Epilepsy In Education

[RoseOfDawn]

Hiii.

Well my sister's had epilepsy since she was 4 years old. She's now 11. For about 7 years, we've battled with schools and hospitals so that she can get the proper care she needs. Now that we've finally got her settled into a good school, she's moving on to high school. We wanted her to go into a mainstream high school, so she could have the opportunity to be 'normal' for once in her life.
So we applied to get her a 1-2-1 aid in to help her in classes such as home economics and technology, but also in academically challenging classes as well as (due to medication) she can lose concentration or have absences and miss things.
Now I've just been told that the application has been denied.
They won't give us a proper reason for it though. It's not like she doesn't need it, they just cant be bothered spending money for her to get it.

I feel so angry and let down. Why is the system like this?
And worse still, its making the atmosphere in my house really bad. You could cut it with a knife and my parents are always arguing.
My sister doesn't know - we don't want to tell her in case it hurts her. Sounds bad, I know, but she's only 11.
My mum's really upset about it. She looks so down all the time, like she's ready just to give up.

We've fought for so long. Why can't they just help us?
It would improve my family and help us so much.

Is there anyone I can complain to or ask for help?

Thanks x.

[Lozzaa]

The system isn't willing to spend money, thats basically the sole reason.

My brother is in a wheel chair and we have had to fight for every piece of equipment he owns. I know how hard it is, you just have to keep appealing it and fighting your case!

xx

[ForeverAutumn*]

Money can get in the way of things a lot of the time, the bottom line is that, many school systems just don't want to spend the money. That doesn't mean to just give up though; make noise, push the school system to get a solid answer out of them, take it up with the school committee, the superintendent...go as far as you need to go. If you make enough noise and push hard enough, something will end up being done. The school won't want a negative reputation, no matter how much the cost of your sister's aid might be.

Hm, something to think about would also be talking with the school system, you might be able to work something out where you can pay part of the cost?

Talk with your parents about family counseling - with or without your sister, up to you. I think seeing a counselor would be beneficial for both your parents, because it'll help them to be able to sort out how they're feeling about all of this and hopefully help your mum come to terms with your sister's disability as well. Family counseling can help all of you learn how best to help your sister too. [:

Here anytime you'd like to talk about anything, take good care of yourself. <3