I Need To Vent

I'm sorry for doing this but if I don't get it out I think I may scream.

I have 4 children 3 of which are classified as disabled , we live on Main St in our town in a multi family home the 3 kids get a personal care attendant 85 hours a week provided by the state of Vermont . They get special ed services from the town that include special transportation even though we live fairly close to the school and adaptive PE . Today I found out that our town in all its wisdom is imposing a 2 hr parking ban in front of our house which makes it so the PCA's cant park they want the PCA's to park at almost the kids school , this translates to the kids being unable to walk that distance which will mean they cant go to Dr appointments therapy or any other activity that they go to with their PCA. or the PCA will have to leave them home alone to go get the car (which will not happen )

We called the town manager no answer , we called a board of selectman she basically told us tough! that there will be no exceptions because then everyone will want an exception , we've called our legislator ( waiting for a reply) and a lawyer (waiting for a reply).

I am so upset angry etc I'm planning on a letter to the editor letter writing campaign and hit them where it hurts at relection time.

Anyone else have any ideas?

Holy cow, Dana! That's not right!

I would also contact whatever local news stations broadcast into your area - even if they aren't located in your town. A story like this would be a great special interest story where the emotions can flow through the TV (they love that stuff! ), and would certainly put the pressure on your local legislators to make exceptions for exceptional situations.

I agree with Heidi, I would also load some real life stats into the letter, try to keep the anger out of most of the content and perhaps approach it as "A Day in the Life of a Handi-capped child" and tell the reader what types of hardships this is going to mean for your kids.


Best of luck!

Oh that is disgusting! I am appalled at that. Can you contact the Americans With Disabilities Act people here and they may be able to help you!

I wish you all the best that you get what your children so deserve.

That's terrible!

I hope those suggestions will help get your dilemma resolved fairly & quickly.

Originally posted by Kiwideus
Oh that is disgusting! I am appalled at that. Can you contact the Americans With Disabilities Act people here and they may be able to help you!

I wish you all the best that you get what your children so deserve.

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Thank you for that link my husband is on the phone to them right now , thanks for listening to ....you wouldnt beleive how much fighting we have to do to make ppl respect the childrens rights.

thank you to everyone just hearing that Im not the only person who thinks this is wrong helps

That's horrible. I think you should get the media involved to put some pressure on the town - they're certain to jump on a "human interest" story, and perhaps the town will think again and give you a special permit for the caregivers. People who have no experience with the disabled simply don't spare a thought sometimes. My dad was in a wheelchair for over six years following a stroke, and now I practically have a stroke, figuratively, when I see perfectly healthy people blocking parking spaces for the handicapped. I really think you have to fight this.

That's just not right Of course an exception should be made. It makes me so mad when people do things like this!

jcat : My dad was in a wheelchair for over six years following a stroke, and now I practically have a stroke, figuratively, when I see perfectly healthy people blocking parking spaces for the handicapped.

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Jcat I completely agree!! My brother was wheelchair bound all his life so I understand where you're coming from, this is not acceptable, you have to make a huge fuss. They will back down when they see how many people are on your side.

Try going to the next towncouncil meeting with your kids and ask to be put on the agenda. Give them the "Day in the life" info. I would also get as many of your neighbors' signatures possible showing support for you.

I'm sorry I have no advice for you, But that's really sad they would do that.

Good luck!

There must be something really wrong with the people who run your town!

Your children are definately entitled to whatever accomadations are necessary! You have gotten a lot of really good advice in this thread, and I hope you are able to get this resolved in your children's favor. Good luck!!!

I sincerely hope the ADA can help you. That's not right for them to not make a handicapped exception. When I was unable to walk long distances I rarely took the handicapped spot because I knew there were others who needed it more than me, but I was glad it was available when I had bad days and could not walk. I really can't believe that what they're doing is legal. The ADA should be able to help, please keep us up to date.