ABA straight into statement and funding - just like that!

[schobe]

Ok so I seem to have stepped into a parallel universe wherein we go to meet the local authority people all ready for a fight.

And they then agree to put ABA into DS' statement and we are negotiating funding from a pretty generous starting offer.

Anyone wishing to know which authority we are in, feel free to send me a PM.

One of the reasons stated was looking to the future where parents get more control over their child's funding. The people we are dealing with couldn't be nicer, more professional and, dare I say, caring.

Am I being duped or are we just the luckiest people in the country?

[bialystockandbloom]

for you!

[Dev9aug]

Wow, that is brilliant, congratulations. Very very pleased for you and its made me a little happy myself as well. We have not had any dealings with LEA yet, so its good to know its not all doom and gloom. A cheeky PM coming your way as well.

[StarlightMcKenzie]

Luckiest people in the country I reckon!

But you know what. That's just the best news ever. Thank you for sharing it.

[bialystockandbloom]

Have sent you a pm but got that error message so not sure if it got through.

[schobe]

Lol Dev, you'll be moving asap, I know you.

The best bit was when they went very serious and said 'look, we'll need to see real evidence of progress you know for the programme to keep going'.

We were all

Thank you for being pleased for us, I know the battles some of you have had.

I honestly think the people who have fought have paved the way for us in authorities where a sneaky bit of common sense has filtered in.

[schobe]

They came through, have replied.

It's not rocket science really. We're running the programme so cheaply through judicious management (largely = not being in London) that they will save money compared with the special school + transport he was due to get.

[silverfrog]

Oh well done

I wonder whereabouts you are.

In one way we didn't have the hugest fight in the world, as no tribunal etc. but we did have to move house twice, and self fund for a bit to prove progress etc. compared to some, our journey was easy.

How fabulous that there is, somewhere, an authority who are listening to parents and working with them.

[schobe]

Yes we have self-funded for a little so our plan, costs etc is very clear.

We've also deluged them with lengthy reasoned arguments about why their suggested provision is inadequate and why he needs ABA.

I would love to think we scared them into it but they mentioned other families doing similar with whom they are also working

[cjn27b]

Wow. That's so reassuring, hopefully one day other LEAs will learn from yours (possibly wishful thinking, but must try not to get too cynical). I would love to know more. PM coming your way!

[StarlightMcKenzie]

schobe,

Our programme was cheaper than SS plus transport also. In fact it was cheaper than mainstream with support, but our battle wasn't about cost, or appropriateness, it was about control.

[Dev9aug]

you'll be moving asap, I know you.
You know, you are actually probably right. I am that crazy.

[AgnesDiPesto]

That good news, An LA not too far from us has been known to agree ABA without a fight, but also always expect the parents to take a less than 100% package for the privilege. But its def a step in the right direction.

[schobe]

God Star they were just such frightening people.

Yes Agnes, it will be less than 100% - we'll give way on the 38 weeks argument no doubt.

[chocjunkie]

Wow - speechless and very

Our LA is that anti ABA that our provider will stop services around here very soon as nobody gets funding abymore... :(

[coff33pot]

Brilliant success story. Pleased for you :)

[badgerparade]

Well done you . Have pm'd you as I'm nosey

[LateDeveloper]

Wow congratulations. Can't be my neck of woods as they equate it with dog training due to complete lack of knowledge.

Will pm as am nosy

[LateDeveloper]

Wow congratulations. Can't be my neck of woods as they equate it with dog training due to complete lack of knowledge.

Will pm as am nosy

[messmonster]

Congratulations Schobe so pleased for you

Sorry if this is a daft question - do you mean that you've got ABA in the Statement to be carried out at school or do mean funding for out of school ABA? Asking because I have my DDs pre starting school statement review coming up and I'd be interested to know what's possible!

[moondog]

Fabulous news Schobe.
Very pleased for you.
Every triumph for one family makes it a little easier for the next.

[babiki]

Wow that's great!!

[schobe]

Thanks messmonster. Ours is completely a home programme at the moment because of DS' limitations.

But we've also been very lucky and found a local mainstream who keep saying yes to everything we say, eg providing our own ABA shadow, very gradual integration and so on .

Hothead - your PM did come through, have replied.

Moondog - would be waving him off in a taxi every morning had I not met you in Birmingham earlier this year . Thank you.