Student with Down Syndrome Not Allowed to Attend Community School

Regardless of his good grades, excellent behavior and cooperation, the Committee on Special Education made the decision that Brady could no longer attend Brookfield Central School. The determination was made because Brady has Down syndrome and the district did not want to hire a certified teacher to modify his English Language Arts and Math curriculum. The Committee recommended that Brady be removed from his school and be placed in a 12:1:1 segregated setting for "handicapped students", outside of his community. This is discrimination. We are fighting this decision through a fair hearing and we need community support. People need to be aware of what is happening to kids with disabilities. He belongs in his community school with his siblings, neighbors and friends. This would be emotionally devastating to Brady. He would suffer a huge life set back should this occur. No parent should have to tell their child that they do not belong in their own community school. It's just not right and it is a terrible injustice to this child who has done so well. The New York State part 200 federal regulations state that Brady has the right to a free appropriate public education.

Dear Brookfield Central School Teachers, Administrators and Board of Education,

Brady Worden is a 13 year old young man with a strong work ethic, a great sense for what's right and wrong, and a gift for understanding people and their needs. He currently attends 7th grade at his community school in Brookfield. Brady has Down syndrome. It is Brookfield Committee on Special Education recommendation that Brady be removed from his community school and be place at a segregated "handicapped" program, away from everything that he has grown to love and understand as "home." Once again we, as parents, face the challenge of proving that our son belongs in his community and has the right to attend the same school as his siblings, neighbors and friends.