Chad's Parents Respond to "Did ASDB Fail This Deaf Teen?"
We are Chad’s parents. We would like to fill you in on more of the story about Chad and his education. First of all we are very involved parents with all of our children. Wendy became an interpreter because of her desire to be able to speak to her son in his language and to help other deaf children in the public schools.
Chad's Early Years
Chad was mainstreamed in public elementary school. In 5th grade(Dec 1998) we, along with the public school requested ASDB test Chad because we were concerned about his delay in reading and writing. ASDB, who are suppose to be the experts in deaf education, said Chad had delays because he was not in an all day signing environment at a deaf school. Chad had an interpreter, a teacher of the deaf and 4 other deaf students in class with him.We exposed Chad to everything we could visually and physically including many trips to places where he could touch, see and feel things in the real world. Chad also has a very strong supportive extended family including a deaf cousin. We took ASDB’s recommendations and moved our family so Chad could attend ASDB as a day student. We were not going to put Chad in the dorms because he is our son and he belongs at home with his family every day.
Chad at ASDB
From Chad's first day at ASDB we continually questioned what else could we do to help Chad. We did everything they told us. They repeatedly told us that it was normal for the deaf to hit a wall in reading at the 3rd to 4th grade level and if he could break [through] that wall he could do very well because he has an above average IQ and has the cognitive ability to learn to read and write the English language well.At Chad's 7th grade IEP, we again questioned what else we could do to help him. He was not progressing. Again they told us the same thing about the 3rd to 4th grade wall. ASDB was ready to advance him to the 8th grade when Chad himself asked if he could repeat the 7th grade because he wanted to improve his reading and writing. We of course supported him 100% on it.
Chad was told by ASDB many many times that he did not try hard enough or study enough. They made him feel stupid. Do you know what it is like as a parent to hear your son say “My school thinks I’m stupid”?
Learning Disability Revealed in 10th Grade
After we moved into a new school district(Chad was in 10th grade) their Hearing Impaired Representative meet Chad for the 1st time at his IEP meeting and within 15 to 20 minutes knew their was a problem. After they conferred with an ASDB employee and read the evaluation that ASDB did on Chad in 5th grade. They asked us if we had ever been told if Chad has a learning disability.We were surprised because we had never been told that and that the evaluation did not say that. The ASDB employee said it did not say it directly but that reading between the lines implies it. We immediately went to the Superintendent at that time and they agreed that there was a problem.
They had Chad tested right away and found that he [had] a reading disability. We immediately called for an IEP team meeting and requested special tutoring for Chad for the next two years and summers. They agreed. They provided the tutoring for one summer and the fall semester and then took it away from him.
We went to the Supervising teacher of the deaf and the principal of the deaf and requested Chad be placed back into tutoring. They refused and bluntly told us “It did not matter that ASDB did not tell us that Chad had a learning disability they would not have done anything differently” and “You can fight this all you want to it does not mean you are going to win.” We then went to the current superintendent and the assistant superintendent and met with them for 3 hours. They agreed with our requests for Chad and said they were reasonable.
After a few weeks went by they had done nothing to change his schedule. We filed our first complaint with the AZ Department of Education. They found ASDB out of compliance and said that ASDB had the data needed to find him with a learning disability in 5th grade. ASDB had only progressed Chad’s reading 1/2 grade level in 6 1/2 years. He went from a 2nd grade level in 5th grade to a 2 1/2 grade level in 10th grade. Chad came into ASDB with and IEP that said a Psychological Educational Evaluation would be done on Chad in Dec 2001. ASDB failed to do this and they failed to do it again in Dec 2004.
Chad Entitled to Compensatory Services
The AZ Department of Education said ASDB owes Chad compensatory services for the 6 1/2 years they failed to provide for him. They said Chad was denied FAPE. Chad’s next IEP said Chad would have 48 hours of summer school of which only 12 hours were provided. We filed another complaint and ASDB admitted they were wrong and the Department of Education found them out of compliance again. ASDB administration continued not care about Chad's education and we filed a 3rd complaint of which they were found out of compliance again.The administration also told us that we should be satisfied with Chad's reading level and that “[There] are other government organizations that can help him” Chad does not, nor do we want, for him to live off of SSI and Access all his life. He wants to go to college and get a good education to support himself and a family. he wants to be an independent, contributing member of society.
Too Late for a Hearing
In Jan of 2007, Chad’s Sr. year we were finally scheduled to have a hearing in court. We had to ask for a postponement because we needed to find legal [counsel]. The hearing was set for April 07 and then ASDB asked for a postponement. The hearing was set for May 07 and then 3 days before the hearing Chad's grandfather passed away and ASDB and the judge agreed to postpone the hearing again so we could attend to the funeral preparations and funeral.Chad graduated as class valedictorian on May 31st.(By the way, ASDB’s attorney took Chad’s valedictorian speech from his counselor before the scheduled hearing with the intention of using it at the hearing and making it public before Chad even had a chance to give it. They never asked his permission for it. They just took it.) ASDB then asked to have the case dismissed because he had graduated and the judge agreed. We have filed an appeal in Superior court.
Final Comments
On the news story we were not signing because we had an interpreter signing for Chad off camera. That is how Chad wanted it.Chad is so grateful to be out of ASDB. He had no plans to ever set foot there again. He is very happy in his college in Utah. He is an amazing young man and has the desire to get a good education in spite of what ASDB did to him.
What are parents suppose to do when the professionals in deaf education do not properly diagnose a child and do not follow the IEP. We would be happy to answer any questions you have. We agree that ASDB needs to undergo some major changes. Especially in the current administration.
As an added note, the current assistant superintendent of ASDB was Chad’s interpreter in 1st grade in public school. That makes it even more disappointing for us with ASDB’s current administration.
Comments
This is so sad.
We haven’t heard from ASDB. However, overall this doesn’t look good.
I wish Chad best of luck and hope he will accomplish his academic goals.
That’s sad which Parent should have recongized and improved Chad’s educations seem failed by ASDB.
Best of luck for Chad’s overall with a accomplish his academic goals in Utah.
Deaf Pixie
I understand that DHH students cannot be tested for reading/learning disability.
It is the case in some states. Although I know how frustrating it can be.
anna s
I can’t stand people who claim that Deaf people are so far behind because of the 3rd/4th grade “wall”. Even hearing people only attain a 5th grade reading level on the average.
That’s so sad!! All of those years wasted! Chad had to go through all that for many years – he’s very fortunate to have wonderful parents to help him fight the battle to get right and better education for him.
Now he’s in college which is wonderful!
Keep on fighting to have a clear path ahead of you!
I don’t know where you heard that Deaf and hard of hearing people cannot be tested for reading and learning disabilities. This is incorrect.
We do have tests specialized for deaf and hard of hearing students. Some of mine have taken these tests at the university.
MZ,
Guess I was told differently when I was working at a school for the deaf. What I know for sure is some schools for the deaf DO NOT test kids for RD/LD. I think that was just too bad as I’ve known some kids who obviously have some type of disability relating to reading and learning. The kids usually are brushed aside.
anna s
No no.. You dont know what ASDB is like. I gratuation and worked there for 15 years. ASDB is full of AUDISM! Many good deaf teachers left ASDB. Because they dont give enuff support to deaf since they are too foucs on Blind than Deaf. This ASDB is more of ASB than ASD. I m glad that I left job!
Anna S,
really? I am sorry to hear this is still persisting to this day. That kind of attitude is inexcusable.
Many schools provide educational and psychological testings. I cannot think of any calid reason why they are not including RD/LD testings, not in this day.
What?? Chad’s parents DID ask for help sometimes from ASDB and ASDB refused to help Chad for a long time?! ASDB seems not to want to deal with deaf education. I mean … this school seems to let deaf education to disapear. Not accept at all!
I admit that is so sad sad. Why? I graduated there more than 25 years ago. My time at ASDB had pretty good education included good teachers but my mother recently told me that was really difficult to fight with ASDB about deaf education a long time ago. Now, Chad’s parents are fighting much harder than my mother. I can’t imagine!
ASDB is NO EXCUSE!
Hey ASDB! WHERE IS THE REAL DEAF EDUCATION FOR DEAF STUDENTS RIGHT NOW???
Jamie Berke,
Thank you for bring it up. I appreciate that.
I want to add a few words…
Hey ASDB especially the ADMINISTRATION! WHERE IS THE REAL DEAF EDUCATION FOR DEAF STUDENTS RIGHT NOW???
If it is the same school, Dennis Russell is the one who was the Superintendent of this school and was terminated in 2002. He has been at the school since 1987.
Check this link about his termination:
http://www.supreme.state.az.us/opin/pdf2003/CV_02_0388_CQ.pdf
Unfortunately, he has been hired by the school in New Jersey, Marie Katzenbach School for the Deaf.
On my behalf of my previous employment at Mksd, Dennis was the worst person ever. Since he is a big time on audism, As an unconscientious man, he bent the rules and laws backward. No wonder, he was the one who failed Chad, he will continue to fail every deaf community everywhere. Unfortunely, he s working for MSKSD/NJSD, he has been attempting to close the school secretly without deaf population’s acknowledgement.
I’m not an expert on LD/ADHD etc among deaf students. So anyone reading this with a close interest in these issues should look up what their state laws actually say. But my understanding is that the barrier in OFFICIALLY diagnosing reading or other learning disabilities among deaf students is a legal one. In some states, the education law (if I recall/understand correctly) actually specifically says that you cannot diagnose LDs in deaf students for the purpose of IEPs etc. I think the theory may be that they already have an IEP anyway so supposedly their education plan is already individualized to meet their unique mixture of needs and strengths.
Or possibly there may be a misunderstanding in reading the criteria for diagnosing LDs, i.e. one of the criteria says LDs should not be diagnosed if the deficiency in reading cannot be *BETTER EXPLAINED BY* (look this up, I may have the phrasing wrong) deafness or some other disability. Maybe some people are mis-reading this to mean that you can’t diagnose LDs in deaf children at all. Which of course is false–it simply means that you have to be careful to separate out what might be multiple causes and influences on a given child’s reading level.
Back when I was an MSW student at Gallaudet, one of my classmates (Jodi Becker I think?????) was intensely interested in these kinds of issues and sometimes talked about it in class. Another old Gally alum from the PhD psychology program, Stephen (or Steven?) Hardy, now with a hyphenated name, would probably also know about these kinds of issues.
Another Ph.D Clinical Psych student at Gally, Judy whose last name I couldn’t remember, specialized in this area, too.
Andrea, Your information is accurate. IEPs are required to list only one “primary disability.” The primary disability must be the main reason the student has academic “barriers.”
If it is not crystal clear that the second disability stands alone then it really can’t be included. For example deaf -primary- cerebral palsy -secondary- definitely do not interact, but deaf -primary- LD?? It’s hard to prove that language delay is actually from LD rather than limited access to communication. Unfortunately, that isn’t explained clearly to parents and only becomes clear to teachers when something happens to require a teacher to know this!
I am surprised that this happened at ASDB. When I worked there, the counseling team was extremely proactive when it came to social and behavior issues, and the assessment team was always willing to assess students for various needs. The teachers I worked with were hardworking, dedicated, and I remember this team as one of the best I’ve ever worked with. The same teachers brought a student from a 4th grade to 9th grade reading level in 3 years and many students were able to move ahead several grade levels in middle school. Since I know that this happened ( saw the IEPs myself), I hesitate to put the fault on the teachers. This seems like a serious administrative glitch, which is very disappointing.
I hope Chad can catch up in college and that this ‘crack’ in the system can be patched up.
I am a 1976 graduate of ASDB. Although, I have only heard some of the comments from both parties (parents and ASDB). I have to be reminded that EVERYONE has to take responsibility for the education of the child. I am so tired of people pointing fingers at someone else when some of the blame should be pointing at themselves. While I do not know the educational status of ASDB, it was and I believe STILL is a good school.
Teachers are underpaid and overworked. Communication is important in every area of our lives. Did the parents help Chad with his homework? Did Chad ask for help at the school (Tutoring)? Did the school REALLY fail Chad?
I know many students who have less than 10th grade academics abilities and many are doing VERY well in the outside world.
Chad, I wish you the very best in your life. Life is full of challenges and those who faces them, are the ones that succeeds…..whether deaf,hearing, blind, sighted, or any other disabilities. It is what WE make of it that makes us successful people. THAT I learned while at ASDB.
We would like to thank everyone who has shown Chad and us support for our case against ASDB. We have recieved alot of positive response about the news story from past students, past employees and current employees. Deaf people are entitled to a quality education and we are continueing to fight, not just for Chad, but for deaf children everywhere. If all goes well there should be more media coverage of this story in January. We welcome your comments and suggestions.
Thank you
Chads Parents
MZ,
What tests are available to identify students who have a hearing loss with a reading disability or learning disability? I would love to be able to use them!
Thanks!
Update on Chad Kennedys Legal Battle with ASDB.
This is a very sad day for all deaf people. The Administrative Judge has once again disnissed our case against ASDB. The judge ruled that when Chad received his High School diploma ASDB was no longer responsible for their mistakes in his education. Since he graduated with a normal reading level for the deaf (4th grade) and was class Validictorian that is acceptable. Also the fact the his grandfather passed away a couple of days before his hearing and the hearing could not be rescheduled until after he graduated was basically his tough luck. Even though the AZ Dept of Education found ASDB out of compliance and ASDB owes Chad for years of services the judge has let them off the hook.
It was heart breaking to see Chads reaction to the judges decision. He was very upset. He said “I didn’t do anything wrong, ASDB was wrong. I am completley finished with ASDB.” After we discussed it for a while Chad showed what kind of a person he truly is when he said “Thats OK mom! I am going to work hard and study hard to get a good education. I don’t need ASDB.”
We are greatly saddened that not only did the ASDB fail Chad in his education but the legal system has failed not only him but the entire deaf community. They both only expect the deaf to reach a 4th grade reading level.
Deaf people are not stupid. They are just as capable and have the same rights to an education that hearing people do. It is completely wrong that hearing people put limits on the deaf. ASDB make some huge mistakes in Chads case. They have admitted it to us but legally have gotten on the hook because Chads grandfather passed away and we chose to plan and attend the funeral.
This case has taken a toll on our family and our health but we will always support our son and his right to a good education.In spite of everything that has happened if our story helps even 1 deaf child get a better education then it has all been worth it.
We encourage parents of deaf children to learn to sign and get very involved in their childs education. Educate yourself on our childs rights. Seek advice from knowledgeable experienced people not connected with the school. Get a strong Parent Advocate and even an attorney if necessary to make sure your child is provided with strong support. Research and visit schools (Deaf and Public) to see where your child will get the best education. Advocate for your child because if you don’t no one else will.
Chad has just finished his first year of pre-college classes and is quite happy with his school. He will succeed.
Thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement. We appreciate it.
I am seeking to get a copy of the Judges response to Chad and some other information for a fight we are getting ready to launch to help deaf people. Can someone please give my email to the family? It is: semibarbaricprincess1 at sign yahoo.com
If any one has concrete information on this issue I will be so grateful for any links