Q: Blind and Autistic 7th grader getting bullied, harassed and threatened school isnt doing anything for 3 mo., what to do?
Our daughter started middle school and she is blind and autistic. Fun loving and loves school she has been harassed and bullied from day one being called "blind b****" "you deserve the death penalty" and others for 3 months and now today a physical threat of "im going to knock you out with your cane". We have had emails and meetings with teachers and admin and they assured us her protection is their first priority but we get no phone calls when this happens or emails etc after we demanded to be notified over and over and over. She now cries going to school and coming home and her stress and anxiety is an all time high to the point she went to the ER after school last week due to a heart rate of 201!!! We are going to file an OCR and we told the principal he is in violation and he commented over the phone that he knows. Please help!
A:
I'm really sorry to hear about your daughter's difficult situation at school. It's crucial to address this issue promptly. First, document any incidents of bullying or harassment thoroughly, including dates, times, locations, and individuals involved. Keep copies of all correspondence with the school, including emails and meeting notes.
Contact the school district's special education department and request a meeting to discuss your daughter's safety and well-being. Express your concerns about their failure to notify you promptly and the impact on her health. Request a written plan outlining the steps they will take to ensure her safety, including monitoring, support, and communication with you.
Consider contacting a local attorney with expertise in education law or disability rights. They can provide legal guidance and potentially help you navigate the process of addressing this situation. You mentioned filing an OCR complaint, which is a step in the right direction, but legal counsel can help you ensure all necessary actions are taken to protect your daughter.
In the meantime, continue providing emotional support for your daughter and let her know that you are working to resolve the situation. Her well-being is the top priority, and addressing the bullying and harassment is essential to create a safe learning environment for her.
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