When we first began this struggle I had no idea what I was doing and the impact that it would have on our lives. I'm still not completely sure, but I do know that we have finally given our children a voice.
I can understand why no one wants to run for the board. It wasn't four people running for three seats. It was the board running against the mother of a child with special needs. Or more appropriately it was the board running against a mother that dared to believe that she had a right to stand up for something that they knew nothing about.
In the February 1, 2008 edition of the Lee's Summit Journal it was stated that "The incumbents, however, said having just one challenger for the three at-large seats says to them that the public, in general, is pleased with the current board."
I agree. The general public does not have children with special needs. Their children are receiving the education, football facilities, baseball facilities, IB classes, and now swimming facilities that they desire. Some of these things are not necessities, but rather they are wants.
Our children need certain programs and services to become independent tax paying citizens. Somehow that is twisted into being single issue and special interest minded.
I'm not sure how an aquatic center isn't viewed as special interest. I'm not sure how band uniforms isn't viewed as being special interest. I'm not sure how giving students rewards for doing well on the MAPS tests isn't viewed as being special interest. But, I have been told that worrying about our children is special interest.
I continually said that I believe that the board can be full of experts in different areas and come together and use it to the best interest of the district.
In the Kansas City Star one of the incumbents stated that "Each board member has an informal "niche role", and that he feels his to be legislative affairs and finances. Yet, Mr. Tindle felt that my niche role was not needed and was single minded.
The Lee's Summit Journal agreed with the advice of one of the incumbents that special interest group advocacy needs to be done from the podium in front of the board and not from a board seat. Yes, Mr. Plaas. I understand your point. So, don't advocate for the swimming team, or the football team, or any other special interest group from your seat.
Finally, Mr. Wiley told the audience at the forum that he knew how I felt because his wife was a special education teacher and their family had babysat children with special needs. I won't respond to that because we all know how ridiculous and hurtful that comment was.
I am proud of our effort. We got 20% of the vote. Who would have guessed that we could have been that successful? Thanks to all of you for the work, dedication, and help that you gave us. This was a group effort. We spent no money and we worked as a team. This was for our children. We don't have a political agenda. We want the best for our children and I believe that we have finally let the district and the board know that we are not pleased with the current board or the way that our district is handling our taxes and children. Let's try it again next year.
Sherri TuckerCo-Founder Lee's Summit Autism Support Groupautism@kc.rr.comhttp://www.lsautism.org/
Jeff Tindle 6,925 30%Jack Wiley 6,557 28%Jon Plaas 5,065 22%Sherri Tucker 4,679 20%Precincts Reporting - 100%
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
School board incumbents retain seats, newcomer comes close
By Chase Jordan
The Lee's Summit R-7 Board of Education results were close with a new challenger in the race. Incumbents Jon Plaas, Jack Wiley and Jeff Tindle will keep their seats on the board. A total of 23,353 votes were cast in the school board race, which includes a portion of Cass County and Kansas City.Sherri Tucker was the fourth candidate for the three open seats, and was defeated by a close margin, receiving 20 percent of the vote with 4,679."I think we have a pretty good showing," Tucker said. "The amount of votes I'm getting shows that there are some improvements to be made."Plaas received 22 percent of the vote with a total of 5,065. "I look forward to serving for another three years and I'm going to give it the best and keep working on the issues," Plaas said. "Sherri ran a good race and it shows with the results."Jeff Tindle was pleased the continuance of the no-tax-increase Proposition C waiver and the no-tax-increase bond issue were approved by voters. He received about 29 percent of the vote with 6,925. "I think that shows confidence in our district," Tindle said. "I'm looking forward to serving the citizens of Lee's Summit for another three years." Jack Wiley received about 28 percent of the total vote with 6,557. He said it was a good campaign."I'm glad it's over and I'm really looking forward to getting back to doing the work of the district," Wiley said.Plaas said he was pleased with the success of the Proposition C waiver and the bond issue. "That was the important thing," Plaas said. "They both passed very well, so we're pleased that everything turned out fine."
The Lee's Summit R-7 Board of Education results were close with a new challenger in the race. Incumbents Jon Plaas, Jack Wiley and Jeff Tindle will keep their seats on the board. A total of 23,353 votes were cast in the school board race, which includes a portion of Cass County and Kansas City.Sherri Tucker was the fourth candidate for the three open seats, and was defeated by a close margin, receiving 20 percent of the vote with 4,679."I think we have a pretty good showing," Tucker said. "The amount of votes I'm getting shows that there are some improvements to be made."Plaas received 22 percent of the vote with a total of 5,065. "I look forward to serving for another three years and I'm going to give it the best and keep working on the issues," Plaas said. "Sherri ran a good race and it shows with the results."Jeff Tindle was pleased the continuance of the no-tax-increase Proposition C waiver and the no-tax-increase bond issue were approved by voters. He received about 29 percent of the vote with 6,925. "I think that shows confidence in our district," Tindle said. "I'm looking forward to serving the citizens of Lee's Summit for another three years." Jack Wiley received about 28 percent of the total vote with 6,557. He said it was a good campaign."I'm glad it's over and I'm really looking forward to getting back to doing the work of the district," Wiley said.Plaas said he was pleased with the success of the Proposition C waiver and the bond issue. "That was the important thing," Plaas said. "They both passed very well, so we're pleased that everything turned out fine."
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Families Rally for Autism Support
Chase Jordan
Staff Writer Lee's Summit Tribune
Autism awareness was at the forefront this week in Lee's Summit. Autism Speaks celebrated the day at the SummitWoods Crossing shopping center on Wednesday. The Lee's Summit Autism Support Group hosted Autism Awareness Night at Beauchamp's on the Rail Restaurant on Thursday. "When we get together as a community and as a family you realize that you're not alone," said Kirsten Sneid, a volunteer for Autism Speaks and a parent of two children with autism.
On Dec.18, 2007, the United Nations declared April 2 as World Autism Day.
Karen Horn, of the Autism Alliance of Greater Kansas City, read a proclamation from Lee's Summit Mayor Karen Messerli, marking April 2 as World Autism Day here. After the proclamation was read, blue and white balloons were launched into the air. "As the balloons lift into the air, may our hopes soar with them as we reach forward together bringing better compassion and awareness to those affected by autism in the by-state area and around the world," Horn said to the audience. Amy Brockelmeyer, of EFECT, has a daughter diagnosed with autism. "It's something people can't ignore. The statistics are growing," Brockelmeyer said. "There's got to be a reason for this to be happening. A day like this will bring to light how remarkable and how important the statistics are for people who don't think about it everyday like we do." Kelly Knosby, of Lone Jack, said it was a good time for families to come together. She attended the event with her sons, Matthew and Blaine. "I think it's important to show solidarity," Knosby said. A portion of the proceeds from the Beauchamp's event was donated to the Autism Alliance of Greater Kansas City. Lee's Summit Support Group co-founders Sherri Tucker and Debra Shaumeyer invited the Autism Alliance to the event.
"It's just amazing the number of people who are still not aware of the disability of autism," said Robin Russell, Autism Alliance member. "We just need to raise awareness to the community, so the community will accept our children."
Mike Sharp, Jackson County sheriff candidate, attended the event. He said he has a nephew who is autistic. "I know the trials and tribulations that we go through as a family having to deal with him on a daily basis," Sharp said.
Lorinda Gravel, of the Autism Alliance, said her 15-year-old son, Justin, is non-verbal.
"It's hard in the beginning because you go through a grieving process just like when someone has died," Gravel said. "It's hard because you think you have a regular developing kid then all of a sudden boom...
"He's the biggest love-bug you'll ever meet," Gravel said. "I wouldn't trade him for the world."
Several special guests and celebrities attended, including former Kansas City Chiefs players Deron Cherry, Kimble Anders and Anthony Davis. The Royals Blue Crew was also there.
"Anytime you can come out and give support to a cause that means something that's important to someone, I always like to do that," said Davis, a former linebacker for the Chiefs. "This is a great cause."
Autism Alliance volunteer Cory Mickelson helped arrange Autism Awareness Night at Royals Stadium. He said there were about 100 tickets left to be sold for the event.
State Rep. Jeff Grisamore, of Lee's Summit, attended the event and said advocating for individuals with disabilities, especially children and their families, is his highest legislative priority.
"The needs for the disabled and those in the disability community should receive the first portion of government funding," Grisamore said.
Staff Writer Lee's Summit Tribune
Autism awareness was at the forefront this week in Lee's Summit. Autism Speaks celebrated the day at the SummitWoods Crossing shopping center on Wednesday. The Lee's Summit Autism Support Group hosted Autism Awareness Night at Beauchamp's on the Rail Restaurant on Thursday. "When we get together as a community and as a family you realize that you're not alone," said Kirsten Sneid, a volunteer for Autism Speaks and a parent of two children with autism.
On Dec.18, 2007, the United Nations declared April 2 as World Autism Day.
Karen Horn, of the Autism Alliance of Greater Kansas City, read a proclamation from Lee's Summit Mayor Karen Messerli, marking April 2 as World Autism Day here. After the proclamation was read, blue and white balloons were launched into the air. "As the balloons lift into the air, may our hopes soar with them as we reach forward together bringing better compassion and awareness to those affected by autism in the by-state area and around the world," Horn said to the audience. Amy Brockelmeyer, of EFECT, has a daughter diagnosed with autism. "It's something people can't ignore. The statistics are growing," Brockelmeyer said. "There's got to be a reason for this to be happening. A day like this will bring to light how remarkable and how important the statistics are for people who don't think about it everyday like we do." Kelly Knosby, of Lone Jack, said it was a good time for families to come together. She attended the event with her sons, Matthew and Blaine. "I think it's important to show solidarity," Knosby said. A portion of the proceeds from the Beauchamp's event was donated to the Autism Alliance of Greater Kansas City. Lee's Summit Support Group co-founders Sherri Tucker and Debra Shaumeyer invited the Autism Alliance to the event.
"It's just amazing the number of people who are still not aware of the disability of autism," said Robin Russell, Autism Alliance member. "We just need to raise awareness to the community, so the community will accept our children."
Mike Sharp, Jackson County sheriff candidate, attended the event. He said he has a nephew who is autistic. "I know the trials and tribulations that we go through as a family having to deal with him on a daily basis," Sharp said.
Lorinda Gravel, of the Autism Alliance, said her 15-year-old son, Justin, is non-verbal.
"It's hard in the beginning because you go through a grieving process just like when someone has died," Gravel said. "It's hard because you think you have a regular developing kid then all of a sudden boom...
"He's the biggest love-bug you'll ever meet," Gravel said. "I wouldn't trade him for the world."
Several special guests and celebrities attended, including former Kansas City Chiefs players Deron Cherry, Kimble Anders and Anthony Davis. The Royals Blue Crew was also there.
"Anytime you can come out and give support to a cause that means something that's important to someone, I always like to do that," said Davis, a former linebacker for the Chiefs. "This is a great cause."
Autism Alliance volunteer Cory Mickelson helped arrange Autism Awareness Night at Royals Stadium. He said there were about 100 tickets left to be sold for the event.
State Rep. Jeff Grisamore, of Lee's Summit, attended the event and said advocating for individuals with disabilities, especially children and their families, is his highest legislative priority.
"The needs for the disabled and those in the disability community should receive the first portion of government funding," Grisamore said.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Sparks Fly at Lee's Summit Candidate Forums
Sparks fly at Lee's Summit candidates forums
R-7 board challenger, incumbents clash
By Brett DaltonThe Journal Staff
Posted: Thursday, March 27, 2008 8:04 PM CDT
At this week's two candidate forums, Sherri Tucker wasted no time explaining why she's running for one of the three at-large R-7 Board of Education seats."I have no reason to run for the school board other than my commitment to children with disabilities," said Tucker, who has a 14-year-old son with autism.As the only challenger to the three incumbents- Jon Plaas, Jeff Tindle and Jack Wiley - running for re-election Tucker spent much of her speaking time at two forums hosted by the Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday and Wednesday criticizing the R-7 School District for what she believes is a lack of services and support for students with special needs."I'm running for school board because I believe that there is a segment of children who are being left behind, and I will not let that happen," said Tucker, who helped found the Lee's Summit Autism Support Group.The incumbents, however, dissented the audience that the role of the school board members is to make decisions based on the best interests of the entire school district, not one certain population of students."The job of the school board is not to micromanage," said Wiley, who joined the board in 2005. "We deal at the 30,000-foot level, not the 25-yard level. We serve as advocates of education - not for a single group, but for all students."
Tindle, seeking his fourth term on the board, said making decisions based on individual scenarios would cause the "district and its structure to collapse.""We must make decisions on the school board in your best interest as a general public, and that is making decisions for the district as a whole," Tindle said. "That sometimes means we're not making decisions in one child's best interest or a certain group's best interest."Plaas, a two-term member of the board, said school board members must represent all students, not a particular number. He referenced Tucker's statement that around 250 students in the R-7 School District are on the autism spectrum. To make his point, Plaas rounded that number up to 300.
"I have a great deal of empathy for Ms. Tucker and her situation," Plaas said. "(But) if we set aside a board seat for this special interest group with 300 students, then we have another six special interest groups (that want a board seat), pretty soon we have seven seats set aside and 2,100 kids covered. What about the other 15,000 students? And by the way, what about the other stakeholders - the parents, taxpayers, teachers, administrators?"Tucker, who has called for the district to provide better programs and trained teachers for students with special needs, replied to Plaas by saying she's not asking for a seat to be set aside, but rather for the community to give her the votes needed to take the seat. She also said the board needs a member who fully understands what it's like to have a child with special needs."I don't think you can put somebody on the school board who doesn't understand special needs and expect them to understand our unique needs," she said. "The kids with special needs need special services, and I think that's something that needs to be addressed and something the school board is not addressing right now."The candidates discussed specific issues such as No Child Left Behind and the district's proposed $54 million no-tax-increase bond issue and Prop C waiver continuance, which also is a no-tax-increase proposal.Earlier in the current school year, the R-7 School District was placed on the "District Improvement Level 1" list after two sub-groups - students with special needs and those who speak English as a second language - failed to meet the adequate yearly progress standards set by the federally mandated NCLB. Because those sub-groups failed to make AYP, the district as a whole failed, as well, according to NCLB standards.Shortly after the results of the 2007 Missouri Assessment Program tests were released, R-7 Superintendent David McGehee sent a letter to parents explaining why the district didn't make AYP and assuring parents that most students - aside from the two sub-groups - performed well on the MAP tests.
Tucker told the Journal earlier this year that she thought the district was blaming the failing sub-groups for "dragging them down," and said at Tuesday's forum that the school district would like to see NCLB "go away" and not have to face the accountability the law provides. The incumbents disagreed."I absolutely disagree with the comment that was previously offered that this school district would like (NCLB) to go away," Tindle said. "I've been on this board for nine years and I've never, ever heard that said."The incumbents all agreed that NCLB is a positive law that, like most federal mandates, has its flaws, as well.
On the topic of the no-tax-increase bond issue appearing on the April 8 ballot, Tucker and the incumbents disagreed on certain aspects of the proposed projects. Tucker expressed particular concern with the district's plan to use $2 million from the bond to renovate the former administrative office building on Miller Street to use as a school for special needs kids. Tucker argued that if the building is in good enough shape to use as a school building, then perhaps it was still good enough to keep the administrative offices in.She also argued that perhaps the money that will be used to renovate the building should go toward training teachers for special needs students.The incumbents responded by citing figures that show Tucker and the audience that renovating the Miller building will allow the district to educate special needs students who are now being sent to other school districts who have special needs specialists and programs in place. That change also will save the district money, Plaas said, as the district currently pays a significant amount of money to send those students to other districts. He added that the money saved will go toward hiring more special needs specialists for the R-7 School District.Wiley also countered Tucker's claim by saying that bond funds can only be used for physically building a facility and not for staff or administrators' needs, such as training.Tindle somewhat advocated for re-election of the three incumbents, saying "the current board works well together" and stating that the board only has power as a group, not as individuals. To that, Tucker responded she "can play as a team, as long as the team wants to play."During his closing comments on Wednesday, Plaas made a comment that seemed to sum up the message from the three incumbents during the campaign.
"I believe special-interest-group advocacy needs to be done from the podium in front of the board and not from a board seat," he said.Voters will decide who will sit on the next school board during the April 8 election.
R-7 board challenger, incumbents clash
By Brett DaltonThe Journal Staff
Posted: Thursday, March 27, 2008 8:04 PM CDT
At this week's two candidate forums, Sherri Tucker wasted no time explaining why she's running for one of the three at-large R-7 Board of Education seats."I have no reason to run for the school board other than my commitment to children with disabilities," said Tucker, who has a 14-year-old son with autism.As the only challenger to the three incumbents- Jon Plaas, Jeff Tindle and Jack Wiley - running for re-election Tucker spent much of her speaking time at two forums hosted by the Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday and Wednesday criticizing the R-7 School District for what she believes is a lack of services and support for students with special needs."I'm running for school board because I believe that there is a segment of children who are being left behind, and I will not let that happen," said Tucker, who helped found the Lee's Summit Autism Support Group.The incumbents, however, dissented the audience that the role of the school board members is to make decisions based on the best interests of the entire school district, not one certain population of students."The job of the school board is not to micromanage," said Wiley, who joined the board in 2005. "We deal at the 30,000-foot level, not the 25-yard level. We serve as advocates of education - not for a single group, but for all students."
Tindle, seeking his fourth term on the board, said making decisions based on individual scenarios would cause the "district and its structure to collapse.""We must make decisions on the school board in your best interest as a general public, and that is making decisions for the district as a whole," Tindle said. "That sometimes means we're not making decisions in one child's best interest or a certain group's best interest."Plaas, a two-term member of the board, said school board members must represent all students, not a particular number. He referenced Tucker's statement that around 250 students in the R-7 School District are on the autism spectrum. To make his point, Plaas rounded that number up to 300.
"I have a great deal of empathy for Ms. Tucker and her situation," Plaas said. "(But) if we set aside a board seat for this special interest group with 300 students, then we have another six special interest groups (that want a board seat), pretty soon we have seven seats set aside and 2,100 kids covered. What about the other 15,000 students? And by the way, what about the other stakeholders - the parents, taxpayers, teachers, administrators?"Tucker, who has called for the district to provide better programs and trained teachers for students with special needs, replied to Plaas by saying she's not asking for a seat to be set aside, but rather for the community to give her the votes needed to take the seat. She also said the board needs a member who fully understands what it's like to have a child with special needs."I don't think you can put somebody on the school board who doesn't understand special needs and expect them to understand our unique needs," she said. "The kids with special needs need special services, and I think that's something that needs to be addressed and something the school board is not addressing right now."The candidates discussed specific issues such as No Child Left Behind and the district's proposed $54 million no-tax-increase bond issue and Prop C waiver continuance, which also is a no-tax-increase proposal.Earlier in the current school year, the R-7 School District was placed on the "District Improvement Level 1" list after two sub-groups - students with special needs and those who speak English as a second language - failed to meet the adequate yearly progress standards set by the federally mandated NCLB. Because those sub-groups failed to make AYP, the district as a whole failed, as well, according to NCLB standards.Shortly after the results of the 2007 Missouri Assessment Program tests were released, R-7 Superintendent David McGehee sent a letter to parents explaining why the district didn't make AYP and assuring parents that most students - aside from the two sub-groups - performed well on the MAP tests.
Tucker told the Journal earlier this year that she thought the district was blaming the failing sub-groups for "dragging them down," and said at Tuesday's forum that the school district would like to see NCLB "go away" and not have to face the accountability the law provides. The incumbents disagreed."I absolutely disagree with the comment that was previously offered that this school district would like (NCLB) to go away," Tindle said. "I've been on this board for nine years and I've never, ever heard that said."The incumbents all agreed that NCLB is a positive law that, like most federal mandates, has its flaws, as well.
On the topic of the no-tax-increase bond issue appearing on the April 8 ballot, Tucker and the incumbents disagreed on certain aspects of the proposed projects. Tucker expressed particular concern with the district's plan to use $2 million from the bond to renovate the former administrative office building on Miller Street to use as a school for special needs kids. Tucker argued that if the building is in good enough shape to use as a school building, then perhaps it was still good enough to keep the administrative offices in.She also argued that perhaps the money that will be used to renovate the building should go toward training teachers for special needs students.The incumbents responded by citing figures that show Tucker and the audience that renovating the Miller building will allow the district to educate special needs students who are now being sent to other school districts who have special needs specialists and programs in place. That change also will save the district money, Plaas said, as the district currently pays a significant amount of money to send those students to other districts. He added that the money saved will go toward hiring more special needs specialists for the R-7 School District.Wiley also countered Tucker's claim by saying that bond funds can only be used for physically building a facility and not for staff or administrators' needs, such as training.Tindle somewhat advocated for re-election of the three incumbents, saying "the current board works well together" and stating that the board only has power as a group, not as individuals. To that, Tucker responded she "can play as a team, as long as the team wants to play."During his closing comments on Wednesday, Plaas made a comment that seemed to sum up the message from the three incumbents during the campaign.
"I believe special-interest-group advocacy needs to be done from the podium in front of the board and not from a board seat," he said.Voters will decide who will sit on the next school board during the April 8 election.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Missouri Autism Blue Ribbon Panel Makes Decisions
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – It is the fastest growing disorder in the country, but services for families are slow to catch up.Those are the conclusions from a report about the “state of autism” in Missouri. However, there is a blueprint for change in the works.Autism-spectrum disorder affects one out of 150 kids born in the country. On Wednesday, lawmakers came to Kansas City to let families know they are ready to respond to what they label a “crisis.”Before delivering details of the report, lawmakers toured ABC 'n D in Kansas City. The facility is just one of the metro's centers for autism, a brain disorder that prevents normal social skills in an alarming number of kids.Through intense one-on-one training at an early age, the goal of the center is to get kids ready to succeed in the classroom. Early detection and treatment is proven to dramatically influence the severity of the disorder.Senator Michael Gibbons knows Missouri is lagging behind on its services, especially after he learned a child is diagnosed every 20 minutes."I thought it was frightening and something that we wanted to find out more about,” Gibbons said. “What we doing at state government? What can we do? How can we help families?”Earlier this year, Gibbons formed a 16-member group of doctors, educators and parents called the Missouri Blue Ribbon Panel on Autism. They listened to testimony from people across the state.One of them was Lee’s Summit mother Sherri Tucker, who has a freshman-aged son with autism. "There's an awareness now and I think people know we need to do something in Missouri to catch up to the rest of the country and I think this is a good thing,” Tucker said.Tucker and her friend, Debbie Shaumeyer, both attended the meeting in Kansas City. Back in April, NBC Action News reported on their struggles to improve educational services in the Lee's Summit school district."It's a very slow moving wheel. It's a very trying process on my family," Shaumeyer said.Shaumeyer said her six-year-old son Austin is already falling way behind other students in his Lee’s Summit classes. However, she does not think it’s too late for him to turn the corner. "That's one thing that our family does hold onto at this point is hope,” she said.The report includes 36 recommendations, some of which could go into place when lawmakers reconvene for their session in January.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Lee's Summit Tribune October 13, 2007 Article
Autism Support Group Hosts Informational Gathering
By Chase Jordan
Tribune Staff
Families and autism professionals came together for support and to share information during Autism Awareness Night.
The Lee's Summit Autism Support Group brought in about 26 service providers and more than 58 guests attended the event Monday, Oct. 1 at the Legacy Christian Church in Lee's Summit.
Vanessa Shields, of Lee's Summit, attended the event and has one son with autism.
"It's so hard to get information," Shields said. "There's really no on e central location that doesn't overwhelm you."
Joyce Lindsey has three sons and one of them is diagnosed with autism.
"It was an excellent turnout," Lindsey said. "I feel that it really served a need in the community. We had people coming from both sides of the state line."
Co-founders Sherri Tucker and Debra Shaumeyer said the purpose of the event was to make families with autistic children aware of available services and to network with other families.
"My phone rang from 9 o'clock until 5:30, and half of them were families that just got a diagnosis in the last week," Tucker said. "There's nowhere to go, so they're going to network and meet other families. That's probably even more important than the providers."
Shaumeyer's 6-year-old son, Austin, was diagnosed with autism near the age of 4.
"We started the group because we have a lot of disappointed families right now in the school district," she said. "Our purpose is to work with the Lee's Summit R-7 School District to make change, to work together as a team. Knowledge is power."
The group's co-founders were pleased with the turnout and the volunteers.
"We had to turn service providers away because we were limited with the space," Shaumeyer said.
Tucker said the gathering helped service providers network with families they would otherwise have difficulty finding.
Kelly Lee, autism education coordinator for the R-7 district and founder of Camp Encourage, attended the event to provide information to guests.
"I think it's wonderful to see so many families and it's wonderful to have this many resources to point those families to and get encouragement and the support that they need," Lee said.
She said there are some 200 students in the district diagnosed with some form of autism.
"Supporting families with children on the spectrum is something that is very close to my heart," Lee said. "I think it's extremely crucial that the district collaborates with parents."
Nancy Michael, of ABC'nD Autism Center in Kansas City, provides services for children 18 months old to children in the fourth grade.
"I met a lot of families interested in the Autism Center and some have been interested in occupational therapy and also just questions about their child's services." Michael said. "I think it's a wonderful opportunity for parents to learn about a vast number of services for children with autism because they can come and see the displays and talk to those people that are part of those programs, and I also think it's a great time for those families to network."
Georgia Mueller, Kansas City regional coordinator for MPACT, said her group works to ensure that all children with special needs receive an education that allows them to achieve their personal goals.
"We teach families how to become advocates for children, so we teach them the laws," Mueller said. "We teach them how to understand their rights and responsibilities and understand the rights and responsibilities of the school, and that way when they go to ask for appropriate service for their students they know that they're standing on solid ground."
Mueller has a son with autism in the Center School District.
"He actually has a pretty severe level and we had to work very hard with our school district to get them to do the right thing," she said. "I know that most school districts would not automatically do what we were able to gain. Most parents don't really like to ask what's appropriate for their child, whatever that my be. It's frustrating."
JJ Ringgold, of Lee's Summit, attended the event and is the parent of an autistic child.
"I got some new information this time about nutrition," Ringgold said. "I felt comfortable talking to them."
Clare Jeffress, of Greenwood has five children and two of them have autism.
"It was very wonderful. I think it should happen every six months." Jeffress said.
By Chase Jordan
Tribune Staff
Families and autism professionals came together for support and to share information during Autism Awareness Night.
The Lee's Summit Autism Support Group brought in about 26 service providers and more than 58 guests attended the event Monday, Oct. 1 at the Legacy Christian Church in Lee's Summit.
Vanessa Shields, of Lee's Summit, attended the event and has one son with autism.
"It's so hard to get information," Shields said. "There's really no on e central location that doesn't overwhelm you."
Joyce Lindsey has three sons and one of them is diagnosed with autism.
"It was an excellent turnout," Lindsey said. "I feel that it really served a need in the community. We had people coming from both sides of the state line."
Co-founders Sherri Tucker and Debra Shaumeyer said the purpose of the event was to make families with autistic children aware of available services and to network with other families.
"My phone rang from 9 o'clock until 5:30, and half of them were families that just got a diagnosis in the last week," Tucker said. "There's nowhere to go, so they're going to network and meet other families. That's probably even more important than the providers."
Shaumeyer's 6-year-old son, Austin, was diagnosed with autism near the age of 4.
"We started the group because we have a lot of disappointed families right now in the school district," she said. "Our purpose is to work with the Lee's Summit R-7 School District to make change, to work together as a team. Knowledge is power."
The group's co-founders were pleased with the turnout and the volunteers.
"We had to turn service providers away because we were limited with the space," Shaumeyer said.
Tucker said the gathering helped service providers network with families they would otherwise have difficulty finding.
Kelly Lee, autism education coordinator for the R-7 district and founder of Camp Encourage, attended the event to provide information to guests.
"I think it's wonderful to see so many families and it's wonderful to have this many resources to point those families to and get encouragement and the support that they need," Lee said.
She said there are some 200 students in the district diagnosed with some form of autism.
"Supporting families with children on the spectrum is something that is very close to my heart," Lee said. "I think it's extremely crucial that the district collaborates with parents."
Nancy Michael, of ABC'nD Autism Center in Kansas City, provides services for children 18 months old to children in the fourth grade.
"I met a lot of families interested in the Autism Center and some have been interested in occupational therapy and also just questions about their child's services." Michael said. "I think it's a wonderful opportunity for parents to learn about a vast number of services for children with autism because they can come and see the displays and talk to those people that are part of those programs, and I also think it's a great time for those families to network."
Georgia Mueller, Kansas City regional coordinator for MPACT, said her group works to ensure that all children with special needs receive an education that allows them to achieve their personal goals.
"We teach families how to become advocates for children, so we teach them the laws," Mueller said. "We teach them how to understand their rights and responsibilities and understand the rights and responsibilities of the school, and that way when they go to ask for appropriate service for their students they know that they're standing on solid ground."
Mueller has a son with autism in the Center School District.
"He actually has a pretty severe level and we had to work very hard with our school district to get them to do the right thing," she said. "I know that most school districts would not automatically do what we were able to gain. Most parents don't really like to ask what's appropriate for their child, whatever that my be. It's frustrating."
JJ Ringgold, of Lee's Summit, attended the event and is the parent of an autistic child.
"I got some new information this time about nutrition," Ringgold said. "I felt comfortable talking to them."
Clare Jeffress, of Greenwood has five children and two of them have autism.
"It was very wonderful. I think it should happen every six months." Jeffress said.
LSASG Human Interest Greenwood Dispatch
By Katy Keller
One year ago, Chris and Cheryl Martin of Blue Springs were delivered the heart wrenching news from their doctor that their 6-year-old son, Josh, had autism.
Although the pair had a feeling before the visit that their son had the disorder, the couple said they knew it was important to educate themselves about autism. "The best thing you can do for your child is to be your child's advocate," Cheryl explained.
The Martins were on of dozens of families who attended the 2nd annual Lee's Summit Autism Awareness Night on Oct. 1. The free event, organized by the Lee's Summit Autism Support Group, provided families with resources to assist them in raising and educating children with autism spectrum disorders.
The hearts behind the Lee's Summit Autism Support Group are Debbie Shaumeyer of Greenwood, and Sherri Tucker of Lee's Summit. The ladies formed the group in Nov. 2005 after seeing the need of support for parents of autistic children in R-7 School District. Shaumeyer's 5-year-old son, Austin, has autism. Tucker's 14-year-old son, Jake, has Asperger's syndrome.
The R-7 School district has begun to work more closely with the local autism group. In addition, Shaumeyer and Tucker are going beyond school boundaries and reaching into the state legislature to speak about the impact of autism.
Last month, Shaumeyer testified to the Missouri Autism Blue Ribbon Panel on the U.M.K.C. campus. She focused her statement on insurance and the lack of coverage for autism families.
The 16-member Blue Ribbon Panel is comprised of senators, psychologists, and members of the Missouri Autism Coalition. The group ultimately makes decisions based off of testimony of parents and experts, then passes their findings onto state legislators to tackle autism in Missouri.
Shaumeyer revealed she was terrified about speaking, but she knew that she was testifying on behalf of Austin.
"I don't think any of them truly knew how far behind the state of Missouri is in tackling autism," Tucker asserted. "You can go and talk about issues, because issues are easy to talk about. But when you go and talk about your kid, that's hard thing to talk about."
Since first forming the Lee's Summit Autism Support Group, Shaumeyer has seen autism come to the surface in the community, ten fold. However, Tucker sees their journey differently.
"I think that we are getting more frustrated than when we started because when we started, we thought the issues were this big," Tucker explained by pinching her fingers together, "and now we know the issues are this big," she clarified with wide open arms.
Yet, the colleagues and friends agree that their fight for autism is infinite.
"Our fight is endless, our advocacy and our battle to make changes with autism is endless. It will be one place after another, forever," Shaumeyer expressed.
The ultimate goal, Tucker said, is about unity, community, and reaching families.
"I want to make sure that everybody (affected by autism in the R-7 School District) knows what their child needs, and finds a way to get it, and that they're not alone."
Dispatch Bits
The Lee's Summit Autism Support Group meets on the first Monday of each month at the Legacy Christian Church of Lee's Summit, 2150 East Langsford Road. For more information, visit http://www.lsautism.org
One year ago, Chris and Cheryl Martin of Blue Springs were delivered the heart wrenching news from their doctor that their 6-year-old son, Josh, had autism.
Although the pair had a feeling before the visit that their son had the disorder, the couple said they knew it was important to educate themselves about autism. "The best thing you can do for your child is to be your child's advocate," Cheryl explained.
The Martins were on of dozens of families who attended the 2nd annual Lee's Summit Autism Awareness Night on Oct. 1. The free event, organized by the Lee's Summit Autism Support Group, provided families with resources to assist them in raising and educating children with autism spectrum disorders.
The hearts behind the Lee's Summit Autism Support Group are Debbie Shaumeyer of Greenwood, and Sherri Tucker of Lee's Summit. The ladies formed the group in Nov. 2005 after seeing the need of support for parents of autistic children in R-7 School District. Shaumeyer's 5-year-old son, Austin, has autism. Tucker's 14-year-old son, Jake, has Asperger's syndrome.
The R-7 School district has begun to work more closely with the local autism group. In addition, Shaumeyer and Tucker are going beyond school boundaries and reaching into the state legislature to speak about the impact of autism.
Last month, Shaumeyer testified to the Missouri Autism Blue Ribbon Panel on the U.M.K.C. campus. She focused her statement on insurance and the lack of coverage for autism families.
The 16-member Blue Ribbon Panel is comprised of senators, psychologists, and members of the Missouri Autism Coalition. The group ultimately makes decisions based off of testimony of parents and experts, then passes their findings onto state legislators to tackle autism in Missouri.
Shaumeyer revealed she was terrified about speaking, but she knew that she was testifying on behalf of Austin.
"I don't think any of them truly knew how far behind the state of Missouri is in tackling autism," Tucker asserted. "You can go and talk about issues, because issues are easy to talk about. But when you go and talk about your kid, that's hard thing to talk about."
Since first forming the Lee's Summit Autism Support Group, Shaumeyer has seen autism come to the surface in the community, ten fold. However, Tucker sees their journey differently.
"I think that we are getting more frustrated than when we started because when we started, we thought the issues were this big," Tucker explained by pinching her fingers together, "and now we know the issues are this big," she clarified with wide open arms.
Yet, the colleagues and friends agree that their fight for autism is infinite.
"Our fight is endless, our advocacy and our battle to make changes with autism is endless. It will be one place after another, forever," Shaumeyer expressed.
The ultimate goal, Tucker said, is about unity, community, and reaching families.
"I want to make sure that everybody (affected by autism in the R-7 School District) knows what their child needs, and finds a way to get it, and that they're not alone."
Dispatch Bits
The Lee's Summit Autism Support Group meets on the first Monday of each month at the Legacy Christian Church of Lee's Summit, 2150 East Langsford Road. For more information, visit http://www.lsautism.org
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