Interview with Jeanne Middleton, Parent of a Student with Special Needs

(J. Milton, personal communication, December 17, 2012.)

1. When and how did you find out that your child has special needs?
During an ultrasound visit, there were markers that indicated that my baby had
some health concerns. This caused us to get further testing, which revealed that
she would be born with Downs Syndrome.
2. What was the first thing you did when you found out?
I cried and hugged my husband. After dealing with our emotions, we started to
find out what we could do to prepare for our baby and asked questions about
immediate and long term health concerns. In addition, we sought out information
to begin a trust fund to provide for her future.
3. What services were you able to find/provide for your child?
We received support through health care providers, speech and occupational
therapies, and financial support from the Katie Beckett program.
4. Why did you choose to send your child to your local public school?
It was the only choice; the only special education program in our area was
offered at the public school.
5. What are some strong aspects of your local public special education program?
Being in a small public school district: 3 elementary, 1 middle, and 1 high school,
our daughter receives great services. Throughout the years in elementary and
middle school there were low teacher to student ratios in the Special Education
Department. I am very active in the schools community and work with other
parents in Coffee Talks with the principals and teachers. I know all the players
and understand how to work up the chain of command in the district. Its easy for
me to communicate what I know my daughter needs. Changes in her learning
are easy to address with all the resources I have available. With a smaller

district and my networking abilities, my daughter is able to maintain her

occupational and physical therapy services longer.
6. What are some things you would like to change about your local public special
education program?
I think they need more staff at the middle and high school levels. Teachers need
to be more prepared in working with students with high level of needs in the
Special Education Department. As my daughter was to transition to the high
school, during our meeting there was a high school teacher who stated, she
just doesnt fit into our program This forced us to choose to keep my daughter
at the middle school for another year. The districts response to this meeting was
a shifting of teachers at the high school, weeding out in so many words.
7. What advice would you give other parents going through a similar situation?
Found out as much as you can about your school districts special education
program, be actively involved in your childs education, and seek out and
establish a relationship with all the key players of the staff and administration. Be
active and involved in any parent committees that your school offers.
8. Is there anything you would have done different?
I should have pushed for more. I should have pushed for my daughter to have
sign language taught while she was in the 3-5 program. Her speech and
language therapist refused to teach it. I should have asked for more usage of
PECS. Looking back at my daughters early years, I do wish I would have known
more.
9. Where do you see the future of Special Education going in the next 10 years?
In our district, I see less money being spent on the program. Ive been involved in
meetings and see how the shift of funding is going. Parents are asking for more

support for non-school related activities. Parent are becoming more demanding
and asking for representatives to help them which results in the school district
paying the bill (for representation to be at the meeting- not services).
10. What activities is your daughter involved in?
My daughter has participated with Best Buddies at her high school.
11. Where do you see your child in the next 10 years?
After my daughter graduates, she will work at a sheltered workshop (DVR).