Letter to the Editor: Disappointed By School Department Decision
A mother's request for a special door-to-door bus service for her daughter while she recuperates from surgery is denied.
On November 13, my youngest daughter underwent orthopedic surgery. As a result, she is now in a long leg cast for six weeks and on crutches. The physical therapist told us that it would be easier for her to climb and descend from a bus than from a car. Consequently, we contacted the East Greenwich School Department to discuss providing special bus service to transport her while she is disabled for the six weeks, and the subsequent six weeks for the second phase of the surgery.
After considering the issue, the school department decided they will not provide any accommodation. My daughter’s regular bus drops her off on Main Street. An 11-year-old child is expected to walk several blocks with a 30-pound cast and a heavy backpack while on crutches because the school department will not provide the necessary accommodation.
The doctor’s words still linger: You don’t have to bear weight twice to ruin the operation – it can occur if you make one mistake.
As her mother, I will make sure that she is not at risk of this occurring. As for the East Greenwich School Department, I hope you can justify your decision.
Very Truly Yours,
East Greenwich Taxpayer
PM JONES
1:34 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
This is absolutely ridiculous. Why are we paying such high taxes for a school dept and/or bus company contract that ignores basic human services? This child has a disability - albeit temporary - and is entitled to accommodation under state and federal laws.
When my children were younger, there were occasions when my employment required me to be away at the time they would arrive home. We would simply write a note confirming that they were to accompany Student A to their home - for that day or for any specific period. Later, these requests began to be denied. The school dept said it was the bus company. My children were older by that point, so I did not pursue it.
But if they had been younger, you can be sure I would have gathered other parents and protested the school department's condoning this unacceptable practice of of treating children and their parents as if they were mere cogs in the wheels of the bus companies' profits. I encourage the school committee or the school department to renegotiate any existing and future agreements to correct this deplorable practice.
Lily
2:14 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Pretty sure that's illegal under IDEA (federal law).
C. Students with Temporary Disabilities: Students who may not be eligible for IDEA services but who have a temporary disability such as a broken leg are also entitled to temporary transportation services if necessary to enable them to participate in school.
http://www.ride.ri.gov/OSCAS/State_federal_regulations/default.aspx
Bluedog
2:30 pm on Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Sorry to disagree.. but as a parent is YOUR responsibility to make the necessary accommodations for your child if they cannot use the standard mode of transportation for a brief period. I do not have issue with a child that is permanently disabled receiving such accommodations. My daughter broke her leg in third grade. She went back to school in a wheelchair and over the following months she needed this along with a walker and crutches. I did not ask the school department to provide transportation. I brought her back and forth to school with the help of family and friends when I was not able. This is your child and your responsibility. I agree with the the school committee.