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Old 10-10-2007, 08:04 AM
 
4 posts, read 23,430 times
Reputation: 14

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My family will be moving to the Alpharetta area due to my husband's job transfer. We have two children with high functioning autism. One is high school age and one is in junior high. We want to be where the teachers are understanding and helpful, and where the administration has programs in place that will help my kids succeed in school. In our current schools my kids are integrated into regular classes for some subjects (like PE and Art) and are in resource or special education classes for the core subjects (English, Math). Their schools also offer life skills classes where my kids can learn daily living skills to be independent (such as learning the city bus system). I would like to know how the school districts there would compare to what we have now. Can anyone share their experience or knowledge of the programs or help that is available for autistic and/or disabled children? Are the teachers and administrators understanding and helpful?
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Old 10-10-2007, 04:01 PM
 
3,972 posts, read 12,656,056 times
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Given that you have two children, would you consider paying a special ed advocate for advice before you make the move. As a whole, GA is pretty pathetic when it comes to special needs kids, but there are some bright spots.

If you are interested in some names, send me a private message and I can give you the names of a couple of advocates who might be able to advise you well.
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Old 10-15-2007, 09:55 AM
 
1 posts, read 3,988 times
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Default Looking for autism advocate in fulton schools

I would be very interested in getting the names of some autism advocates. My son has been in the Fulton County School system for some time and we could use some help.

Thanks
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Old 04-02-2008, 12:33 PM
 
1 posts, read 3,748 times
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Default Moving to Alpharetta

I have also considering moving to Alpharetaa for a job offer and need to know the school services (and other services) available in Alpharetta.
I would appreciate if have any information regarding a good school (my son is 5 years and experted to start Kindergarten next school year).

Thanks!
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Old 04-02-2008, 05:21 PM
 
82 posts, read 335,403 times
Reputation: 15
I'm coming from the other side of the country, but would this approach work?
  1. Pay for a private independent assessment to determine child's current abilities and needs.
  2. Take this information with you to the I.E.P. and demand services as outlined in the assessment.
  3. Hire an attorney and file for due process against the school district if (when) you are denied the appropriate services.
  4. Seek reimbursement for attorney's fees and assessment as part of settlement with the school district.
It has been my experience that the district's representatives at the I.E.P. will pick services from the 'district menu' but aren't necessarily authorized to authorize APPROPRIATE educational services individualized for your child as is required by law. I've found a good attorney to be quite effective at 'persuading' them to follow the law. YMMV.
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Old 04-02-2008, 06:29 PM
 
3,972 posts, read 12,656,056 times
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GA isn't like other states-- parents frequently lose legal battles. The judicial system is very pro schools -- it much better to find a negotiated settlement before you end up in front of a judge.
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Old 04-02-2008, 09:48 PM
 
82 posts, read 335,403 times
Reputation: 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by lastminutemom View Post
GA isn't like other states-- parents frequently lose legal battles. The judicial system is very pro schools -- it much better to find a negotiated settlement before you end up in front of a judge.

That is true here as well. In my experience, however, an attorney is invaluable in negotiating a settlement.

FWIW, I only know of a few people who have had to go all the way to hearing without a settlement. You do not want to go to hearing if you don't have to.
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Old 04-13-2008, 09:56 PM
 
68 posts, read 515,882 times
Reputation: 48
it's funny, well not...I don't want to go into the specifics of my situation with my autistic child in GA, for legal reason

but, i think every right has blatantly been violated since we moved here. We are moving across country to get out of GA. SC - NO, NC - NO....I hate Florida, so that's not an option.

maybe a lawyer could help, but from what I understand you have to have some major support. The problem is (one of many) the resources just aren't there. They promote inclusion, yet do not provide support services. And so there are NO options. At least where we live in GA.

good luck!
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