WindWise is appearing at public meetings making unsubstantiated claims that the two wind turbines slated to be erected will be "harmful" to the “special needs students” who will be attending the new Wood School. WindWise members have stood before the School Committee on more than one occasion demanding an answer to their question, “What plans have you made for the special needs students?” They have said similar things about the special education students at other open board meetings as well. My oldest son has an Autism Spectrum Disorder and my younger son has Tourette Syndrome. My two children have the types of neurological differences that WindWise has singled out as conditions that would put them in jeopardy if they attended Wood School. I contacted WindWise so that they could forward me the research based data and statistics that they base this claim on. The response was, “I agree that there is very little research focused specifically on the effects of IWTs on autistic kids. I have scoured a great deal of recent medical literature. Still I think there is cause for concern,especially for an autistic child that was living or going to schoolwithin 3km (1.5 miles) from a large turbine. (Please understand that I am not a medical or neurology expert).” I too have scoured medical data regarding my sons’ neurological differences but, instead of just for a couple of months, it’s been a dozen years. Without concrete evidence to support their claims I am angry and offended that WindWise repeatedly cites the special education children as potential victims in order to advance their political agenda. WindWise’s actions and words are the very definition of fear mongering; the use of fear to influence the opinions and actions of others towards some specific end. If they wish to be taken seriously in their efforts to educate people, open minds and potentially garner additional supporters WindWise must stop using my sons and other special education students as the poster children for their anti-turbine movement. The ignorance of others plus the emotional and physical challenges that my sons face every school day are stigmatizing enough, further singling them out in the way that WindWise is doing just adds to their burden. WindWise’s lawn signs read 'Be Educated', so the members of this group should take their own advice and get educated about autism. There is a saying that applies to this situation, “If you’ve met one person with autism then, you’ve met one person with autism”. This means that because autism is a spectrum disorder each autistic individual will present in very different ways. This is why our children have Individual Education Plans and/or 504 Plans that tailor their education to their needs. If an autistic child is noise sensitive during school hours it is largely, if not completely, due to the noise within the facility itself – the lighting fixtures, the heating and air systems, the noise from the kitchen, hallways and gymnasiums. I suggested at the last School Committee meeting that if WindWise forwards its claims, questions and research to David Kenney Director of Special Education, perhaps he can have an informational PAC meeting to address the concerns.(since 1986 Massachusetts state law has required all public school districts to maintain a Parent Advisory Council open to all parents of special education students as well as other interested parties) I am not only angry and offended for my children but also for Selectman Charles K. Murphy who is the dedicated founder of M.O.L.I.F.E. He has had to endure the unfounded accusations of turning a blind eye to the needs of the very people that he serves,while participating in a conspiracy allegedly carried out by he and others members of our Town boards. I for one have not made a definitive decision about the turbines. I am willing to keep an open mind, but I must insist that WindWise cease using my children as their pawns and infringing on the civil rights of all special needs individuals.
The more I look into the specifics the more I find that part of the problem is the arguments, both pro and con, deal in absolutes.
There are several very distinct issues that do in fact need to be addressed. I haven't dove into the "special needs argument" research. I will agree that without specific factual information no one should be raising it.
Everyone should become educated on all aspects of this issue. the information you read should include information on both sides of the issue.
The bigger problem now encompasses that ever present "perception" battle, if not more then just perception. The S-T raised some questions that need immediate answers.
WindWise is appearing at public meetings making unsubstantiated claims that the two wind turbines slated to be erected will be "harmful" to the “special needs students” who will be attending the new Wood School. WindWise members have stood before the School Committee on more than one occasion demanding an answer to their question, “What plans have you made for the special needs students?” They have said similar things about the special education students at other open board meetings as well. My oldest son has an Autism Spectrum Disorder and my younger son has Tourette Syndrome. My two children have the types of neurological differences that WindWise has singled out as conditions that would put them in jeopardy if they attended Wood School. I contacted WindWise so that they could forward me the research based data and statistics that they base this claim on. The response was,
ReplyDelete“I agree that there is very little research focused specifically on the effects of IWTs on autistic kids. I have scoured a great deal of recent medical literature. Still I think there is cause for concern,especially for an autistic child that was living or going to schoolwithin 3km (1.5 miles) from a large turbine. (Please understand that I am not a medical or neurology expert).”
I too have scoured medical data regarding my sons’ neurological differences but, instead of just for a couple of months, it’s been a dozen years. Without concrete evidence to support their claims I am angry and offended that WindWise repeatedly cites the special education children as potential victims in order to advance their political agenda. WindWise’s actions and words are the very definition of fear mongering; the use of fear to influence the opinions and actions of others towards some specific end.
If they wish to be taken seriously in their efforts to educate people, open minds and potentially garner additional supporters WindWise must stop using my sons and other special education students as the poster children for their anti-turbine movement.
The ignorance of others plus the emotional and physical challenges that my sons face every school day are stigmatizing enough, further singling them out in the way that WindWise is doing just adds to their burden.
WindWise’s lawn signs read 'Be Educated', so the members of this group should take their own advice and get educated about autism. There is a saying that applies to this situation, “If you’ve met one person with autism then, you’ve met one person with autism”. This means that because autism is a spectrum disorder each autistic individual will present in very different ways. This is why our children have Individual Education Plans and/or 504 Plans that tailor their education to their needs. If an autistic child is noise sensitive during school hours it is largely, if not completely, due to the noise within the facility itself – the lighting fixtures, the heating and air systems, the noise from the kitchen, hallways and gymnasiums. I suggested at the last School Committee meeting that if WindWise forwards its claims, questions and research to David Kenney Director of Special Education, perhaps he can have an informational PAC meeting to address the concerns.(since 1986 Massachusetts state law has required all public school districts to maintain a Parent Advisory Council open to all parents of special education students as well as other interested parties)
I am not only angry and offended for my children but also for Selectman Charles K. Murphy who is the dedicated founder of M.O.L.I.F.E. He has had to endure the unfounded accusations of turning a blind eye to the needs of the very people that he serves,while participating in a conspiracy allegedly carried out by he and others members of our Town boards.
I for one have not made a definitive decision about the turbines. I am willing to keep an open mind, but I must insist that WindWise cease using my children as their pawns and infringing on the civil rights of all special needs individuals.
The more I look into the specifics the more I find that part of the problem is the arguments, both pro and con, deal in absolutes.
ReplyDeleteThere are several very distinct issues that do in fact need to be addressed. I haven't dove into the "special needs argument" research. I will agree that without specific factual information no one should be raising it.
Everyone should become educated on all aspects of this issue. the information you read should include information on both sides of the issue.
The bigger problem now encompasses that ever present "perception" battle, if not more then just perception. The S-T raised some questions that need immediate answers.