----- Original Message -----
From: "Tozzi, Joe" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>; <[log in to unmask]>
Cc: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2003 11:03 AM
Subject: [SEC508] Annette Benigno...lady seeking assistance


Since our experience focuses internal to Department employees, I am
appealing to those with real world experience to assist this lady.
Thank you.
Joe


-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2003 10:45 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Annette Benigno...laptop


Dear Mr. Tozzi,

I have a son who is in 6th grade.  He has ADD/Tourettes.  Since
kindergarten, he has been receiving Occupational Therapy to help improve his
handwriting, spelling, and organizational skills.  All along he had
classroom modifications to help him. This year, they gave him SEC 504, and
took away the classroom modifications.  The school restructured the 6th
grade and has all the children changing classes for each subject.  His
teachers have a difficult time reading his handwriting and often grade him
lower, or make him redo his work.  His study notes are illegible.  He cannot
read what he writes.  Although he knows the materials for exams, he feels
that if he takes his time to write neater, he will not have enough time to
complete the exam.

Occupational therapy has been training him on a key board (typing), but, he
is sent to his class with pen and paper.

It is my goal to prove to my school that a laptop/computer notebook would be
an assitive technological tool for him.  He is a smart boy.  A
laptop/notebook would give him the independence he needs to work to his
potential.  He is frustrated and is losing his spirit to learn.

If you can forward this email, perhaps someone would send me information
that can show my district the benefits of using this technology.

Thank you (so much)for your time and effort,
Sincerely,
Annette Benigno