Chester County Right to Education Task Force

School refusal is a hot topic. If your family is struggling with it, start here.

School Refusal And IEPs: What Parents Can Do Your child refuses to go to school. What can you do? A list of options for parents. These school refusal tips are for all kids, with or without an IEP/504.

Post here or send a PM if you are having issues with a
Chester County school district.

https://www.hastingstribune.com/ap/personal_finance/lisa-jarvis-what-adults-get-wrong-about-girls-and-autism/article_70c02cd1-088a-5311-9f8f-872098a2fe92.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawQRVYdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEenWIaD04_dZJBKEJ3_Ua7djHl-V6Ed4Slu-s12DOx9uE8F36lUJ8ihoGyqf4_aem_VyEdG60Y6hpVkLSaFMzUcg

Lisa Jarvis: What adults get wrong about girls and autism For decades, autism was believed to overwhelmingly affect boys. Yet a big new study out of Sweden provides perhaps the best evidence yet that girls aren’t less likely to be

There is a bill proposal in our state house, by Dem. Tarah Probst, from the East Stroudsburg area.
This would change IEP evaluation time from 60 calendar days to 60 school days.

https://www.facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEP/posts/pfbid02LY8YATVq4qcbcQjdH4mw7cwvmoUCA7iEr9kprk2Uwxxy4U2aYhmys6iUxdoCLwH3l

The Official Website of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives PA House of Representatives homepage. Learn about Representatives, access committee details, stay informed on upcoming legislative sessions, review recent votes and bills, and much more.

Arc of Chester County
Chat & Chews start this Wednesday (2/18) at 11:30.

If your child has apraxia/childhood apraxia of speech, you need to read this. https://www.facebook.com/fightingformyvoice/posts/pfbid02bGgQbWsewckLavk4uLNghqvwXn5nLr9wQjp1g2odeCDzJp77TUC1jgHGjE1b1Q6Gl

🚨 PARENTS! IF YOU ONLY READ ONE OF MY POSTS, PLEASE READ THIS ONE. 🚨

As a child, I was labeled ‘nonverbal.’ I didn’t speak in words until I was eight years old… not because I couldn’t understand, not because I wasn’t trying, but because no one was using the correct approach. Once they did, I began speaking in words. I have childhood apraxia of speech (CAS).

Parents, not every Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) understands apraxia of speech. And that gap in knowledge can change the entire trajectory of a child’s life.

Let me tell you a story. Keeping this 100% anonymous, I attended an IEP meeting (my day job is an IEP Advocate) for a student with CAS. While discussing the child’s needs, the SLP asked, “Will the student be able to understand this?”

I paused and said, “I’m sorry… what does understanding have to do with apraxia?”

The SLP then asked whether the child understood things because he doesn’t speak, or if apraxia only affects speech.

My heart sank. This is a major misconception, and it was coming from a professional. I’ve also seen situations where an SLP implied that speaking was a choice for a child with CAS. It is not. But this isn’t about shaming professionals, it’s about educating and advocating. So I calmly explained what apraxia of speech actually is, how it’s treated, and why individuals with CAS understand EVERYTHING you say.

So parents, I want you to ask these questions… both to your school-based SLP and your private SLP:

- “What is Childhood Apraxia of Speech?”

- “What do you know specifically about CAS?”

- “What methods do you use for CAS?”
(If they say it varies by child, ask what apraxia-specific methods they’re trained in.)

- “Have you completed additional training in apraxia of speech?”

Yes, quiz them. You are allowed to. You must. CAS requires a motor-planning approach because it is a neurological motor speech disorder. Phonological approaches do NOT treat apraxia of speech. Period. If your SLP does not understand this, your child is not getting appropriate therapy.

Your child is listening. Your child understands, and make sure the professionals around them do too.

Love,

- Jordan Christian LeVan 💙

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/pennsylvania-bill-requiring-schools-teach-015716696.html

Pennsylvania bill requiring schools to teach cursive signed into law Cursive handwriting is returning to Pennsylvania schools thanks to a bill signed into law this week. Act 2 of 2026 (formerly House Bill 17) — agreed to in the state Senate last week and the state Hou...

She graduated at 18 with a regular high school diploma. She wasn't ready for life after high school - couldn't meet her transition goal of going to medical school given an intellectual disability...

Why a graduate is suing Edmonds schools over her high school diploma A new lawsuit contends that Edmonds School District discriminated against a special education student by granting her a regular high school diploma.

Leading the fight to prevent Medicaid cuts.

Children's Medicaid Defense Project — IMAGINE DIFFERENT COALITION The Children's Medicaid Defense Project is seeking to establish a family action network to help with responding to issues that may come up with pending Medicaid cuts and to educate policymakers and other stakeholders on how essential Medicaid is to supporting wellness and family life for children wi