She wanted to see our nation's history. We helped her get there. #AdvocacyMatters
August 11, 2017 / #AdvocacyMatters
Tasia's eighth-grade class was planning a trip to Washington, D.C., and although her developmental disabilities made it difficult for her to focus on tasks and move efficiently from place to place, she was excited to go. Her grandmother, Jeanne, provided all of the required information and paid for the trip, but Tasia's teachers made some stipulations: she had to have good behavior between March and May, she could not go to every D.C. site, and she could not stay in a hotel room with her peers. Frustrated with the school's restrictions, Jeanne called DRO for help.
A DRO attorney requested a meeting to discuss the proposed restrictions and accommodations. However, Tasia was suddenly told by school administrators she could not go, despite Tasia meeting the behavior requirements. Our attorney stepped up her advocacy, writing a letter to the superintendent, who finally arranged the meeting we had requested. The district agreed to provide a one-on-one aide for Tasia and have a wheelchair available, if necessary.
With these simple accommodations, the trip was a success. Tasia participated in every activity with no problems and roomed with three other students. Like most middle-schoolers, her favorite part was hanging out with her friends, though she also enjoyed seeing the Lincoln Memorial and talking with soldiers at Annapolis. Jeanne says the trip has increased Tasia's self-esteem, making her feel more confident about going to high school this fall.
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