Here it is, that time of year again. The school year is winding down, and the children are looking forward to another summer of fun and excitement.

However, my summer like all other parents of children with special needs will be one filled with anxiety and fear wondering if my child will receive the support he needs in order to be safe this coming school year.

This is the time of the year when I (like many other parents) sit in front of an I.P.R.C. (individual placement and review committee) hearing to decide the fate of our children. We are told about budget cuts, lack of funding to classrooms and schools, and lack of educational assistants (EA's) available for the students that need them. I understand about budgets, and available help as I, a single mother of three children struggle to provide for my children the support and stimulation that they need in order to thrive. I have had to deal with the bureaucracy of the school system since my children started school and wonder when I will ever have to stop living in a "flight or fight" mode as I feel that this is all I ever do.

I do my fair share of volunteering in the school, and try to follow up and implement all the recommendations (that I deem helpful) for my children from the many therapists, doctors, and teachers; and would consider myself a good parent. I just don't understand with all the stresses and challenges that we face as parents of children with special needs, why we would need to endure a battle every year to fight for our children's educational needs and safety with those that have chosen to teach as a way of life? I would love to see the day when we all work together for the best interests of the children, and not just the bottom line.

Education should be just about that, leave the politics to the politicians. Give our kids a chance.
Michelle Randell
via e-mail