Where does a parent's responsibility end and the school/state's responsibility begin? Our audiologist has recommended that Dylan use the software program "FastForward" next year. It's software that helps to retrain the brain's ability to process information (neat huh?). The school doesn't offer it. It's several thousand dollars from what I hear and we don't have the money for it. Someone said to fight the school, make them pay for it. That feels wrong to me. I am his parent - it's my responsibility isn't it?
A coworker told me her sister got funding from the state to build a sensory room for her son. $1,000 from the state of Massachusetts! How cool is that? Her son is severely delayed and is blind. She also has very limited income as well. I looked to see if something like that was offered locally for Dylan. It appears there is. However, I stopped. There are so many people in our state who probably need these services more than us. Would a sensory room or something like hat make a huge difference to Dylan? Part of me wants to ask for help - we could really use help but part of me doesn't want to take away from someone who may need it more. I guess it's the Jewish guilt thing. I don't know. I really need to process this. Anyone have any insight?
I know what you mean. But I think if the funding is available then you should try. Your family pay taxes and deserve assistance when necessary. You could always give back in some other way, maybe you already do. I wouldn't feel bad about it, you're not doing anything bad or illegal.
ReplyDeleteI know but I just feel bad. I can't explain why. Gah, I hate this. I need to hit the lottery! Then at least I wouldn't have to worry about money right?
ReplyDeleteI hear you. We won $259.00 last week but we don't think we'll retire just yet.
ReplyDeleteWoo Hoo! That's awesome! Buy yourself a pretty new frock :)
ReplyDeleteI think people should take any help they can get, I dont' think the $1000 is going to really effect our taxes (it's all of the different instances where this adds up).
ReplyDeleteI tend to think like you. I was talking with a lady once in the neurosurgeon's waiting room who's son was far more disabled than Ellie. She was telling me about all these crazy services we could apply for and gave me her number. The whole time she was telling me, I kept thinking I wouldn't do any of them because Ellie isn't that bad off. Clearly there are other kids that can use the services more than she could. Not that I think it would be wrong to accept the services, I just know that I won't.
ReplyDeleteSave - it's not about taxes. I pay taxes out the wazoo in my town. It's more about taking away resources from someone who may need it more. It's not an endless supply of money. I'd worry that taking services may take away from someone else who needs it more. That being said, if it was determined he needs more services than I can afford, I will have no other choice than to ask for help.
ReplyDeleteKim - reason 3,423,634 I love you :) You get me.
It sounds like an interesting program. Perhaps a partial pay by the school district would be fair. I would not worry that you are taking services away from someone else who needs it. The law requires a free and appropriate education for all disabled persons regardless of the degree of disability. If you are disabled, you are disabled. IMO, you must look out for your son as your first priority. Go for it!!
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