Super Summit Tonight



Heather Laurie

 We listened to the HECOA's Super Summit tonight.  The speaker for tonight came down with the flu, and Heather Laurie was the replacement.  Her website that was mentioned was Special Needs Homeschooling. 

The topic was special needs.  There were a lot a good points which could be useful even if your child isn't special needs.  I'm jotting them down before I forget them!

One thing her family does is to homeschool year-round.  This allows them to slow down during the day, and to avoid forgetting through the summer.

She also said don't be afraid of Saturday.  For instance, if math is an issue, don't be afraid of taking 45 minutes on Saturday to review.  Another option would be to ask your husband to do it.  It allows your child to hear the same thing from a different perspective, and also allows your husband to see what you are dealing with.

Heather noted the difference between diagnosing vs. labeling.  Diagnosing is helping.  It may give you a description of a symptom.  It doesn't give any excuse not to succeed.  It allows you to find out how to adapt and work to overcome.

Using a public school system to diagnose is not a great way to go for several reasons.  First, their only focus is addressing issues that effect educational goals.  It's definitely not holistic.  Also, depending on the school district, it can really get the public school system into your business. 

She mentioned that some insurance will pay for special needs evaluation.  Also, don't be afraid of getting a 2nd or 3rd opinion.  As Heather mentioned, you have a master's in your child.  You need to go in with a question and come out with a plan.

Her family also has a website for their ministries.  She wrote a great piece that really spoke to where I live.  It's Making a House a Home When You Are Chronically Ill. 

There was a lot more, but I can only write so fast!  I've friended her on FB and bookmarked her sites, so I'm looking forward to finding out more!