Brad and Bri both attend our public high school. Brad is in the ninth grade and Bri the tenth. They each have an individual aide with them all day. This in itself is a challenge. Both kids love their aides and substitute aides but finding them special someones are sometimes difficult.

Bri’s aide is Ms. Altom. She is not only there for Bri’s size and academic assistance but to provide her health care services required for her to attend school. Ms. Farmer is the substitute aide when Ms. Altom is absent. Last year we faced a major challenge when my niece Bri’s aide then resigned. This was a very difficult transition for Bri and resulted in a lot of stress on her. God smiled on us finally and sent Ms. Altom. We are thankful for her. For anyone with health care needs at school feel free to email me. I will be glad to help you all I can. Your school nurse should know your childs medical needs inside and out for she is the lifelink when they are at school. Ms. Debbie is ours and I bet she can recite Bri’s needs. I am thankful for her help and assistance in developing and training staff to care for Bri.

Brad’s aide is a wonderful lady, Ms. Conlon. She is so great with him. Brad is a ball of energy and is a typical 15 year old boy. During jr. high Brad really needed a male assistant and role model, Adam, Derek and Joey, filled a role that they will never know was so important. They were that “guy” he needed to hang out with during school. Self image and acceptance of his differences was at a pivotal time then. These guys help him transition into the nice young man he his. When Joey left along came Ms. Conlon. Both Brad and Ms. Conlon were a little nervous about each other at first. However, they now share an unbelievable bond. Brad worries about her and her about him. They know how to work hard and achieve. Thank you Ms. Conlon!!!

On the academic front, both kids have their own individual plan. They both make great grades and have achieved a lot. I am sure you guys out there have many questions. Please feel free to ask. If you would wish to just email me that would be fine.

Another important area for Bri and Brad is being included with their peers. This is probably the most important thing. Bri and Brad’s peers don’t even think of them as
different. They see them as they are and accept that. They have great friendships and participate in extracurricular activities with the district. I would encourage all families to push this for your kids. Our school district from administrators down know that I expect Bri and Brad to be included just like the other students.

We have had times when I and the district disagreed on this but they know exactly how important I feel this is. Sometimes its a hard job for parents to be your childs advocate, you don’t always make friends but it is your Parental duty to advocate for them. I would suggest to find someone to help you. My Aunt Jane, Dad, Chastity and Brandi all helped us through some difficult educational times. I can never repay them for the support. We even had to get a local legal firm to help. I hated this but unfortunately it is sometimes necessary. Remember your schools have an attorney at their fingertips.

I will leave it at that but feel free to comment, I welcome it.

Christy