A Harsh Reality
Something we have learned is that everyone lives and exists inside their own little bubble. If Covid taught us one thing- it is that our bubble is where 99% of our existence is. Some bubbles are small, and some are large. There is nothing wrong with living inside our bubbles and in some way we all do it. What I am about to write about is the painful part....The part where we realize these bubbles are fragile.
Often times we can relate to people around us and their stories, their situations. What we can't really understand though, is all the details that are left unsaid and un-experienced...The parts that are hidden away, inside a bubble.
From the outside in our family is pretty great....to be honest it is pretty great on the inside too. But, there is a harsh reality that many people (up until last week) didn't understand. Our life is lovely, but it isn't easy. We have challenges, as does everyone else. Recently and incredible series was started by OPB that highlights the horrible situation students in Portland Public Schools with special needs are in.
We have lived this experience for 3 years with PPS. It is a fight everyday. The teachers all want to help, but the district refuses. PPS refuses to even acknowledge that there is a problem.
For the past year we have been trying to gain more district support to help our son, and students alike. We were very lucky last year at a different school that the principal was able to advocate for him to get what he needed. Even with promising data, he doesn't have access to those services this year (at a new school we were forced to attend.) The district makes excuses and passes blame constantly. When this article came out, the district representative of Special Education called me. Fun Fact, I had left countless messages for this person to call me before this article came out. Not only was this person condescending and rude, this person said that in fact, our sons school is "over-staffed" and even though the teachers and staff all agree that they can't support these children- they are wrong. This person also said that I should find comfort in the fact that our son is "not the only child who has escaped the building." What?!
Throughout this conversation this person never acknowledged that the district has any fault. Instead they blamed the staff at the schools and made empty promises.
Often times we can relate to people around us and their stories, their situations. What we can't really understand though, is all the details that are left unsaid and un-experienced...The parts that are hidden away, inside a bubble.
From the outside in our family is pretty great....to be honest it is pretty great on the inside too. But, there is a harsh reality that many people (up until last week) didn't understand. Our life is lovely, but it isn't easy. We have challenges, as does everyone else. Recently and incredible series was started by OPB that highlights the horrible situation students in Portland Public Schools with special needs are in.
We have lived this experience for 3 years with PPS. It is a fight everyday. The teachers all want to help, but the district refuses. PPS refuses to even acknowledge that there is a problem.
For the past year we have been trying to gain more district support to help our son, and students alike. We were very lucky last year at a different school that the principal was able to advocate for him to get what he needed. Even with promising data, he doesn't have access to those services this year (at a new school we were forced to attend.) The district makes excuses and passes blame constantly. When this article came out, the district representative of Special Education called me. Fun Fact, I had left countless messages for this person to call me before this article came out. Not only was this person condescending and rude, this person said that in fact, our sons school is "over-staffed" and even though the teachers and staff all agree that they can't support these children- they are wrong. This person also said that I should find comfort in the fact that our son is "not the only child who has escaped the building." What?!
Throughout this conversation this person never acknowledged that the district has any fault. Instead they blamed the staff at the schools and made empty promises.
After some contemplation it is more clear than ever that these children are NOT a priority. That there safety is not a priority. That there education is not a priority. THIS is the harsh reality. The bubble that we have lived in privately for 3 years is out there. Sharing this story, Oli's story, is very personal. It is something that brings light to a very dark situation.
The question remains:
The question remains:
So what do we has parents do? Our reality is that we have to figure something else out.
After the article came out many people shared that they can relate. Many people also shared there shock and disappointment regarding the situation that we are in. It's a harsh thing when reality hits you in the face. It is a harsh moment when you realize that THIS is the reality that many people struggle with. Maybe it is time we try to step out of the bubble. We share that this experience is part of the day-to-day for so many parents and children.
After the article came out many people shared that they can relate. Many people also shared there shock and disappointment regarding the situation that we are in. It's a harsh thing when reality hits you in the face. It is a harsh moment when you realize that THIS is the reality that many people struggle with. Maybe it is time we try to step out of the bubble. We share that this experience is part of the day-to-day for so many parents and children.
I look forward to changes that NEED to happen.
I look forward to making change happen.
Really- for the first time in a long time, I look forward.
Cheers
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