Our wildness has been taken, by those who seek control, money or enlightenment thru walls, boxes and rules. And yet we are seen as some anomaly, or genetic fluke. My life is a direct product of the level of acceptance embraced for comfort's sake. And if you view us as even slightly uncomfortable to watch, there lies the core of the issue. Here we drape, over tree branches, listless, helpless yet still determined to meet your awe-stricken eye gaze with a tear in ours saying, "Why are you just standing there? Let us out!"
Well, this question is one I ask myself often. Although I have a feeling at times of clear connection to those who frequent my Facebook status updates with awe and praise, I realize, when push comes to shove, that I am indeed no more than a zoo attraction. Those peering into my cage, stating their observations of beauty, strength and whatever adjectives they find suitable for the tiny glimpse they witness. Emotional projections of how they would feel in my skin and how I must feel. Because I am easily agitated, passionate, difficult to understand in mere human language, I remain untouched, gawked at and slightly frightened by the passive curiosity those on the outside display. Some attempt to imitate my behaviours, or join my coping ventures, only to find, they still view me as separate. I too view them as such, but mainly due to the walls of this cage we are entrapped in. Although I am rare and perhaps endangered, actions like these seem to not stir action but surprisingly a more complacent acceptance. 'What is being accepted?' you may ask. My answer is this: The clear glimpse you imagine you have into my life, which has many forms throughout the day, the week and the lifespan, is only that: a glimpse. To watch us in a bubble and name us brave, happy or even alive is like basing an entire religion off of one moment...
Our wildness has been taken, by those who seek control, money or enlightenment thru walls, boxes and rules. And yet we are seen as some anomaly, or genetic fluke. My life is a direct product of the level of acceptance embraced for comfort's sake. And if you view us as even slightly uncomfortable to watch, there lies the core of the issue. Here we drape, over tree branches, listless, helpless yet still determined to meet your awe-stricken eye gaze with a tear in ours saying, "Why are you just standing there? Let us out!"
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A.K.A. Solstice As I venture into the world of advocating for more families across the US, I am stirred to not only conduct a webinar about who to talk to when in public education dealings, but also to write this list with FIRM commitment and a strong urgency to parents: A. If it is not written, it did not happen. DO NOT SPEAK TO PEOPLE AND EXPECT RESULTS LEGALLY. Accept and have as much written communication with specifics as humanly possible (dated with people and places identified). B. Read your procedural safeguards and if you are told "that is our policy" ask where it is written in the Procedural Safeguards. If you do not know what this document is then ASK for it...then date it and write down who gave it to you, where and that you had to ask for it. C. The IDEA law is the law that gave you the IEP. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Individual Education Plan. FAPE - Fair and Appropriate Public Education and LRE - Least Restrictive Environment are acronyms from this law. D. The order goes: 1. RECOMMENDATION for Special Education Eval. (needs parent consent) 2. EVALUATION (parent can reject and ask for an independent one at the district's cost) 3. RECOMMENDATIONS (In Evaluation...the things the IEP should be based upon as well as current levels) 4. WRITING THE IEP WITH THE TEAM...PARENTS SHOULD BE 'INVOLVED' IN THE PROCESS (ie parents present and feeling heard.) There should 3 things given to the parent in these meetings a. Parent Recommendations and Concerns letter...I call the 'hopes and dreams' page. b. The district's Procedural Safeguards should be offered to you, each state regulates this policy differently so check your state board of ed website or call them to find out the policy. c. A written notice with IEP team members names, contact info and the meeting agenda. IF YOU DO NOT GET ALL THREE then ASK for them. 5. PLACEMENT IN THE LRE - Least Restrictive Environment where the child will receive the highest level of progress in all IEP goals. IF the goals are social/emotional and communication based, think about where the most progress could happen. If there are no general education peers, how will the social/emotional and communication goals be met? These are the sort of things parents should pay attention to and consider whether the school is suggesting the LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) or the path of least resistance...there is a huge difference. If you need help with these terms, procedures and/or acronyms then the district is required by law to explain them to you, in your own language and UNTIL THIER FACES GET BLUE IF NECESSARY. Please, hold them accountable AND NEVER ATTEND THESE MEETINGS ALONE...AND...LAST BUT NOT LEAST...ask who the official note taker for the district is in each meeting and ask for a copy of the written notes before leaving the meeting. THIS IS YOUR RIGHT BY LAW. xoxo go get the best for your kids!!!!!!! peace and love, zjen poetry and stories about the beautiful gurus I have had the pleasure and the pain of raising. They have raised me, and now I can fly too.
A few years ago I started a group that couldn't quite get off the ground, because I needed support and was not sure where to find it. It was another Guru V adventure that may be r...esurrected someday...the name was FLY...Freedom Lifts You. I think the home page is still up...freedomliftsyou.ning.com. Now I know how...I must've picked up some pixie dust within my last few years of adventures. Hope you find your pixie dust and that Guru V People can help. Be well. Here is the link to the video: enjoy! http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1668626511722&saved#!/pages/Guru-V-People/133178846737178 below please find the poems that I wrote and read aloud in the video. And I read a Rumi poem courtesy of my very good friend and mentor, Jill. Thank you jill for sending THE WAY WINGS SHOULD. Another Guru V gratuity to my dear friend Laurie for sending us the inspiring and super cool bracelets and a Guru V keychain w/a key to success. Sweet Guru V People make the world go round. :) What is beauty mommy? Is it like Kindness? Joy in her walk Blessing everyone she meets Truth in her talk Beats… me how she got so sweet. Joy in her presence Healing the world thru love Courage is her essence Intentions pure as the dove. Joy in her life Centers the universe with fun Reversing strife Sunshine. She is my only one. 1.28.06 jen bro What could the boy do? He can’t speak to you! The label you gave Says he misbehaves. Scale fixed. Outcome mixed. Your every doubt He’s figured out. Due to years… And lives evolved. Witnessed tears… And problems solved. He understands And he demands ATTENTION! Empires, governments, churches and rules Taming life with useless tools. Shaming the wise. Idiots! Fools! Too conscientious and conscious to swim. Afraid to drown making waves with him. The fearless dolphin swims with pleasure and pain In circles, with giggles, in love and insane. Jen 10.01.05 |
Zen JenA mom with passion, action and an inclusion revolution on her mind shares moments, mantras & wisdom gained from her autism adventures. A single mama of two children on the spectrum, whom she considers Archives
September 2015
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Please know that I am a poet and a scientist...so how I deal with discomfort is I ask questions, I manipulate words and rhythms and I dance around issues that I feel strongly about. When I use the word dance, please know that I am no ballerina...I prefer sharp, awkward maneuvers that express my passion. So when I dance around issues, there is no guessing how I feel about them...take nothing personal but please
take action. zen jen |