Woman Writes Book, Titled Disability Deception

August 27, 2009

Federal law requires that public schools make every accommodation necessary to meet the needs of special education students. JoAnn Collins raised two children with developmental disabilities and has recently published her book about the eight tactics that school districts use to prevent parents from demanding special education benefits. She claims that they often use deception to save the district’s money and resources.

The eight tactics are as follows:

• Intimidation, bullying or lying
• The above tactics, but with a smile- Collins says that special educators often try to disarm parents with cheerful attitudes
• Quoting laws that do not exist
• Changing educational records
• Refusing to identify or accept disabilities in children, which make them eligible for special services
• Deliberately misinterpret test data
• Use delays to slow down parental requests
• Exaggerate disciplinary problems

Collins says that parents need to keep careful records of communication with special educators and be sure to pose questions if unsure of their motives.