What parents of neurodivergent children should consider in seeking accommodation
As parents, we often hear about accommodations for our neurodivergent children. Some parents want every accommodation available, whether in school or not, because they don’t want their child to be uncomfortable. Other parents may decline an accommodation, so the child manages experiences like “everyone else.” What parent do you relate to?
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Here’s my opinion: Accommodations are available to help your neurodivergent child. They’re provided to minimize the discrepancies between children, especially for those with specific and perhaps special needs. The famed educator Rick Lavoie said, “Fairness means that everyone gets what he or she needs.” Why not give your neurodivergent child equal footing in society?
In a classroom, if one child needs someone to read directions out loud so they can score well on a test, why does it harm another who can easily read the directions themselves? It doesn’t. So, give the child with the learning challenges the ability to exist on the same footing as their classmate. My neurodivergent daughter has received accommodations at school, and they’ve always helped level the playing field. These accommodations have also supported her self-esteem, empowering her to feel equal to her peers.
Outside the classroom, our family has also used accommodations at amusement parks, such as waiting for the rides but not participating in the lines. These services have made our vacations so much more enjoyable. Instead of my daughter experiencing sensory overload and getting angry, she waits for a ride in her own space. Before these accommodations were available, our vacation outings were very stressful, and at times, my daughter’s meltdowns ruined the experience for our entire family and maybe even others around us.
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A recent and related example is Disney updating its disability access services (DAS) and changing policies for those who are used to or familiar with specific access programs. As an avid Disney fan and Disney World visitor, I’ve been following many social media posts about this shift. Here’s what I’m seeing:
Disney believes too many people were taking advantage of their DAS accommodations and decided to make it harder to be approved for disability access.
Since the updates went into effect last month, many parents have taken to special media to complain that their children who have previously received the DAS pass are no longer eligible. These children include those with ADHD, anxiety, autism, and type 1 diabetes.
Now, parents must purchase a paid option called Genie Plus (expedited line access) or have the family wait in line and call the child to the ride when it’s their turn. My take: The latter is not the most practical solution for younger children or single parents.
Advocates are begging Disney to use the same pass as Universal Studios uses—the IBCCES pass, which requires a person to upload medical documentation to obtain a pass that is valid for a year. Universal does have the final say if the diagnoses require the accommodations.
There is a considerable debate about whether these parks even need to provide accommodations, with people saying if you or your child cannot handle it, don’t go! However, that isn’t the answer. Like school, if some assistance can make it less stressful and help a family enjoy a vacation, why shouldn’t they be accommodated?
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I would gladly show my child’s medical documentation to prove her disabilities if that is what will aid her in receiving accommodations and allow us to make enjoyable family memories. I hope Disney considers person-centered accommodations in the future and doesn’t limit themselves to a one-size-fits-all approach.
As the saying goes, every person is different. If you have met one person with a learning disability, you have met one person with a learning disability. Every person has different needs. Accommodations are just that—a way to help a person better fit in society.
Whether in school or not, be sure to listen to your neurodivergent child and give them the tools and resources they need to succeed. Everyone deserves an opportunity to feel included, and as a parent, you have the power to help make it happen.
Source link : https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/retrain-your-brain/202407/year-round-accommodations-for-neurodivergent-children?amp
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Publish date : 2024-07-17 15:42:43
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