Federal Court Judge Robert Payne of Richmond, Virginia ruled in favor of the parents in a 4 year struggle on behalf of their child with autism. The parents brought due process to seek reimbursement for their unilateral placement in a private school that specializes in teaching children with autism. The private school had the needed expertise and more importantly intensity to teach this child. The progress between the public school program and the private school program was profound. The case in full can be accessed by clicking here.
The newspaper coverage (I have not seen the actual case yet as it is so recent) states:
"Payne found that Henrico improperly offered Reid [the child] an educational program in which he would not make any more than minimal educational progress.
Payne ruled that evidence in the case showed Reid required a rigorous, intensive education program of between 20 and 30 hours of instruction per week. "The fifteen hours provided by the [county's plan] was insufficient," she said.
The Tutwiler's son began attending The Faison School in Richmond in December 2002 and immediately began showing huge strides in his ability to focus attention and speak. His vocabulary, almost nonexistent during his stay in Henrico schools, grew to 100 words."
The decision is quite lengthy and should serve as precedent in other cases around the country. I will review and comment on this decision in greater detail when I have access to this case which appears to be quite exciting for parents of children with autism as this factual situation frequently arises.
Hi,
This is my first time on a blog and all of the categories seem quite overwhelming, but a mom will do almost anything to help her son. Do you have any help for me? My son is in the 5th grade, reading at a 1st grade level, math at 2nd grade, and an IEP that the school isn't and refuses to follow. Our meeting yesterday left them referring us to mediation. My biggest problem is that we're in Augusta County, Virginia; the apparent desert of education, education services, and help. Can you help? I think I need to file a complaint with the State Department, but I want to make sure I do it right and we have a case.
Posted by: Deb | September 13, 2007 at 05:45 AM
I think you should become a member of copaa.org they can help you get the services you child deserves.
Because he lives
Posted by: Michelle | October 04, 2007 at 07:14 PM