Don't worry School Divsion 2... This is not about you.
I get reader emails once in a while. Not tons of it, but enough to want to start a newspaper column called Dear Lola the Crazy Diva. I do my best NOT to blog about emails I receive, but this one is laying heavy on my heart. I just can't stop thinking about it. It's really upsetting to me that schools do this all the time, and yet when we as parents call CFS to complain about how schools treat or manhandle our children, nothing is done.
People wonder why our kids are a generation away from barbarianism... This is why people!!! We're not allowed to discipline our kids anymore. Don't even think of raising your voice at them, or the school WILL call CFS. You will be investigated for abuse, and God help you... Teacher stuffs a special needs child in a duffel bag, and that's OK, but raise your voice or shove your child out away from danger... All hell breaks loose, and you've just become the WORST PARENT EVER!!!
Settle down... I'm not promoting child abuse here folks. My dad took a belt to me, and I remember it well. I'm 37 years old and still afraid of my dad. As a result, we don't have a relationship, leaving me without a family to turn to... But ch'a know what? I'm OK. I'm not breaking and entering, I'm not using drugs, I'm not a drunk, and I pay my taxes... Have I thought of smacking Dayton with a belt? Absolutely NOT. NEVER, EVER would I take a belt to my babe. Have I smacked his butt? Yup. With my hand. Believe me when I tell you, the boy must have a callused butt or something, because my hand hurt more than his bony, little butt. Now, before you start dialling CFS, I gave him one swat on a fully clothed butt. No bruises on his body, but I believe I may have bruised his ego. Have I raised my voice at my son? I plead the 5th. Does Canada have the 5th? Hmmmm... I'm sure we do... Either way, I'm not discussing my parenting style, as I plan on writing a book titled How To Raise The Perfect Child and I'm a gonna make a kill'n on it.
For some reason, kids with special needs are an enormous headache on our schools. I don't know what the problem is with our educators, but they view our kids' disabilities as a "parenting problem." Say the word ADHD, and you can literally see their eyes glaze over. They're not listening to a single word you're telling them after you've said ADHD. Behavioural issue. That's all they see. Tell them you're going through a separation with your spouse, and they're dialling the number to CFS. I'm not kidding here, that's what's happened to this poor guy who emailed me. There were other things that went on for this dad of two, but I can't share more because I don't know how many incidences schools have with the same behaviour's and I don't want to jeopardize this dad's chances at an amicable resolution... if this school is capable of it that is...
I can't be too hard on the schools though. Dayton's school has been a blessing this year, and his teacher just absolutely amazing. I've missed triage conferences this week, and the teacher actually emailed me wanting me us to meet up at a more convenient time for her to show me Dayton's work! I've never had a teacher do that before!!! She actually cares!!! Last weekend (yes, you read that right, Saturday evening actually), Dayton's teacher called me at home to discuss his magnet board for earning rewards and was concerned for Dayton, wanting him to feel successful and wanting to WORK WITH ME to tweak the reward system!!! Again, this is the first time EVER that I've had a teacher do this. But, not all of us are so lucky. I know I wasn't last year, or the year before, or the year before that... Ugh. I wish I could name Dayton's teacher, so that everyone would know who this amazing woman is. It's killing me not being able to share with you all, and let you know that she is real and not a figment of my imagination... Now, back to this poor dad's problem, a problem most of us face.
Schools will always call CFS on a kid with a label. This is not coming from me, but from a CFS worker I used to work with. Yes, I worked with a CFS worker, and no, no one made me. I loved her. She was a fire cracker. Dayton's school's biggest threat was to call CFS (which they did three times), so I brought CFS to them. The school didn't like that AT ALL. Their power over me was gone. Nothing left to threaten me with. As you know, I always carry a little crazy with me, you just never know when it will come in handy, and it sure did last year when I'd finally had enough of their BS. It was the best thing I ever did.
So yes, schools do use CFS to threaten parents. It sucks, but it's very, very true. The way to get around it? Even though uncomfortable, invite them in your home, it's not like you have anything to hide, unless of course you DO have a gun hiding under your bed. Invite CFS to ALL school meetings. You would be surprised how helpful CFS can be TO THE PARENT! Take whatever CFS offers you, for example: counselling. Counselling never hurt anyone, and let's face it, raising a child with disabilities is NOT an easy task. Some of us have no families to turn to, and it's nice to have someone to vent to. Not only that, but maybe, just maybe, they might have suggestions in parenting. You just never know until you keep an open mind and give it a shot.
By the way... The CFS worker/fire cracker told me to get used to it... That's right, schools will call CFS on you many, many times, especially those of us who have kids with ADHD and kids on the autism spectrum. Awesome. And those of us with kids diagnosed with PDD-NOS... well, it appears that we are haunted by threats of CFS the most. FANTASTIC!!! So, buckle up folks, we're in for a loooooong ride. Personally, I've got eight years left to go. I think I can make it. If not, there's always Valium. And wine, mommy's little helper.
Consider yourselves hugged,
Lou
Showing posts with label CFS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CFS. Show all posts
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Monday, 7 November 2011
Home Sweet Home
We're home! Back on track with routine! I don't know which one of us needs the routine more, Dayton or I. While Big D's not crazy about going back to school, I most certainly am... Mamma loves ya baby!!! Seeing the school bus this morning coming to get Dayton nearly brought a tear to my eye...
Visiting family back in BC was good, but I missed my home. While my condo may not be as lavish as my dad's brand new, enormous, fancy home, and needs some serious updates, there's nothing like home sweet home, and our routine.
Funny... routine, routine, routine. I hate not being able to stray away from it for Dayton's sake, but I craved it the whole time away from home. I missed our autism "pic schedules" posted in my washroom for Dayton to focus on morning and bed time routines. I missed handing Dayton a magnet for his magnet board for doing a job well done. I missed our bed time routine: bath, book, bed, TV, a quick cuddle (I don't get them often, and it needs to be in the routine for my sake, not Dayton's), kiss and a hug and finally, lights out. It's nice knowing that no matter how tough my day is, come 8:30 it's big mamma's time.
While we may have strayed from the routine a wee bit while in BC, and we went there for a sad time in our life, it wasn't all bad... Dayton got to meet one of his 'Aussie' uncles for the first time as did I, his name is Iain. Dayton and I both got a chance to meet the other 'Aussie' uncle James last Christmas vacation. They're both awesome guys!!! I love their accents, and so does Dayton (quick little story to follow in a few lines). The highlight of my visit, however charming the 'Aussie' uncles may be, was meeting my little niece Alessandra for the first time in person. Oh my God, she's just so cute, I wanted to hide her in my purse (trust me, the purse is big enough) and take her home with me. Having to leave her behind was heart breaking. Not having the chance to say goodbye to her was even worse. There's nothing quite like the smell and feel of a new baby, and nothing as awesome to put a smile on your face as a cutie like Alessandra.
Dayton had a fantastic time with his 'Aussie' uncles. Uncle Iain made sure to beat him with these swimming noodles (now before y'all go callin' CFS, I'd like to add that Dayton won the battle, so relax), and uncle James played golf with Dayton in the back yard. Both Aussie uncles were awesome with Dayton, and Dayton loves them both to death. He got to go trick or treating with them for Halloween, as it was their first Halloween! They don't have Halloween in Australia! I'm so moving there!!! While Dayton didn't really care to share his uncles with his cousins, he did it with no complaints. Their Aussie accents are fun to Dayton... so much so he got right into a conversation as though he was Aussie himself, following just about everything with a "mate" for friend.
Picture us at supper time. Uncle Iain and auntie Carrie (Alessandra's parents) made a fantastic pasta supper (I love pasta, and it really does show) and the boys are sitting in the living room. Glen of course is making fun of someone at all times and has turned his unsolicited comments on uncle James... I tell Glen to stop because I "like James. Stop picking on him!" Glen's uncle Dave: "I like James too, he's a likable kind of fella."
Dayton: "Yeah, you would mate, bahahahahahahahaha!"
Fortunately, we all laughed.
Dayton, talking to my dad: "You know mate, I wasn't gonna tell you this, but I'm gonna have to say it; you're mean grandpa. You need to stop being mean mate, or I'm gonna walk out the door and not come back. I'm gonna take my mamma with me, we don't have to stay here and listen to you be mean mate." I love it when my babe has my back!!! Grandpa swore a little too much even for Dayton. You know things are pretty bad when that's the case. Most kids find it funny or cool.
Dayton, talking to my dad again: "Mate, I already told you! I have to go back to Winnipeg. I have a cat. His name is Jack, and I miss him. He needs fresh food and fresh water, and someone needs to take care of him. It's not all about you, you know?! Now mate, you gotta stop asking me to stay with you. Besides, I gotta go with mamma 'cuz she promised to wrap herself around me if the plane crashes so I don't die. Now you try to have a 'good eye' (good day in Aussie)."
Dayton, talking to Glen: "Hey mate, I have a plan!! Are you scared yet?"
I think the highlight of Dayton time on the West Coast was the fishing. The boys went out fishing twice, and Dayton was the one that caught the biggest fish. Their second trip out, they did something I've never heard of... and I'm not sure if it was the Aussie uncles' idea or Glen's, maybe even Dayton's... they blew air into the worms, wait for it.... I pray you're sitting down... using a hypodermic needle. That's right. They took a worm in one hand, a hypodermic needle with air in the syringe in the other, and No one is willing to take the credit for the idea... I'm thinking it was the Aussies...
Hugging uncle Iain good bye at the airport on our way home brought Dayton to tears that took a couple of hours to change to a smile. Yes, I bribed him with ice cream, because that's what mothers do.
Consider yourselves hugged,
Lou
Visiting family back in BC was good, but I missed my home. While my condo may not be as lavish as my dad's brand new, enormous, fancy home, and needs some serious updates, there's nothing like home sweet home, and our routine.
Funny... routine, routine, routine. I hate not being able to stray away from it for Dayton's sake, but I craved it the whole time away from home. I missed our autism "pic schedules" posted in my washroom for Dayton to focus on morning and bed time routines. I missed handing Dayton a magnet for his magnet board for doing a job well done. I missed our bed time routine: bath, book, bed, TV, a quick cuddle (I don't get them often, and it needs to be in the routine for my sake, not Dayton's), kiss and a hug and finally, lights out. It's nice knowing that no matter how tough my day is, come 8:30 it's big mamma's time.
While we may have strayed from the routine a wee bit while in BC, and we went there for a sad time in our life, it wasn't all bad... Dayton got to meet one of his 'Aussie' uncles for the first time as did I, his name is Iain. Dayton and I both got a chance to meet the other 'Aussie' uncle James last Christmas vacation. They're both awesome guys!!! I love their accents, and so does Dayton (quick little story to follow in a few lines). The highlight of my visit, however charming the 'Aussie' uncles may be, was meeting my little niece Alessandra for the first time in person. Oh my God, she's just so cute, I wanted to hide her in my purse (trust me, the purse is big enough) and take her home with me. Having to leave her behind was heart breaking. Not having the chance to say goodbye to her was even worse. There's nothing quite like the smell and feel of a new baby, and nothing as awesome to put a smile on your face as a cutie like Alessandra.
 |
| Dayton with his auntie Carrie and the beautiful Alessandra |
 |
| Alessandra and I |
Dayton had a fantastic time with his 'Aussie' uncles. Uncle Iain made sure to beat him with these swimming noodles (now before y'all go callin' CFS, I'd like to add that Dayton won the battle, so relax), and uncle James played golf with Dayton in the back yard. Both Aussie uncles were awesome with Dayton, and Dayton loves them both to death. He got to go trick or treating with them for Halloween, as it was their first Halloween! They don't have Halloween in Australia! I'm so moving there!!! While Dayton didn't really care to share his uncles with his cousins, he did it with no complaints. Their Aussie accents are fun to Dayton... so much so he got right into a conversation as though he was Aussie himself, following just about everything with a "mate" for friend.
 | |
| Uncle Iain and Dayton |
 |
| Uncle James, Alessandra and Dayton |
DISCLAIMER: The comments and actions of my child do not necessarily reflect those of my own.
Picture us at supper time. Uncle Iain and auntie Carrie (Alessandra's parents) made a fantastic pasta supper (I love pasta, and it really does show) and the boys are sitting in the living room. Glen of course is making fun of someone at all times and has turned his unsolicited comments on uncle James... I tell Glen to stop because I "like James. Stop picking on him!" Glen's uncle Dave: "I like James too, he's a likable kind of fella."
Dayton: "Yeah, you would mate, bahahahahahahahaha!"
Fortunately, we all laughed.
Dayton, talking to my dad: "You know mate, I wasn't gonna tell you this, but I'm gonna have to say it; you're mean grandpa. You need to stop being mean mate, or I'm gonna walk out the door and not come back. I'm gonna take my mamma with me, we don't have to stay here and listen to you be mean mate." I love it when my babe has my back!!! Grandpa swore a little too much even for Dayton. You know things are pretty bad when that's the case. Most kids find it funny or cool.
Dayton, talking to my dad again: "Mate, I already told you! I have to go back to Winnipeg. I have a cat. His name is Jack, and I miss him. He needs fresh food and fresh water, and someone needs to take care of him. It's not all about you, you know?! Now mate, you gotta stop asking me to stay with you. Besides, I gotta go with mamma 'cuz she promised to wrap herself around me if the plane crashes so I don't die. Now you try to have a 'good eye' (good day in Aussie)."
Dayton, talking to Glen: "Hey mate, I have a plan!! Are you scared yet?"
I think the highlight of Dayton time on the West Coast was the fishing. The boys went out fishing twice, and Dayton was the one that caught the biggest fish. Their second trip out, they did something I've never heard of... and I'm not sure if it was the Aussie uncles' idea or Glen's, maybe even Dayton's... they blew air into the worms, wait for it.... I pray you're sitting down... using a hypodermic needle. That's right. They took a worm in one hand, a hypodermic needle with air in the syringe in the other, and No one is willing to take the credit for the idea... I'm thinking it was the Aussies...
Hugging uncle Iain good bye at the airport on our way home brought Dayton to tears that took a couple of hours to change to a smile. Yes, I bribed him with ice cream, because that's what mothers do.
Consider yourselves hugged,
Lou
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Roses And Thorns
There's a column in a Campbell River local newspaper called Roses and Thorns. I love the title! And some of the gripping and loving stories are interesting, but what I found most interesting is that the 'thorns' stories were much, much longer than the 'rose' stories. This made me think of me... I hate it when that happens.
Why is it that we seem to do more gripping and complaining than we do telling 'rose' stories? Possibly human nature, a sort of 'misery loves company kind of thing.' Maybe we all pretend to be positive, but deep inside we're just negative Nelley's...
When it boils right down to it, my major 'thorn' is ignorance. And not just ignorance when it comes to autism or ADHD, but any kind of ignorance. I have no patience for stupid, or unsolicited advice. All of my 'thorns' stem from people that have an intelligence deficiency, this includes members of my family (remember, I have a small 'blood related' family here in Canada, consisting of my dad, then Dayton and I. Seeing how I think Dayton is the best thing since sliced bread, it's not him, leaving two of us left. Another clue - it ain't me. That leaves one person standing).
Now my 'roses...'
I don't speak of my 'roses' nearly enough as I should. So I'd like to take this opportunity to do so...
- Dayton's grade four teacher... Thank God for her. I love her. My son loves her, and tells me she 'gets' him. Grade 4 has become the best year Dayton's had since kindergarten. No phone calls home to complain about Dayton's behavior. No 'novellas' like last year.
- Dayton's educational assistant. Looks like she doesn't put up with his bossiness. He doesn't control her or have her for lunch, and yet she's so tiny! I am so grateful to have an educational assistant vs. an 'aid.' I'm certain that between her and Dayton's teacher's efforts, they've managed to actually have my son learn how to read AND write! Hooray!!!
- Dayton's guidance counselor. I know... Her and I have NEVER gotten along, and I always felt as though she was judging everything about me, right down to my face. While this year the two of us have had limited contact, the contact we have had has been much more positive then in the past, and she's done a fantastic job researching air travel, preparing an interactive social story for Dayton to be more at ease to fly (remember, he was afraid of going on a plane because it may crash, but thanks to her hard work, he was quite at ease when the time came to travel).
- Dayton's resource teacher... You know, even though the last two years have felt like I've lived in a literal hell, she was the only person that never had anything negative to say to me about Dayton. She smiled whenever she saw us, especially at Dayton, and every time she saw me, she made sure to tell me how much she loves my babe. I wish I knew her better.
- Grandpa Paul and Grandma Kathleen... I don't even know where to begin with these two... I love them and respect them as my own parents, calling them mom and dad. Not only did dad cut short his business trip to come and be with us for grandpa Jerry's funeral, but the two of them sent us money to help us out financially knowing how difficult it was to financially not only make the trip to BC, but how difficult it was going to be for the next couple of weeks getting caught up on bills and meals. Needless to say, we're not having much of a Christmas this year. We won't have the cash to buy presents... But, we will still have each other, and that's what makes Christmas, not the 'gifts.' We are blessed to have grandpa Paul and grandma Kathleen in our lives, and blessed to be allowed to call them mom and dad, and blessed to have their love. Dad spent a week consoling us about grandpa Jerry's death, helping with the family as a counselor, and gave grandma Margaret a book his own mother wrote after the death of his father. And... he babysat my bio dad... The biggest Rose in God's creation to my daddy Paul.
- Cousin Evan and his wife Kim. Whenever we come to Regina, they open their doors to us and give us a place to not only stay, but feel included in their family. They've just received a blessed addition to their family, little Stensen, a bouncing baby boy, and I'm just absolutely dying to meet this little guy. My next trip to Regina will be spent mostly with him, as I intend to give the mom and dad a night away from home to do whatever they want. I can hardly wait!!! I've seen pictures of little Stensen, and he's a real charmer, just like his daddy.
- My friends S and J who willingly accept Dayton for who he is, and love him as their own. Their children are Dayton's best friends after school.
- Dayton's grandma Karen. She just has this knack for knowing exactly what my boy is thinking. She knows the difference between his autistic moments and his moments of being a little monkey. She understands how he thinks, and works within his parameters to get the best out of him. I'm totally missing her as she's not coming back from Colorado, and I don't have it in my heart to break the news to Dayton...
- My CSS worker Diana Sanders... I no longer live in her catchment area, and haven't for a couple of years, yet she's still here with me, helping me get the diagnosis for Dayton and constantly offering a helping hand.
- My CFSSuderman. She's given me back my self worth as a parent, and assurance that no matter how many times Dayton's school has called CFS, I AM more than just a good parent, and I love my child, and I will do whatever it takes to get Dayton whatever he needs. She's been my backbone when I couldn't handle the school's ridicule of my parenting and Dayton's behavior. Brenda has given me back my self respect, and that is a huge thing. As a parent, having your child's school call CFS is a huge slap in the face, and it shows just what they think of you. Brenda was there for me, assuring me that I am not what they've made me out to be, and that I am a fantastic parent.
Consider yourselves hugged,
Lou
Why is it that we seem to do more gripping and complaining than we do telling 'rose' stories? Possibly human nature, a sort of 'misery loves company kind of thing.' Maybe we all pretend to be positive, but deep inside we're just negative Nelley's...
When it boils right down to it, my major 'thorn' is ignorance. And not just ignorance when it comes to autism or ADHD, but any kind of ignorance. I have no patience for stupid, or unsolicited advice. All of my 'thorns' stem from people that have an intelligence deficiency, this includes members of my family (remember, I have a small 'blood related' family here in Canada, consisting of my dad, then Dayton and I. Seeing how I think Dayton is the best thing since sliced bread, it's not him, leaving two of us left. Another clue - it ain't me. That leaves one person standing).
Now my 'roses...'
I don't speak of my 'roses' nearly enough as I should. So I'd like to take this opportunity to do so...
- Dayton's grade four teacher... Thank God for her. I love her. My son loves her, and tells me she 'gets' him. Grade 4 has become the best year Dayton's had since kindergarten. No phone calls home to complain about Dayton's behavior. No 'novellas' like last year.
- Dayton's educational assistant. Looks like she doesn't put up with his bossiness. He doesn't control her or have her for lunch, and yet she's so tiny! I am so grateful to have an educational assistant vs. an 'aid.' I'm certain that between her and Dayton's teacher's efforts, they've managed to actually have my son learn how to read AND write! Hooray!!!
- Dayton's guidance counselor. I know... Her and I have NEVER gotten along, and I always felt as though she was judging everything about me, right down to my face. While this year the two of us have had limited contact, the contact we have had has been much more positive then in the past, and she's done a fantastic job researching air travel, preparing an interactive social story for Dayton to be more at ease to fly (remember, he was afraid of going on a plane because it may crash, but thanks to her hard work, he was quite at ease when the time came to travel).
- Dayton's resource teacher... You know, even though the last two years have felt like I've lived in a literal hell, she was the only person that never had anything negative to say to me about Dayton. She smiled whenever she saw us, especially at Dayton, and every time she saw me, she made sure to tell me how much she loves my babe. I wish I knew her better.
- Grandpa Paul and Grandma Kathleen... I don't even know where to begin with these two... I love them and respect them as my own parents, calling them mom and dad. Not only did dad cut short his business trip to come and be with us for grandpa Jerry's funeral, but the two of them sent us money to help us out financially knowing how difficult it was to financially not only make the trip to BC, but how difficult it was going to be for the next couple of weeks getting caught up on bills and meals. Needless to say, we're not having much of a Christmas this year. We won't have the cash to buy presents... But, we will still have each other, and that's what makes Christmas, not the 'gifts.' We are blessed to have grandpa Paul and grandma Kathleen in our lives, and blessed to be allowed to call them mom and dad, and blessed to have their love. Dad spent a week consoling us about grandpa Jerry's death, helping with the family as a counselor, and gave grandma Margaret a book his own mother wrote after the death of his father. And... he babysat my bio dad... The biggest Rose in God's creation to my daddy Paul.
- Cousin Evan and his wife Kim. Whenever we come to Regina, they open their doors to us and give us a place to not only stay, but feel included in their family. They've just received a blessed addition to their family, little Stensen, a bouncing baby boy, and I'm just absolutely dying to meet this little guy. My next trip to Regina will be spent mostly with him, as I intend to give the mom and dad a night away from home to do whatever they want. I can hardly wait!!! I've seen pictures of little Stensen, and he's a real charmer, just like his daddy.
- My friends S and J who willingly accept Dayton for who he is, and love him as their own. Their children are Dayton's best friends after school.
- Dayton's grandma Karen. She just has this knack for knowing exactly what my boy is thinking. She knows the difference between his autistic moments and his moments of being a little monkey. She understands how he thinks, and works within his parameters to get the best out of him. I'm totally missing her as she's not coming back from Colorado, and I don't have it in my heart to break the news to Dayton...
- My CSS worker Diana Sanders... I no longer live in her catchment area, and haven't for a couple of years, yet she's still here with me, helping me get the diagnosis for Dayton and constantly offering a helping hand.
- My CFSSuderman. She's given me back my self worth as a parent, and assurance that no matter how many times Dayton's school has called CFS, I AM more than just a good parent, and I love my child, and I will do whatever it takes to get Dayton whatever he needs. She's been my backbone when I couldn't handle the school's ridicule of my parenting and Dayton's behavior. Brenda has given me back my self respect, and that is a huge thing. As a parent, having your child's school call CFS is a huge slap in the face, and it shows just what they think of you. Brenda was there for me, assuring me that I am not what they've made me out to be, and that I am a fantastic parent.
Consider yourselves hugged,
Lou
Monday, 18 April 2011
The IEP Meeting
I had blogged about Autism Winnipeg a couple of weeks ago, and how the creator of the Autism Winnipeg Facebook page met up with me to talk about Autism Winnipeg. Instead of discussing it, she insisted on talking to me about Dayton, and wanted to prepare me for Dayton's upcoming IEP meeting which would be taking place a few days after our talk. Her pep talk helped immensely, and I took her advice literally: "I am Teflon!" Acknowledge the school's remarks and deflect right back at them. Teflon.
Armed with Marni's pep talk and her image of Teflon, off I went to the Dayton's IEP meeting along with our CFS social worker, Brenda, who has been involved in our family strictly to advocate for Dayton's rights and education in the St. James School Division. Brenda's like a fire cracker, and I felt confident walking in with her along with Diana, Dayton's social worker for Children With Special Needs And Disabilities.
When we enter the board room, we are met by the school division's special needs co-ordinator. This will be the first time she'd sit it on any of Dayton's IEP meetings, thanks to to fire cracker social worker from CFS. Somehow, her word carries more weight than mine. There's also the school division's child psychologist, again, her first time involved in Dayton's IEP meeting as well. The Occupational Therapist and Speech Therapist are not available for the meeting. Surprise, surprise! The Occupational Therapist has only observed Dayton's classroom once, and the Speech Therapist has not yet seen Dayton, as far as I know. The principal, guidance counselor, Dayton's classroom teacher, his aid, and the resource teacher were also present.
The guidance counselor, a real piece of work, sits there with a fake smile on her face. Her and I do not get along. She seems to think I'm some how beneath her, and she thinks the same of my husband. She's the one who's called CFS on myself and my husband claiming that Dayton has access to Glen's hunting rifle, and that Dayton was going to come to school and shoot them all on the first call (the principal had also called the police), and the second time she called CFS because Dayton had cut a picture of a man bent over and another man with a paddle tapping his tushy. Apparently Dayton told them that "daddy paddles my butt" and they took him literally (who's autistic now?!). This guidance counselor is also the one that sent me the email I had posted on the blog asking me whether or not I feed Dayton breakfast... She thinks that Glen and I have created (and I quote) "a hostile environment" for Dayton at home by allowing him to play with water guns in the summer, Nerf guns all through the year and of course because Glen has played the "Call of Duty" video game with Dayton. While I am not a big fan of guns, and may not agree with Dayton playing "Call of Duty" with his dad, it doesn't seem to matter where we go: the play ground, the swimming pool, or his 6 year old buddy's house, we run into the same problem. The boys and girls at the swimming pool are playing with water guns, the boys on the playground have brought out their toy guns and his 6 year old buddy plays "Call of Duty" all the time.
Anyways, back to the IEP meeting...
That woman (the guidance counselor)!!! Unbelievable!!! Grrrrrrrr... I guess there's just no pleasing me I suppose, but that woman!!! Pardon the expression, but I hate it when people try to blow smoke up my butt!!!
Remember the email I had posted on the blog titled "Email to Ms. Cruella Deville, aka Dayton's Principal?" The one where I said "I walked away from the meeting feeling as though no matter what I say, there will always be that unspoken insinuation that at the core of of Dayton's behavior problem is my parenting. It has become exhausting to prove to your staff that I am a loving and caring parent, who is trying to instill values and morals in my child." Well, I think the principal had a little talk with her staff perhaps, because the guidance counselor started the meeting by telling me that she wanted me to know that the entire staff of the school had the utmost respect for me as a parent. That they were impressed with how I am always advocating for Dayton and that I refuse to give up on him. I sat there stunned, first at her claim of respect, second at the thought of giving up on my son?! How dare she voice that out loud? I'm not going to get into the profanities that had run through my head. This woman sat across the table from me, with this big fake smile on her face, putting on a show for whom? Certainly not me, she's made it abundantly clear that I am the scum at the bottom of her shoe by her past actions... Actions speak louder than words she was uttering now. I'm thinking she wanted to impress Brenda or the her boss from the school division? Or had the principal forced her to complement me? Either way, it was not genuine, and definitely not appreciated. If you respect me, then you will treat me and my child with respect at all times, not just in front of your employers!!! It took every ounce of strength not to reach across the table and wipe the smug grin off her face.
The show continued on with the guidance counselor telling us all how she thought about Dayton and I during her holidays... While cleaning out her basement, she had come across a book she used to read to her children, and this children's book reminded her of Dayton and I, then proceeded to read it to us all. Yes... she read us all a children's book during the IEP meeting. Every other IEP meeting we've had took half an hour, this IEP meeting took well over an hour and a half because the first half hour was spent on telling me how much the school staff respects me and reading a children's story... I had to leave an hour into the meeting to meet Dayton's bus. None of my questions about his IEP had been answered and the meeting turned into a non meeting as usual. Again, nothing is accomplished.
Turns out after I left the meeting to pick up Dayton, the guidance counselor showed her true colors to everyone present when Diana had asked for a meeting of all professionals involved in Dayton's education. The woman LOST it! Brenda had called me later to let me know that she refused to attend this meeting, and that her face turned red and her lips turned white in anger. Had it not been for the school child psychologist agreeing with Diana that this meeting is a good idea, the school would never had agreed to it. Their meeting is next Thursday, and I'm a little stressed over it. It's a meeting for professionals only, which means I am not to attend the meeting. If I could be a fly on the wall for this meeting... Brenda promised to put the guidance counselor in her place during this meeting if she is to exhibit the same type of behavior she had during the IEP meeting...
The guidance counselor also practically "sneered" at Brenda, telling her she knows I've been looking at other schools for Dayton. Brenda calmly gave the group an analogy of going to the same grocery store wanting to buy apples, but the store never carried apples. The store than should not be upset with you for visiting the grocery store next door to purchase your apples, should it? The St. James School Division only has one Occupational Therapist, and this therapist works for the whole division and works only part time, which is why Dayton has not received any therapy. Same goes for the speech and the physical therapist. If the school can not meet Dayton's needs, then we need to explore other schools, right?
Please consider a prayer for us.
Consider yourselves hugged!!!
Lou
Armed with Marni's pep talk and her image of Teflon, off I went to the Dayton's IEP meeting along with our CFS social worker, Brenda, who has been involved in our family strictly to advocate for Dayton's rights and education in the St. James School Division. Brenda's like a fire cracker, and I felt confident walking in with her along with Diana, Dayton's social worker for Children With Special Needs And Disabilities.
When we enter the board room, we are met by the school division's special needs co-ordinator. This will be the first time she'd sit it on any of Dayton's IEP meetings, thanks to to fire cracker social worker from CFS. Somehow, her word carries more weight than mine. There's also the school division's child psychologist, again, her first time involved in Dayton's IEP meeting as well. The Occupational Therapist and Speech Therapist are not available for the meeting. Surprise, surprise! The Occupational Therapist has only observed Dayton's classroom once, and the Speech Therapist has not yet seen Dayton, as far as I know. The principal, guidance counselor, Dayton's classroom teacher, his aid, and the resource teacher were also present.
The guidance counselor, a real piece of work, sits there with a fake smile on her face. Her and I do not get along. She seems to think I'm some how beneath her, and she thinks the same of my husband. She's the one who's called CFS on myself and my husband claiming that Dayton has access to Glen's hunting rifle, and that Dayton was going to come to school and shoot them all on the first call (the principal had also called the police), and the second time she called CFS because Dayton had cut a picture of a man bent over and another man with a paddle tapping his tushy. Apparently Dayton told them that "daddy paddles my butt" and they took him literally (who's autistic now?!). This guidance counselor is also the one that sent me the email I had posted on the blog asking me whether or not I feed Dayton breakfast... She thinks that Glen and I have created (and I quote) "a hostile environment" for Dayton at home by allowing him to play with water guns in the summer, Nerf guns all through the year and of course because Glen has played the "Call of Duty" video game with Dayton. While I am not a big fan of guns, and may not agree with Dayton playing "Call of Duty" with his dad, it doesn't seem to matter where we go: the play ground, the swimming pool, or his 6 year old buddy's house, we run into the same problem. The boys and girls at the swimming pool are playing with water guns, the boys on the playground have brought out their toy guns and his 6 year old buddy plays "Call of Duty" all the time.
Anyways, back to the IEP meeting...
That woman (the guidance counselor)!!! Unbelievable!!! Grrrrrrrr... I guess there's just no pleasing me I suppose, but that woman!!! Pardon the expression, but I hate it when people try to blow smoke up my butt!!!
Remember the email I had posted on the blog titled "Email to Ms. Cruella Deville, aka Dayton's Principal?" The one where I said "I walked away from the meeting feeling as though no matter what I say, there will always be that unspoken insinuation that at the core of of Dayton's behavior problem is my parenting. It has become exhausting to prove to your staff that I am a loving and caring parent, who is trying to instill values and morals in my child." Well, I think the principal had a little talk with her staff perhaps, because the guidance counselor started the meeting by telling me that she wanted me to know that the entire staff of the school had the utmost respect for me as a parent. That they were impressed with how I am always advocating for Dayton and that I refuse to give up on him. I sat there stunned, first at her claim of respect, second at the thought of giving up on my son?! How dare she voice that out loud? I'm not going to get into the profanities that had run through my head. This woman sat across the table from me, with this big fake smile on her face, putting on a show for whom? Certainly not me, she's made it abundantly clear that I am the scum at the bottom of her shoe by her past actions... Actions speak louder than words she was uttering now. I'm thinking she wanted to impress Brenda or the her boss from the school division? Or had the principal forced her to complement me? Either way, it was not genuine, and definitely not appreciated. If you respect me, then you will treat me and my child with respect at all times, not just in front of your employers!!! It took every ounce of strength not to reach across the table and wipe the smug grin off her face.
The show continued on with the guidance counselor telling us all how she thought about Dayton and I during her holidays... While cleaning out her basement, she had come across a book she used to read to her children, and this children's book reminded her of Dayton and I, then proceeded to read it to us all. Yes... she read us all a children's book during the IEP meeting. Every other IEP meeting we've had took half an hour, this IEP meeting took well over an hour and a half because the first half hour was spent on telling me how much the school staff respects me and reading a children's story... I had to leave an hour into the meeting to meet Dayton's bus. None of my questions about his IEP had been answered and the meeting turned into a non meeting as usual. Again, nothing is accomplished.
Turns out after I left the meeting to pick up Dayton, the guidance counselor showed her true colors to everyone present when Diana had asked for a meeting of all professionals involved in Dayton's education. The woman LOST it! Brenda had called me later to let me know that she refused to attend this meeting, and that her face turned red and her lips turned white in anger. Had it not been for the school child psychologist agreeing with Diana that this meeting is a good idea, the school would never had agreed to it. Their meeting is next Thursday, and I'm a little stressed over it. It's a meeting for professionals only, which means I am not to attend the meeting. If I could be a fly on the wall for this meeting... Brenda promised to put the guidance counselor in her place during this meeting if she is to exhibit the same type of behavior she had during the IEP meeting...
The guidance counselor also practically "sneered" at Brenda, telling her she knows I've been looking at other schools for Dayton. Brenda calmly gave the group an analogy of going to the same grocery store wanting to buy apples, but the store never carried apples. The store than should not be upset with you for visiting the grocery store next door to purchase your apples, should it? The St. James School Division only has one Occupational Therapist, and this therapist works for the whole division and works only part time, which is why Dayton has not received any therapy. Same goes for the speech and the physical therapist. If the school can not meet Dayton's needs, then we need to explore other schools, right?
Please consider a prayer for us.
Consider yourselves hugged!!!
Lou
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
A Froot Loop In A World Full Of Cheerios
I posted a link to my last blog titled "CFS, Friend or Foe" on my facebook page, and got responses to the blog almost right away. A friend who's twelve year old daughter also has autism, had commented on how her daughter's school has not had an IEP in place for her daughter since grade one! They seem to think it a waste of time, but not a waste of time to call CFS on her because her little girl is "too skinny." How familiar this story is to me...
Dayton is a tall and skinny 9 year old. I fret over making his lunches at school, worry about his weight all the time. I'm a wee bit over weight, and could definitely stand to lose a few pounds. I don't think I've met a woman that's ever been happy with her weight, but when I tell you I'm a wee bit overweight, believe it to be true. I enjoy romantic walks to the fridge...
Dayton's father on the other hand stands very tall at 6'3" and is super lean. Not skinny, he's "one of those people" we all love to hate. The ones that can eat whatever they want, whenever they want and never have to work out, yet looks like he's a health nut and works out faithfully... Grrrr...
Any how... Here's the latest email from Dayton's school with my response:
The email from the school guidance counselor:
Dayton is a tall and skinny 9 year old. I fret over making his lunches at school, worry about his weight all the time. I'm a wee bit over weight, and could definitely stand to lose a few pounds. I don't think I've met a woman that's ever been happy with her weight, but when I tell you I'm a wee bit overweight, believe it to be true. I enjoy romantic walks to the fridge...
Dayton's father on the other hand stands very tall at 6'3" and is super lean. Not skinny, he's "one of those people" we all love to hate. The ones that can eat whatever they want, whenever they want and never have to work out, yet looks like he's a health nut and works out faithfully... Grrrr...
Any how... Here's the latest email from Dayton's school with my response:
The email from the school guidance counselor:
Good afternoon Lou
Just thought I'd check in with you re Dayton's start to the day as he has been saying that he doesn't eat his breakfast and is hungry as soon as he gets to school. What is your take on this? Thanks for the feedback.
My response back to the school:
Hi Judy,
I've discussed your email with the principal this afternoon, as I was shocked to receive it. I've also had the chance to discuss this with Dayton.
First, I'd like to assure you as I have assured the principal, Dayton eats breakfast every morning, and it's always the same breakfast as he won't eat anything else: a nutella sandwich, with either tea or milk (most often he ignores the beverage). He has this every morning at 7:15am, as it takes him 15 minutes to eat. At 7:30am, he is asked to get his teeth and hair brushed, wash his face and get dressed for school. This takes him another 20 minutes or so. If he has enough time, he gets to watch "YTV" before heading off to school. He gets picked up by the bus at 8am. Would it make sense for him to be hungry when he gets to school?
I've discussed this with Dayton. He tells me that he arrived at the school and you had asked him what he had for breakfast, and that he told you "nothing" as a joke? Of course I'm not finding this amusing at all. Speaking to the principal she was under the impression that you had tried to get him to do some work at which point he may have delayed the work by asking to eat first? I'm not sure which happened...
His lunches are always the same, as he doesn't want anything else but meat, crackers, pudding or yogurt. I always send him to school with a fruit, which sometimes he eats, sometimes he doesn't. I used to send him to school with snap peas or celery sticks, but he used them in an offensive way in class (placing them between his legs) and he no longer gets them included in his lunches as Mrs. P. complained of his behavior.
Here's what I do know.
When bed time arrives, Dayton will try to delay bed time by asking for a snack. I've combated this by offering him a drink and a snack before announcing it is bed time. If I am asking Dayton to do something he's not comfortable with or if it's something he doesn't like to do, he will ask for a snack. I've combated this in the same way, by offering him a snack before the task.
I've just checked his lunch bag, and he still has an apple sauce and a package of bunny crackers. So it appears he is getting more than enough food to take with him to school. Every day he comes home from school, he has plenty of lunch left over, sometimes he doesn't even touch his lunch.
On weekends, Dayton most often grazes. I find he eats more because I don't need to give him the second Biphentin as necessary at school. One of Biphentin's side effects is loss of appetite.
There are times when Dayton is uncomfortable, and sometimes he copes with his discomfort by eating. He takes after me in that respect, and thankfully has his father's metabolism.
I hope I've answered all of your questions.
Lou
Lou
Hi Judy,
I've discussed your email with the principal this afternoon, as I was shocked to receive it. I've also had the chance to discuss this with Dayton.
First, I'd like to assure you as I have assured the principal, Dayton eats breakfast every morning, and it's always the same breakfast as he won't eat anything else: a nutella sandwich, with either tea or milk (most often he ignores the beverage). He has this every morning at 7:15am, as it takes him 15 minutes to eat. At 7:30am, he is asked to get his teeth and hair brushed, wash his face and get dressed for school. This takes him another 20 minutes or so. If he has enough time, he gets to watch "YTV" before heading off to school. He gets picked up by the bus at 8am. Would it make sense for him to be hungry when he gets to school?
I've discussed this with Dayton. He tells me that he arrived at the school and you had asked him what he had for breakfast, and that he told you "nothing" as a joke? Of course I'm not finding this amusing at all. Speaking to the principal she was under the impression that you had tried to get him to do some work at which point he may have delayed the work by asking to eat first? I'm not sure which happened...
His lunches are always the same, as he doesn't want anything else but meat, crackers, pudding or yogurt. I always send him to school with a fruit, which sometimes he eats, sometimes he doesn't. I used to send him to school with snap peas or celery sticks, but he used them in an offensive way in class (placing them between his legs) and he no longer gets them included in his lunches as Mrs. P. complained of his behavior.
Here's what I do know.
When bed time arrives, Dayton will try to delay bed time by asking for a snack. I've combated this by offering him a drink and a snack before announcing it is bed time. If I am asking Dayton to do something he's not comfortable with or if it's something he doesn't like to do, he will ask for a snack. I've combated this in the same way, by offering him a snack before the task.
I've just checked his lunch bag, and he still has an apple sauce and a package of bunny crackers. So it appears he is getting more than enough food to take with him to school. Every day he comes home from school, he has plenty of lunch left over, sometimes he doesn't even touch his lunch.
On weekends, Dayton most often grazes. I find he eats more because I don't need to give him the second Biphentin as necessary at school. One of Biphentin's side effects is loss of appetite.
There are times when Dayton is uncomfortable, and sometimes he copes with his discomfort by eating. He takes after me in that respect, and thankfully has his father's metabolism.
I hope I've answered all of your questions.
Lou
Her response back to me was "thank you." Seriously! These are the actual emails I had sent, with the exception of substituting the word principal for the principal's name and the changing Mrs. P's name.
There's so many more emails I could share with you, but I thought I would share this one as it addresses my friend's concern on food and weight issues. As a parent, I feel responsible for my child's behavior. The school knows this, and they hold me accountable for his behavior. It seems as a parent, that no matter what you say, do, or write, there is always that unspoken insinuation that at the core of the problem is your parenting. Although there typically is no mention of the word "irritated," you can often sense the "tone" of the email coming through loud and clear as in this one from Dayton's principal:
Hi Lou,
Dayton and I are just talking about being kind to Jack. He just flushed one of Jack's toys down the toilet and Dayton will have to replace this toy. It is a little mini figure. He can describe it to you.
He continues to call Jack names and we have talked about this as well.
If you get a chance to call, Dayton is still with me.
Yes... because I check my email every every minute of the day... Fortunately for the principal, I do have my email set up to alert me immediately on my blackberry, so I'm aware of an email right away, as long as I have my blackberry with me that is.
Continuing on with some of the comments made on my facebook page regarding the link to this past blog, another friend had posted a link that may be of help to you if you have a picky eater. Her little guy refused to eat veggies or anything remotely healthy, and so she tricked him by giving him a veggie burger shaped as Mickey Mouse... Here's the link: http://www.sobeyscorporate.com/sustainability/customers/compliments_junior_disney.html
Let me know via email at autism.diva.help@gmail.com or by commenting on this post if there is a topic you would like to discuss.
Consider yourselves hugged!
Monday, 14 March 2011
CFS, Friend or Foe?
Many of us think of CFS (Child and Family Services) as the devil who comes and takes our children away, but did you know they offer other services?
Turns out they can be used to advocate for your children in their school! I had no clue!
Do to Dayton's behavior, his current school has called CFS twice in the last year. It's super embarrassing, and as I cried and threw a temper tantrum only a parent who's been in this horrifying position can appreciate, the worker sitting across from me sympathized with my situation. Upon hearing what the school had to say, then listen to my incoherent babble and interviewing Dayton, the file was closed immediately. Before leaving their offices, the worker asked me how she could be of help to Dayton and I, and of course my first answer was to find us a new school, a school that specialized in helping children with autism. Of course, her answer to me is an all too familiar answer most of us hear when we ask our selves where to find a school that can appreciate our little ones pattern of thought. "I'm afraid there just isn't any such school in Winnipeg... But, I do have another idea..."
"I'm all ears!!!"
"How about we find a worker who will advocate for Dayton within the school system?"
"Seriously?! You do that?"
"Yes."
"Sign me up!!!"
And she did.
In less then two weeks I got a phone call from a worker who was a temp, but offered his services right away. He came to my home, and I asked Dayton's social worker, Diana from children with special needs and disabilities to come join us for our first appointment. I mean, CFS was coming to my house, and they're the devil, right? I needed someone at the door to stop Satan if he tried to take my baby away, and Diana is afraid of no one. At least I think...
Anyways, the appointment went super well! A little uncomfortable at first, and I was totally, brutally honest with the guy, I told him it's strange working with someone who could potentially come in my home, not like my smile and take my baby, but he assured me CFS wants to work with families to keep families together. Another thought he had offered me was that having CFS come to Dayton's IEP meetings at the school shows I have a relationship with CFS and the school can not use CFS as threat when I'm bringing CFS to them! I liked this guy.
He hooked me up with some counseling, which I thought I didn't really need, but you know what? I think most of us with kids on the spectrum need someone to talk to, someone who will listen to us without judgement, and someone we can vent at. We all love our kids, no doubt about that, I would give my life for Dayton's in a blink of an eye, but there are days where my patients runs on empty, and I just need a break from having to explain every single thing... Just a little, tiny break...
It was during this counseling that I learned that someone from the school division that has an understanding of autism should be involved in the IEP process, and furthermore, should be included in the IEP meetings! I've never had anyone from the school division included in the IEP meetings, and the only people present were the principal, school guidance counselor, the resource teacher and then of course Dayton's team: his behavioral specialist I work with at home and of course Diana, Dayton's social worker from children with special needs and disabilities, and let's not forget me, his mama. I don't go to a school meeting without these two ladies, as I need their support to make it through a meeting with this school.
One more thing... they have family support workers! Depending on your income, they may charge you for this service, but since I'm on sick leave from work, our worker isn't charging us. The family support worker comes to our home once a week for an hour and a half. She provides us with information and is a sound board for me.
By having a relationship with CFS, I'm walking away with an advocate for Dayton in the school system, a counselor for myself, a proper IEP meeting where the school is accountable for what happens at school, and a family service worker. None of these things would have come about without my CFS worker.
Another plus, every email I get from the school and respond to, I forward to Brenda, my CFS worker. Everything is documented by her, so if there are any issues, she will take care of them. She's so strong! And if I have a concern with the school and email then, I make sure they see Brenda's being emailed as well. I get a response from the school immediately. Brenda's email address carries a lot of weight behind it.
Friend or Foe?
For more information on what services they offer, follow this link: /index.html http://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/pwd/index.html.
To contact the Family Support Coordinator, call 204-944-4369.
Consider yourselves hugged!
Lou
Turns out they can be used to advocate for your children in their school! I had no clue!
Do to Dayton's behavior, his current school has called CFS twice in the last year. It's super embarrassing, and as I cried and threw a temper tantrum only a parent who's been in this horrifying position can appreciate, the worker sitting across from me sympathized with my situation. Upon hearing what the school had to say, then listen to my incoherent babble and interviewing Dayton, the file was closed immediately. Before leaving their offices, the worker asked me how she could be of help to Dayton and I, and of course my first answer was to find us a new school, a school that specialized in helping children with autism. Of course, her answer to me is an all too familiar answer most of us hear when we ask our selves where to find a school that can appreciate our little ones pattern of thought. "I'm afraid there just isn't any such school in Winnipeg... But, I do have another idea..."
"I'm all ears!!!"
"How about we find a worker who will advocate for Dayton within the school system?"
"Seriously?! You do that?"
"Yes."
"Sign me up!!!"
And she did.
In less then two weeks I got a phone call from a worker who was a temp, but offered his services right away. He came to my home, and I asked Dayton's social worker, Diana from children with special needs and disabilities to come join us for our first appointment. I mean, CFS was coming to my house, and they're the devil, right? I needed someone at the door to stop Satan if he tried to take my baby away, and Diana is afraid of no one. At least I think...
Anyways, the appointment went super well! A little uncomfortable at first, and I was totally, brutally honest with the guy, I told him it's strange working with someone who could potentially come in my home, not like my smile and take my baby, but he assured me CFS wants to work with families to keep families together. Another thought he had offered me was that having CFS come to Dayton's IEP meetings at the school shows I have a relationship with CFS and the school can not use CFS as threat when I'm bringing CFS to them! I liked this guy.
He hooked me up with some counseling, which I thought I didn't really need, but you know what? I think most of us with kids on the spectrum need someone to talk to, someone who will listen to us without judgement, and someone we can vent at. We all love our kids, no doubt about that, I would give my life for Dayton's in a blink of an eye, but there are days where my patients runs on empty, and I just need a break from having to explain every single thing... Just a little, tiny break...
It was during this counseling that I learned that someone from the school division that has an understanding of autism should be involved in the IEP process, and furthermore, should be included in the IEP meetings! I've never had anyone from the school division included in the IEP meetings, and the only people present were the principal, school guidance counselor, the resource teacher and then of course Dayton's team: his behavioral specialist I work with at home and of course Diana, Dayton's social worker from children with special needs and disabilities, and let's not forget me, his mama. I don't go to a school meeting without these two ladies, as I need their support to make it through a meeting with this school.
One more thing... they have family support workers! Depending on your income, they may charge you for this service, but since I'm on sick leave from work, our worker isn't charging us. The family support worker comes to our home once a week for an hour and a half. She provides us with information and is a sound board for me.
By having a relationship with CFS, I'm walking away with an advocate for Dayton in the school system, a counselor for myself, a proper IEP meeting where the school is accountable for what happens at school, and a family service worker. None of these things would have come about without my CFS worker.
Another plus, every email I get from the school and respond to, I forward to Brenda, my CFS worker. Everything is documented by her, so if there are any issues, she will take care of them. She's so strong! And if I have a concern with the school and email then, I make sure they see Brenda's being emailed as well. I get a response from the school immediately. Brenda's email address carries a lot of weight behind it.
Friend or Foe?
For more information on what services they offer, follow this link: /index.html http://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/pwd/index.html.
To contact the Family Support Coordinator, call 204-944-4369.
Consider yourselves hugged!
Lou
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