"Mariah speaks" ~ Before Broward County Public Schools over the Summer on July 23rd, 2013.

Mariah speaking before Broward County Public Schools over the Summer on July 23rd, 2013. M_07_23_2013 Her speech although unclear, was provided in writing to the Superintendent and all the School Board members so they knew what she spoke about at the podium. 

Mariah speaking before the School board over the Summer was something she wanted to do....by herself, without me standing next to her. She and I discussed what should she talk about if she was no longer a Broward County Public School Student. I withdrew Mariah from Public education in Broward before the school year ended on May 24th, 2013.

I didn't give up on Public Education... 

...Broward Public Education 

GAVE UP ON MARIAH!!

Although I filed a State Complaint pertaining to her school holding an illegal 10th IEP ~ 4 days after she had been withdrawn from attending Broward schools and was no longer a Student in this district. Naturally, I lost the State Complaint.....enough is enough of the games this school district and the State has put me thru in my trying to secure a 'real education' for my daughter, Mariah. 

This video provided by BeconTV is the entire July 23th, 2013 School Board Meeting. The Pubic Speakers begins on the Video at 143:00 with School board Chair, Laurie Rich-Livenstein opening the meeting for Public comment. Mariah is called as the first Public Speaker. To see the beginning of where Mariah starts go to 144:00 on the Video. I speak just after Mariah at 148:50 on the Video. 

It is worth a watch to see the other Public Speakers at this Summer Broward County School Board Meeting.

I am so proud my daughter wants to SPEAK OUT and become a Public Speaker. What she has to say is worth hearing. 

Written below is Mariah's actual July 23rd, 2013 Speech she spoke before Broward School Board meeting.

Hi !!

*Pause & SMILE

My name is Mariah Harris, I am 14 years old and in the 6th Grade.

I am in the Nova  U-Na-Ver-ciTy  School of the ARTS Drama Camp. I am a dancer, singer, actress and will be in the Disney MULAN show August second. I have teachers and helpers that support and BELIEVE IN ME! Want to come see me on the stage at the EP-STEEN Center?

I went to Horse Camp for 2 weeks and had a lot of FUN! FIRE is the name of my horse. I met new friends that liked me and BELIEVED IN ME at the Ranch!

I am on the SWIM TEAM at River Land Pool. Back Stroke is my best stroke. I Like doing Free Style and I'm learning the Butterfly. I love going to Swim practice every day! My Coaches BELIEVE IN ME!

I love going to the Movies and Cooking.

I am having a Great Summer.

I need people to BELIEVE IN ME and see that I CAN do it!

Do not JUDGE me because I have Down syndrome!

I am Mariah Harris, I love school and I'm a good student!

I have always been fully IN-CLUDed with an adult to help me.

BELIEVE IN and IN-CLUDE more students with Down syndrome in all of our schools!!

Have a good day!

Thank you very much.

SMILE

Mariah Harris

321funlife@gmail.com

"Mariah speaks" ~ Before Broward County Public Schools over the Summer on July 23rd, 2013.

PARENTS MUST HAVE THEIR SAY IN SPECIAL-NEEDS KIDS' EDUCATION ~ Orlando Sentinel by Natalie Gozer / Guest Colunist

PARENTS MUST HAVE THEIR SAY IN SPECIAL-NEEDS KIDS' EDUCATION

Thursday, April 25, 2013
View Source Article - Orlando Sentinel 

Parents must have their say in special-needs kids' education
Orlando Sentinel 

By Natalie Gozar | Guest columnist
April 25, 2013

"As the law stands, if parents disagree with their child's IEP team's decision, their only recourse is to take the school district to court. In my case, court was not an option due to financial restrictions.

New legislation is working to change this. Among the provisions in House Bill 465 and Senate Bill 1108, moms and dads would be involved in crucial decisions affecting their son or daughter with a disability, including helping to decide whether their special-needs student will be placed on an alternative curriculum track or a special diploma track.

This legislation, which counts among its sponsors Rep. Jason Brodeur and Sen. Andy Gardiner, would ensure parents are involved in deciding whether their child will be placed in an exceptional student education center. It would also ensure every Florida teacher is trained and prepared to help every student — especially those with disabilities — learn to their full capability.

I am excited to see Florida on the verge of becoming the first state in the nation to ensure parents are informed and empowered to play their critical role in developing their child's Individual Educational Plan.

And I applaud Florida lawmakers for bringing this issue forward this legislative session."

Natalie Gozar lives in Casselberry.

Copyright © 2013, Orlando Sentinel

Opinion: Parents must have their say in special-needs kids' education
http://www.afloridapromise.org/News/2013/Opinion_Parents_must_have_their_say_in_special_needs_kids_education.aspx

Empowering Parents

Each mom and dad deserves the right to be informed and engaged in important decisions regarding their child’s education. Parents must be equipped with the necessary tools to make informed choices.

Parents’ Rights: 
Exceptional Student Education

The Foundation for Florida’s Future supports policy that:

1. Ensures parents are involved in crucial decisions affecting their son or daughter with a disability.
2. Ensures all teachers have the proper training to meet the unique needs of all of their students – especially those with disabilities.
3. Ensures school districts strategically involve parents.

http://www.afloridapromise.org/Pages/Agenda_2013/Empowering_Parents.aspx

To read the entire article from A Florida Promise website click link below:
http://www.afloridapromise.org/News/2013/Opinion_Parents_must_have_their_say_in_special_needs_kids_education.aspx

A Florida Promise | Week 1 Legislative Roundup