When a Vermont teen with autism completed the academic requirements to graduate from high school, he assumed he would walk at graduation with his peers. But not so fast, said the school district.
The trouble: Todd Geraci, 18, had not met the social goals in his individualized education plan. So, the school district said he would be unable to participate in the graduation ceremony unless he wanted to officially graduate and forfeit access to future school services, which he is eligible to receive until age 22.
But Geraci’s mom, Julie Sullivan, felt the choice was unfair and the matter ended up in court. School district officials said they feared allowing a student to participate in graduation before completing all requirements could diminish the significance of the other students’ accomplishment and set a dangerous precedent. Geraci’s attorney argued that since the teen completed all of his academic requirements he should be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony.
The court sided with Geraci, granting a court injunction so that the he could participate in the ceremony, though he did not receive a diploma, reports The (Montpelier, Vt.) Times Argus. To read more click here.
More in Education »
More in Politics »
More in Autism »
Copyright © 2009 Disability Scoop, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Post a Comment
Comments are moderated and will not appear until they are approved. All comments must be in compliance with the DisabilityScoop.com Terms and Conditions. Please stay on-topic, keep your comments brief and refrain from inserting links or using abusive language.
You must be logged in to post a comment. Click here to login or register.
Regular education people are so hard headed and set in their ways. You would think they were the ones with the disability. For years a system in Georgia has done exactly what this school did. The kids participate in graduation at 18 and then go on to an adult program, that is really just a community based education program, in a different location until they are 22. That way they get their whole education and still are part of the school. It would not even have to be at another school as long as it was distinguished from the program the younger students go to.
It has been 34 years and the still want to fit our square pegs in their round holes. This is why the best administrators are special educators.They not only know how to teach, but htey are flexible and want to meet the needs of the students, not fit the students to their rules.
Parents need to remember the last resort words always. Use them when nothing else works: media lawsuit