Where to Turn When Answers Don't Come Easy

[phillymama25]

 Many of you may know the trials that I've been through with trying to get Peter the therapy and help that he needs for his speech delay, not to mention the problems it's causing for school registration. I keep being entwined in more and more beauracratic red tape. Right now, there is a shortage of speech therapists, not only in the state of Pennsylvania, but nationwide. What this means is that more and more children are being lost in a system and not receiving the help that they so desperately need. So much for a No Child Left Behind, huh?

     In this day and age, where technology and communication are key, those who are unable and ill-equipped to communicate are being tossed to the wayside. Where this country stands now, in a state of flux and uncertainty; where prices go up and the word recession can very quickly turn to depression, why should we care about our children? Why should their well-being be of any need for concern or the lack thereof, be of any consequence? The price of the almighty dollar is more important.

     Peter's occupational therapist explained to me that "the powers that be" are redefining speech therapy needs. They have placed the various types of need on a "tree." Those diagnoses that fall on the bottom levels will not be eligible for services. Articulation disorder, which is what Peter has, (see blog posted on Monday, February 12th, 2007 for details of the disorder) will not be covered. How can a diagnosis be made and not be treated? A child that can not be understood correctly is as bad as a child who doesn't speak at all! In a time when perverts and child predators are abundant, we are unnecessarily putting our children in harms way. A child that can't talk or express themself openly and clearly is almost like a sitting duck. These children are going to be more prone to these sick people and unwanted encounters.

     In a country where everyone is quick to defend their freedom of expression, why aren't we making a bigger push for our children to have the therapy and services that are due to them? As these children grow older, with their lack of communication skills, how will they be able to express themselves? Should we as parents, teachers and adults, just sit back and not stand together in order to push for our children's rights?

      In September, my baby will be joining thousands of other children in their first year of formal education. How am I to put him out to pasture with the wolves? A quote by Errol Flynn quickly comes to mind, "It isnt' what they say about you, it's what they whisper." With his lack of articulation and the constant inevitable bombardment of "What?", "Huh?" and "What did he say?", Peter is destined to be laughed at and spoken negatively about. Not only will he have to endure this, but I will too.

     Tired of my frustration and being aggrivated, about two weeks ago, I gave in and wrote to Harrisburg about these issues. I've quickly gotten phone calls and e-mails from people and phone numbers to lawyers. Why does it always seem as if no one moves until a fire is sparked under their behind? Why does my angry, hostile attitude have to rear it's head before things begin to move in a positive direction? Things could have been rolling a long time ago.

     I want to pass along the information that I've obtained so far in the hopes that it may help someone else. Please feel free to comment or add information that you may have. Let's begin to make a change in the way that special needs are being met.

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The Law Center (specializes in special needs advocacy-FREE)

215-238-6970

 

The Department of Education

1-717-783-6788

 

Shatarupa Podder, Acting Chief

Bureau of Early Intervention Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning

Department of Education and Public Welfare

333 Market Street, 7th Floor, PDE Building

Harrisburg, PA 17126

 

John J. Tommasini, Director

Bureau of Special Education

Department of Education

333 Market Street, 7th Floor

Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333

 

Diane Yenerall, Business Manager

PA Speech-Language-Hearting Association

800 Perry Highway, Suite 3

Pittsburgh, PA 15229-1128

 

Kevin Casey,Deputy Secretary

Office of Developmental Programs

Department of Public Welfare

Health and Welfare Building, Room 502

P.O. Box 2675

Harrisburg, PA 17105-2678

 

Lisa Parker, Early Intervention Advisor
Office of Child Development and Early Learning
Bureau of Early Intervention Services
610-265-7321, ext. 220
717-982-3124
[e-mail]

[GoGreen2Day]

Aug. 3, 2008 at 11:24 AM

voted pop, and I hope many other's do the same!!  It's terrible what mother's go through to help our children!  I have 2 special needs children and it's never easy to get the help that's needed!  Keep us posted!

[bugsandpirates]

Aug. 3, 2008 at 11:08 PM

I completely understand your frustration.  I didn't not have nearly as much aggravation when I requested an evaluation for my middle son for a speech delay.  And I was lucky to get an hour a week with a wonder speech therapy, who I am still friends with to this day.

However, what boggled my mind was the paperwork and the time that needed to be spent to have the evaluation seen through from start to finish.  This is where I can see a parent becoming frustrated and giving up on getting the help that is suppose to be there to receive.  Its definitely not easy and if we don't stay on top of the paperwork alone, our children can become lost between the cracks!

I wish you the very best of luck with your son.

[tinamatt]

Aug. 4, 2008 at 8:23 AM

I have a son with autism and speech therapy is part of his program.  We live in GA and I am fully convinced that the system makes it as difficult as possible so that parents will give up and the state will not have to spend money.