by Common Ground | May 2, 2017 | Parents, Uncategorized
By Janice Fialka I was sitting in one of those meetings where everyone wished they were someplace else. The fake smiles could not dissipate the thick fog of tension that impaired our vision. I, the parent of a child with disabilities, was being told that my...
by Common Ground | Sep 4, 2016 | Parents, Professionals, Teachers
Friends and family can be important influences to help someone get the mental health treatment and services they need by: Reaching out and letting them know you are available to help Helping them access mental health services Learning and sharing the facts about...
by Common Ground | Sep 4, 2016 | Parents
By Hillary D. Freeman, Esq. Students who qualify for special education and related services under the IDEA shall not be punished the same as regular education students for behaviors that are a product of their disabilities. Instead, the IEP team shall determine...
by Common Ground | Apr 15, 2016 | Parents, Professionals, Teachers
Schools are required to accommodate frequent absences when caused by a disability or chronic illness. For such students, a “health plan” should be developed as part of an IEP or a 504 Plan. Often, services and supports can be delivered in an alternative setting, such...
by Common Ground | Feb 18, 2016 | Parents
By Joanne DeSimone He was 5 years old and autistic but reachable. He was delayed, but came to your kindergarten class counting, knowing his alphabet and writing his name. There were sensory issues that couldn’t be avoided in a large New York City classroom, and I...
by Common Ground | Nov 4, 2013 | Parents
By: Lyn Pollard “By far the biggest challenge that I observe my kids facing at school isn’t academic. It’s just being accepted for who they are and how they learn, communicate and play by their peers…”I had to name the most challenging thing that I feel my...
by Common Ground | Sep 21, 2012 | Parents, Professionals, Q&A, Teachers
An assistive technology (AT) device is used to maintain or improve the functional capabilities of a student with a disability. An assistive technology service assists in the selection, acquisition, or use of an AT device, and incorporates evaluations, modifications,...
by Common Ground | Apr 16, 2012 | Parents, Professionals, Q&A, Teachers
“Children with apraxia often have family members who have a history of communication disorders or learning disabilities. This observation and recent research findings suggest that genetic factors may play a role in the disorder.” Apraxia of speech (called...
by Common Ground | Apr 5, 2012 | Features, Parents, Professionals, Teachers
By: Dr. Meir Flancbaum As a teacher, you can serve as the child’s “coach,” when he implements strategies in the classroom. Sam is a bright, considerate, athletic middle school student, but he dreads going to school. Throughout his day, unintended movement and noises...
by Common Ground | Sep 12, 2011 | Features, Parents, Professionals, Teachers
An Interview with an Expert on Bullying Provides a Thought-provoking Perspective “Bullying by teachersis enabled by a conspiracy of silence.” – Dr. Alan McEvoyBy Jean Harkness Many parents would advise a child that the only way to deal with bullies is to stand...
by Common Ground | Sep 12, 2011 | Parents, Professionals, Q&A, Teachers
By Ira M. Fingles, Esq. “The judge noted that the student’s grades took into consideration effort, and were the result of a lot of prompting, cueing, and modifications.”Many students have what is referred to as ‘invisible disabilities’ that manifest in...
by Common Ground | Sep 12, 2011 | Parents
By Lisa Shields After a child is born, parents focus on the “milestones:” Sitting up. Crawling. First Words. Walking. For parents of kids with disabilities, milestones hold their luster. We become less interested in the “time line” than we are in the actual...
.