Dianne,

I guess I'll come out of lurk mode too....we have twins with cp...one
fairly mild, the other REALLY involved.  I gave up on the printing idea
with the milder one when he was in first grade...simply because he couldn't
keep up academically if he had to write.  We went to doing Math on the
computer using a program called MathPad...and he went to typing his work.
We also began to homeschool.  Anyway, we continued to work on printing, but
not for academics.  He actually began working on cursive...which was
actually quite nice.  Now in 5th grade he has happily integrated into an
academically rigorous private school with NO outside services...and he is
doing quite well.  However, they allow him to dictate when necessary, type
when necessary, and write if absolutely necessary.  I am thankful we didn't
slow down his academic progress because of motor limitations.   His twin is
still working at home using a single switch and learning everything on the
computer.  Again, academically we have continued to keep pace although his
output is behind because he doesn't have the required stamina to do lengthy
output.  But he is getting there.  We live in Texas where unfortunately the
school district looked at these guys as a problem to be dealt with by
providing great babysitting because otherwise they would have to provide
real service and equipment.  (The school fought providing assistive
technology to both of these guys...the one drives his wheelchair with his
head and uses a communication device as well as the computer.)  Hopefully,
you are in a supportive district.

cheryl kloss




> [Original Message]
> From: Dianne Adams <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: 12/10/2004 9:59:31 AM
> Subject: IEP goals
>
> I'm a lurker, too.  But now I'd like your opinions on
> something.
>
> My 6 year old, Evan, has high tone and spasticity
> throughout his body, but his right hand seems pretty
> good, at least in comparison to his other extremities.
>  He's been trying to learn to write for about 2.5
> years.  He can write his first name, not quite
> legibly, in letters about 3/4 inch high.  He cannot
> write well enough to take spelling tests, arithmetic,
> or compose stories (we handle these now by dictation,
> writing his oral answers with a highlighter, and
> having him trace the letters and numbers).
>
> Is it time to throw in the towel on the printing, and
> look into an alphasmart or other technology?  Is being
> unable to jot down a phone number or write a check a
> serious enough issue that it's worth continuing to
> pursue?  He needs extra help with language and math,
> already, and there are only so many directions you can
> go at once, in a 6 hour school day.  We're having
> another IEP in January, and I'd be interested in your
> opinions.
>
> Regards,
> Dianne
>
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