Special needs kids and their parents deserve support
I am writing concerning the May 23 oped ("Jake's Fate") from Renee Georgi regarding the letter she received about her son and his education in the Hampton School District.
Earlier that week, the Post-Gazette ran an article showing how religious institutions are reaching out to families of those with disabilities to help meet their needs and make them feel part of the community ("Autism Comes into Fold," May 23). A few days later we have families sending an anonymous letter to Ms. Georgi about removing her son from his community. They feared their children were not getting the attention they needed to gain admission to a good college or university because Jake was in their class. Ms. Georgi's response to them was eloquent.
Yes, unfortunately, more and more colleges expect high school students to take multiple AP (college level) courses in high school. We are right to question colleges and universities about this change. Whatever happened to high school being the time to learn to be an adult and college being the place for college-level classes?
ABOARD (The Advisory Board on Autism & Related Disorders) has existed for 14 years with a mission to "maximize the potential and possibilities for those on the autism spectrum." We do this by providing support to families through an extensive network of parent support groups and telephone support.
I congratulate the Hampton School District for its efforts to educate all of its students with special needs in the least restrictive environment possible. Congratulations also to Jake and his friends who have shared many life lessons during their educational experience. Those life lessons are what high school should be about, too.
ELLIOT FRANK
Chair
Advisory Board on Autism & Related Disorders
Etna
Earlier that week, the Post-Gazette ran an article showing how religious institutions are reaching out to families of those with disabilities to help meet their needs and make them feel part of the community ("Autism Comes into Fold," May 23). A few days later we have families sending an anonymous letter to Ms. Georgi about removing her son from his community. They feared their children were not getting the attention they needed to gain admission to a good college or university because Jake was in their class. Ms. Georgi's response to them was eloquent.
Yes, unfortunately, more and more colleges expect high school students to take multiple AP (college level) courses in high school. We are right to question colleges and universities about this change. Whatever happened to high school being the time to learn to be an adult and college being the place for college-level classes?
ABOARD (The Advisory Board on Autism & Related Disorders) has existed for 14 years with a mission to "maximize the potential and possibilities for those on the autism spectrum." We do this by providing support to families through an extensive network of parent support groups and telephone support.
I congratulate the Hampton School District for its efforts to educate all of its students with special needs in the least restrictive environment possible. Congratulations also to Jake and his friends who have shared many life lessons during their educational experience. Those life lessons are what high school should be about, too.
ELLIOT FRANK
Chair
Advisory Board on Autism & Related Disorders
Etna