The special needs population is growing. Government funding is shrinking. The coming crises for millions of parents.
A story of a family was recently included in Newsweek. The story surrounded a boy naked eli and his family of four including his brother, sister, and mom. Eli has a whole slue of medical problems including cerebral palsy, celiac disease, epilepsy, asthma, and what his mom calls "pretty severe" autism.
"Having one of the state's personal-care attendants (PCAs) come in for 30 hours a week would make a world of difference: the attendant could take him to therapy, help him practice life skills like brushing his teeth and showering, watch him while Toucey studied. Maybe then she could give more attention to her other kids"
The mother has said herself that Eli's seizures and social issues make it all but impossible to leave him with a random babysitter. "There's only a handful of people he can be with."
Although it would be beneficial for this family to receive government assistance by providing a PCA, the government cannot due so because government funding is shrinking even though the special needs population is increasing.
Quotes from: WHEN LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH. By: Cottle, Michelle, Newsweek, 00289604, 5/7/2012, Vol. 159, Issue 19
We are definitely in a time whereby we have to do more with less funding. How might you, as a classroom teacher, work with families to be supportive in this environment?
ReplyDeleteI think having someone work with this child and be with him most of the time would be very beneficial. The mother isnt comfortable leaving him with just anyone and I dont blame her. The child has severe needs that need to be met. As a teacher you could maybe suggest some support groups that could help this parent work through this and find care for her child.
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