Look, I have no problems with people who have epilepsy. Several of my relatives have it. Hell, I had a dog who was epileptic.
But, you cannot be serious if you believe that this girl's epilepsy (and I am speaking only of her, not people with epilepsy in general) does not require her to be treated differently--she wants to have a dog in the class with her, at all times! That is different!
My only point was that if she expects to use something that will require significant accomodation on the part of the school, she should go through the process of having an IEP done--just like everyone else in that position does.
I honestly intended no insult to people with epileptics--I was just trying ot make the simple point that in her case, the school says she should have an IEP because of the adjustments they will have to make.
I read this as a kneejerk reaction on the part of the school, and I would like to know why it was handled this way.
I am serious when I do say that this girl's epilepsy does not require her to be treated differently. She knows she has it and if she has seizures three times a week, she is probably used to it. The children in her class will get used to it too, but there needs to be some explanation and education going on. The liberal public school system likes to include everything in a "normal" classroom these days - mentally challenged, behaviorally challenged, homosexuals, and children with emotional issues, which require a teaching aid or other adults in the classroom. If these children are allowed to be included in the classroom, why shouldn't a little girl with epilepsy be allowed to be in the same classroom?
Once again, I am suspicious at the need to have an IEP for this child.