Greenville parents of autistic children demand action | Education Lab

Initially, critical comments about the district appeared to be offset by numerous testimonies from parents and staff members who applauded the school district’s special education services.

One of them was a teacher at the district’s Washington Center, a school for children with severe disabilities, who praised the professionalism of a district that ensures students with disabilities receive an education in the least restrictive environment possible.

“I am grateful to be part of a district that puts the needs of its students first,” said special education teacher Shelly Hagood.

Another speaker was a man whose 27-year-old autistic son attended Greenville-area schools a few years ago, liked almost all of his teachers and was especially grateful for Project SEARCH, a job training partnership the district runs with Bon Secours St. Francis Health System in Greenville.

“I just want to come out and let you know that there’s been a lot of good things that have happened, and I really, really, really appreciate all the support,” Jay Gerhart said.

The last to speak was the mother of a 4-year-old student at Riley Child Development Center in Pelzer. Her boy has spina bifida and likes to do wheelies in his wheelchair. The school has improved ramps and crosswalks and added a handicapped parking spot.

“Being heard” in meetings with caring teachers and administrators — those are things parent Carmicah Rice says have contributed to her positive experience with Greenville County Schools.

“Categorical denial”

The tone was very different among the five other parents who spoke at the Sept. 24 board meeting.

All have young children who, like Cervantes, have autism spectrum disorders. Their children are currently, or will soon be, enrolled in public schools in the Greenville area, and all wanted to bring their own behavioral assistants, funded by insurance, into their children’s schools.