) (who is also the school's occupation therapist (OT) ). In the real world this would be two separate professionals but here in the Canadian school system a PT is acting as both PT/OT.   She seems very qualified to do both roles I just would love it to be two people not sure why perhaps then Ashley would get more help.

We reviewed her one hand walking with Ashley's Educational Assistant as well as  walking with the walker.  Her EA seems comfortable doing both so Ashley's  getting great practice with  both types of walking each day at school which will really help her reach her goals of independent walking.

We also talked about getting Ashley a better chair for the classroom that can go very low so she sits with her peers at classroom work tables and also raises high enough  for her to work at the classrooms smartboard.  The school is also planning on ordering her a computer and switch which will act as a mouse and some software which will work on literacy skills. We are having another meeting to discuss the computer  and software in early november and I hope  to attend that meeting  as well.  I was told that I will likely get a copy of the software so she can practise at home  on her alternate days.

The PT also suggested we use a product similar to floam to wrap around chalk, crayons or markers to help her learn to make marks on paper or learn to  scribble.

They are also going to teach her to  tear paper , I was thinking perhaps tissue paper.  She spends tones of time now reading her books now and has never torn a page I don't think she has the strength or perhaps just needs to be shown how.    It should be fun to help her learn this I hope she won't tear her beloved books  after that.


Her  teacher  also told me today that she was able to use her eye  gaze communication to select requested numbers and she  found both number  1 and 2 on request with her eyes and followed thru by picking up the correct number!  That was as far as they got due to time so she is 2 for 2! 


She is also finishing everything sent  for snacktime  and i should send more food.  Image that from my skinny girl who just learn to eat back in March!!    I need to send more then 2 fudgeoos and oreos.  (I send fruit too but she loves the cookies and they have more calories!)

Next week she is going to attempt  staying for pizza lunch at school with her class on wednesday.

Winter in Canada - burr and ugh

Today it is - 18 C but feels like -26C with the WindChill and there is an extreme cold alert outside overnight. However this is Canada and my boys were very excited this morning to be going on a primary skate day. They will go skating outside on a nice figure eight trail that runs through the woods just minutes from the school. They will get some hot chocolate and they are bundled up. I'm glad i didn't volunteer to lace up skates. I don't think i could have handled the cold myself and Ashley would have been screaming she dislikes the cold when it's this bad and i can't say i blame her.

The groundhog said earlier this week that we have 6 more weeks of winter not sure if I'll make it! Dreaming of spring and seeing my crocous peak though the snow next month.

Special Pencils

First week of school is all done and both my boys received a special pencil from their teachers a reward for excellent behaviour all week. Damon told me he received his for being so nice all week only a small group of children in his class received this special reward.

James worked hard in class all week and was respectful to his peers and teachers a like. This is such an improvement compared to previous years where my oldest son teachers usually wanted a word with me after school within the first few days. Those words would always make me nervous. I can't be more pleased James is really maturing and is better a making positive choices and seems very determine to do the right thing. After school we are celebrating a close to the week with movies from blockbuster, popcorn and 7up. I love celebrating the little things with them.