There is a child and family we served recently. The child was born with some significant challenges. The mom and dad were tortured by the nagging question of what more they could do. They did all that they could think of, and then some. Verbal Behavior Institute (VBI) was called in by the family, through friends – as we have a solid reputation for quality (even our detractors admit we do what we do well. They just wish we would do it elsewhere so there was no standard for comparison.). After a couple of weeks, the family informed us they wanted to retain a lawyer to assist them in suing their district to obtain truly individualized services for their son. We did not comment on their decision. We do not comment on what parents want to do; other than to speak about what we, as educators can do to help the child. We agreed we would write a course of treatment and education for their purposes, consistent with the work we were and planned to do, irrespective of the planned litigation.
After more than a few discussions with the family over the course of months it became readily apparent to me as the BCBA and administrator on the case, the stress of litigation was going to be added stress on this family who already had much on their plate. After internal discussions at VBI among staff, we made a decision to try to help the family and their district to resolve this matter; without the added stress court, depositions, discovery and all of the nuances that suck the time and energy out of the people.
I called the local school district Director of Special Student Services and introduced myself. The Director, in proper administrative form said that he could not speak with me regarding – as he had no signed release. I understood and stated that I wanted then to speak hypothetically to help a hard situation to be resolved; if in fact such circumstance existed. Basically I said, “I’ve spoken to the parent and to the teachers we employ. We would like to offer to turn over to the district, at no cost – the entire treatment team; along with all plans and supports required for a seamless transition”. We advised the Director we would not in any regard hinder or hold staff from contracting directly with the district and indeed, to the extent it was needed, both I and the team leader would make ourselves available pro bono for the child, to support the process of transitioning this case to being a public school district case.
The director, to his credit “got it”.
He responded that he too wanted to do what was right for the child, and might; given the conciliation towards the district, be inclined to amend his IEP recommendations to more closely resemble what the hypothetical child of our discussion might need. I thanked him and sent an e-mail to the team, copying the correspondent parties and verified the desire to help the child, and reduce stress all around.
From a purely “business” perspective – that story makes no sense. I am sure that folk I went to Wharton with, if they read this page; will be sure that I’ve lost my mind. Yet, the title of this page is “About Us” and that story; while not a great business story – is more about us; and how we work than all the numbers we could ever put on a page. If you would like to see if VBI can be of an assist to your special project, please give us a call at (732) 254-0300. We are here to help.
Terry Blackwell, BCBA, SAS, CAS
We are fortunate enough to work with some of the most skilled Applied Behavior Analysis -Verbal Behavior BOARD CERTIFIED staff in the country. We serve school districts and family.
I invite you to learn more about them by following the links on the left. Or contact us and make plans to attend one of our workshops.
Terry Blackwell Jr.