Never-ending Conflicts
by Laverne Debnam
My son, Brent, is 11 and has cerebral palsy. He requires assistance transferring from his wheelchair for toileting. We have had our share of disappointments regarding daycare. When he was 9, Brent was not permitted to participate in an after-school daycare program because no one was trained to help him with transferring. When the program began, they said they were prepared to care for him, but that was not the case.
Any program he has attended since has had the same problems, even though I outlined his needs beforehand and offered to help. My work hours were flexible and I made certain I was available to offer assistance. The last program Brent attended was run by the YMCA. They were housed in a state school and had one provider for 22 children. They also had problems caring for him.
Presently, I am running a business from home. My son comes directly home after school, and at least now I know my son is receiving adequate care as he gets on and off the bus.
