I am a graduate of James Madison High School class of 1996. I was included from elementary school at London Towne to middle school at Little Rocky Run to Centreville and Chantilly High Schools. My parents worked with the school system to make sure I was included in all areas of my educational career to ensure that I developed my social and educational skills—to the best of my ability.

 

Sometimes I think my parents felt like they had to fight to provide me with the opportunities to be the most well rounded student possible. You see, my parents always saw my abilities and believed I could be anything I wanted to be… Although there are a lot of great people working the schools-- sometimes the school “system” needed a reminder that I was more just a special education label, and that’s where my parents were important!

 

I am very concerned about the proposed changes to special education regulations. I think it is important for parents to serve as partners in their child’s education. It important because parents know what is good for their kid-- regardless of his/her intellectual disability.

 

 In 2008 Virginia does a good job of making sure parents and schools partner to help children of all abilities benefit from an array of learning communities—we ask you to support parental involvement and partnership in the learning process. Until I was able to develop my own voice, I really needed my parents to have one for me. It is not easy having challenges associated with learning and living—but when you know that everyone is working for you—it makes living “A Life Like Yours” more possible.

 

Thank you,

 

Jill Egle’,

Graduate of Fairfax County

Special Education

1625 Beulah Rd.

Vienna, Va 22182

703-915-5353