Armani did not attend the first day our class met. (The school is on a block schedule, so each class meets every other day.) On the second day, I was surprised to find the kiddo in a wheelchair.
I only had the kinds of desks where the chair part is attached to a desk part. (See the picture above.) There was no way Armani could get into a desk. He had a brace attached to one leg, so this was a temporary predicament. I asked him how long he'd be in the wheelchair, and he said a couple months.
We made do that day. But for the long haul, this wasn't going to work.
One of the school administrators sent out an email about finding desks to accommodate wheelchairs. She was asking if anyone had one. I sent her a separate email mentioning Armani and that I'd need a desk if she found enough.
The very next day I found a new desk waiting for me in the classroom. Woo-hoo!
I found the perfect spot for it.
In discussion with the new teacher next door, I found out that she was also in need of a wheelchair desk for a student who won't be getting out of his wheelchair. I told her who I contacted, and she contacted her as well. But to no avail.
The next day that Armani was in class, he was still in the wheelchair, but his brace was gone. He got into the room, and then he stood up out of his wheelchair and sat at one of the student desks. Uh...
Armani is mending. And so now he can put some weight on the leg, but I imagine he'll be using the wheelchair for a bit longer.
But, now I had a wheelchair desk that I absolutely did not need. I gave it to the teacher next door. (Naturally.)
The next time the class met, Armani got into his seat again. We did not miss the wheelchair desk.
So, how did the desk work in the other class? Ms. C told me that the desk just mysteriously disappeared from her room right before the class where it was needed.
Deep sigh. Seriously?
The joys of the public schools.
Crazy. It's such a weird world, eh? And there are so many people in public schools there's no accounting for what happens sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI mean, they had allocated the desk to my class. Why was it suddenly taken away?
DeleteMan, I think one thing all taxpayers would agree on is having tables for anyone disabled -permanent or temporary.
ReplyDeleteYes, true.
DeleteArmani missed day one and showed up in a wheelchair on day two. Just another day in public schools: where miracles happen…and then disappear.
ReplyDeleteHis attendance has been sporadic in two weeks.
DeleteHi Liz - the school and life, and the kiddos keep you on your toes - life! Well done - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteWell okay, don't those doors get locked when no one is in there, and it had to be an adult teach that came and got the chair, don't you think? That would be just plain RUDE.
ReplyDeleteNot a teacher. Custodial. Teachers only have keys to their own rooms. The custodians have keys to all the rooms (as do the administrators).
DeleteSigh …
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Armani didn't need the desk, but sorry it disappeared for the student who does need it.
ReplyDeleteMs. C got a desk for her student. I was just in her room today and saw it. So, at least there's that.
DeleteSomebody stole the desk out of her room? How rude!
ReplyDeleteReappropriated, I think is more the word for it.
DeleteIt sounds like they need to invest in a few more wheelchair accessible desks. Soon! At least be able to show they're on order.
ReplyDeleteYes. They do. I hope that's what they're doing now.
DeleteI hope there is some justice in this world waiting for someone who would stoop to steal a desk needed by a student with a disability.
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming they took it someplace else where it was needed.
DeleteThey need several more desks. And note where they are at all times.
ReplyDeleteThat was the email that started this whole saga ;)
DeleteI never seen a wheel chair desk.
ReplyDeleteI hope Armani is recovering rapidly enough not to need a special desk anymore.
ReplyDeleteToday he came to class on crutches. Wheelchair no longer needed. Woo-hoo!
Delete