I strongly oppose to the suggested changes to Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children With Disabilities in Virginia [8 VAC 20 ? 80] .  The two main changes that compelled me to comment is the change to take away parental involvement in the IEP process and the added days allowed to make a decision or act on a referral for special education needs.

I know from experience that allowing 65 days is going to be a problem, because 60 days is really to long and basically an entire marking period.  UNEXCEPTABLE!!!  I have a child that required special educational needs when he first entered public school.  His private school teacher and principal felt the same way.  I took him to public school thinking they would help him, which was a smoke screen because since my child didn't have a physical or noticeable disability they didn't think he needed any special education services.  Children with ADHD and Sensory Disorders are falling through the cracks because the school system doesn't deem it as a real disability, which was false in my case.  My child had a diagnosis of ADHD and developmental delays due to his extreme prematurity at birth, as well as, sensory difficulties.  Since he was learning he wasn't granted special education services he really needed; he did receive speech services,  His IEP never addressed his ADHD and that he was on medication which had adverse affects causing him to have volatile behavior when he was upset.  This was a student/child who was very polite, friendly, apologetic, and willing to please.  He was suspended half of his first grade year due to behavior which would not have happened if he was in the correct learning environment; Special Education.

For three years, kindergarten to second grade I had to be the advocate for my child.  My child finally  after getting test and evaluations constantly for three years straight  is finally in the class environment he needs to succeed.  I feel that if the parents voice is taken away, and choices are being made without the parents consent the child will suffer.  It should not have taken three years for my child to received the services he desperately needed when I took him out of private school.  One thing I do regret is that I listened when I was told to hold my child back a year because it was thought that he was immature, NOW I know that was a big mistake on my part.  I should have stuck to my guns.  Another mistake I made was to let my child get suspended for almost a whole marking period because of his behavior.  He didn't have the right teach or learning environment in the first grade.  It was a shame to have to change schools for second grade because no one at the school put my child first.  Teacher loyalty was first even though the adminstrative staff knew my child could not control his behaviors, and could not understand why he kept getting in trouble.  My voice saved my child from slipping through the cracks.  I will continue to be his voice even if the proposed plan to leave the parent out of the process is passed.  No one knows my child better than I do.

Trust me, the next thing I am going to fight for is having my placed in the gifted program.  He was chosen to particpate, but because of his behavior he was denied.  I can say now that he is no longer getting F's and getting A and Bs on his classwork due to his much needed class placement.

It is imperative that the VOICE of parents with a special needs student is heard and included in the entire process to place these children.  Yes, I am aware as to why children aren't placed appropriately or not all.  Most of the time it is funding and a shortage of qualified teachers to meet the needs of these children that cause these children to be lost, suspended from school, and develop low self-esteem.  I can say this because I have witnessed it, and it hurts to see your child struggle to conform to the norm as viewed by society and educators.  A child cannot function outside the walls of the perfect box.  Every child is unique and learn differently with and without special needs.  

All the parents that are advocating for their children, do not stop.  The most important thing you can do to help your child get an appropriate and comparable education is to stay educated and ask a lot of questions.  DO NOT TAKE "NO "FOR AN ANSWER!!!