Sunday, January 27, 2008

Little bit of school history

I have read a lot in the past few weeks about the worries for their children once they inter school and how to pick the right program for their children. First off I need to say that I had rough days and weeks but after the third week of school I was like any other kid for the most part. My parents talked with me and twin about questions kids might have and answers I could give them. Many students were to shy to ask me but twin got asked questions all the time.

I went to a half day kindergarten and had services at school after the other students went home. A large number of my services were out of the classroom but my teacher worked it so that I would miss stuff like silent reading. This was good and bad many days I did not want to go out of the room especially for OT (it was so hard and frustrating for me). At the same time I was embarrassed about how hard something were for me to do like string those stupid beads on a string. I would not have worked at those things if my peers were with me.

I loved gym class even though I could not do most of it. The teacher was great and I had a wonderful APE teacher that had me work with all the kids in the class helping me but allowing me to be with the kids. Keep in mind that this was elementary school. The school was all one level so I did not have to deal with stairs.

Nothing is written is stone and as a parent you have many rights that allow you to make changes for your child about their services and programs.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Answer to a Comment

As good self-esteem goes, treat both twins the same and they will not see the differences between them for the most part. I had the same chores as my identical twin sister w/out CP. I had to do the dishes just like her. My parents just gave me a stool to sit-down while I washed them. My parents made it very clear that we were different just like everyone else twins or not everyone has trouble doing different things. My differences were just easier to see. I hardly ever compared my self to my sister. Some times I would get frustrated but for the most part we she did not bring it up or make it harder for me. Many parents of twins will probably tell you its very different than with siblings. Twins grow up seeing each other every day so their differences become no big deal in a short amount of time. Don’t treat the twins differently if you can help it. Sure there are things you can’t help, but if you don’t draw attention to it neither will they.
My twin was very shy and hated talking to new people. My mom made every attempt to give my sister the chance to talk while motivating me to move. One time my mom was asking twin if she wanted a cookie and I answered for her. My mom placed the cookies on our little picnic table so I would have to go get them. Heather went and brought mine back for me. After many stories like this my parents and their friends called us walkie talkie. I have never compared myself to Twin but I have wished I did not have to have surgery or all the castings. Encourage the good stuff and let the little stuff go. Sisters will be sisters and will fight.

Monday, January 07, 2008

New Years Eve


This New Years just happened to be K 21 birthday!!! A past New Years would have been me staying at home. My parents have a party every year. Well this year Twin and I went out to celebrate with K at a local bar. Most of the bars in our town are 2 levels. There is the 1st level that is 21 and over and 2nd level is 18 and over. K 18 year old sister is with us so we went to the 2nd level. Well to get up there is a very steep flight of stares that I was worried about. It’s hard to be in the moment when you’re thinking about how you’re going to get somewhere. Luckily K older sister was with us and she helped me out.

I had a blast it was good to feel like a regular person. The best part was that everyone was to drunk to notice how bad of a dancer I was. I had a really good time trying to dance.


Student Advocate

A while back I wrote about having trouble with my local BVR and that I ended up getting a student advocate to help and support me during meetings. She has been great and very helpful. My parents both work during the day and could not make all the meetings once the school year started. She answers a lot of my questions after the meetings and makes me feel positive about what is going on. The best part is that she has a disability and understands a lot of unspoken things. We meet later this week to talk about life after school.