For autistic twins, it's a learning battle
For autistic twins in Cashion, it's a learning battle

By Dawn Marks
Published: June 17, 2008

CASHION — Martin Barry wants his daughters and others with autism to get a good education.


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Todd Garrison wants to pay the bills and keep good teachers in the rural district where he is superintendent.

Cashion student Cayden Cochran, 17, worries his two brothers won't carry on the family legacy of wearing maroon and gold. However, none is sure what will happen next.

Barry filed his third complaint against the Cashion School District claiming his 7-year-old autistic twin daughters aren't receiving the special educational services they need.

A ruling is expected this week and will determine the services the district is required to provide the twins — at significant costs, which could even bankrupt the tiny school district.

‘A world we couldn't reach'
Twins Kaitlyn and Kayleigh Barry were diagnosed in 2004 with autism after the girls "withdrew into a world that we couldn't reach,” Martin Barry said. The girls injured themselves and could not go from one room to another, much less get into a car and go to school, without becoming hysterical, he said.

After the girls turned 3, the family started working with the Cashion School District to provide in-home special education and related services, like occupational therapy. However, Barry said the school district did not provide what his daughters needed, so in October 2005, he filed the first of his due process claims with the state Education Department.

The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires school districts to provide a free and appropriate education for students from age 3 to 21 and also requires states to set up a complaint process. An administrative hearing officer from the Oklahoma Special Education Resolution Center, which handles special education due process complaints for the state Education Department, hears complaints and that decision is legally binding. Those decisions can be appealed to a second hearing officer and then to district or federal court.

The Barry family eventually won their first claim, but then filed a second claim stating the school district didn't do what it was ordered to do. That claim was settled, and the district was ordered to provide more occupational and speech therapy. In February, Barry filed a third claim against the district.

"It wasn't that I didn't and don't care about other people's children, but the reality is I have a responsibility to these two,” he said.

The Barrys have converted portions of their home into classroom space, have hired tutors to add to services the school district has provided and have even changed their daughters' diets in hopes their efforts will crack open a door into their minds that was sealed shut by autism. The girls now can read and speak, and have made progress in the four years since they were diagnosed, Barry said.

A struggling district
Superintendent Garrison said he cannot comment about the complaints or the services the Barry girls receive from the district. He said the district is struggling to pay all its expenses and did not fill two vacant positions — a speech/drama position and a Spanish/English position — so resources could be devoted to special education services. A part-time secretary in the superintendent's office was not rehired, as well.

Eighty-one students qualify for special education services of varying degrees in the district. Cashion schools' three special education teachers resigned at the end of the year. Garrison said he couldn't discuss their reasons for resigning. So far, the district has hired one teacher to fill the three slots.

"I'm concerned about the image it places on the school and education,” Garrison said. "Special education teachers are not easy to find as it is.”

In the 2004-05 school year, the district spent $113,000 on special education and received $78,000 in special education funding from the federal government. The district's expenses increased to $255,000 in the 2006-07 school year, and the federal government provided $80,000. In the 2007-08 school year, the district's special education program cost $300,000 and the district received $196,000 in state and federal money.

In addition, the district has paid about $380,000 in legal fees since the 2005-06 school year. Gov. Brad Henry signed a bill Thursday that gives the district $200,000 to help pay those fees.

"The attorney's fees are paid out of the same fund as the teachers' salaries, the textbooks. The issue is whether we're going to have money to run our district,” Garrison said.

To some, it may not look like the district is struggling for money. A $4.75 million building with about 12 classrooms is under construction now. It will help the district deal with enrollment growth and will be paid for with bond issue funds. Those funds cannot be used to hire teachers for the classrooms though, Garrison said.

The district's fund balance is about $300,000, but Garrison said he likes to keep that closer to $500,000 so that he has the cash flow he needs to start the school year. Each school board can set the amount of money that its district will carry over for the next year, but school districts cannot have negative fund balances, according to state law. The district has 500 students in grades prekindergarten through 12. Former school board member Anita Robinson said enrollment has increased 4 percent to 8 percent each year for the last several years.

Not sure what they'll do
Because of the changes, students took Spanish classes without a teacher during the past school year and administrators aren't sure what they'll do this fall.

Stacy Maroney, whose three daughters attend Cashion, said she wants them to graduate from the school where their father and uncles graduated and she worries they may not be getting the classes they need, like foreign language, because there isn't money to pay for them.

Maroney's daughter Brentney Maroney went with other students several times to the state Capitol to talk to legislators and are hoping for a solution that will keep their school alive financially.

Cochran said students are mostly worried their siblings and their children won't have a chance to attend the school.

"I've lived in this town my whole life. This town is who we are,” he said. "We don't want it to end, not like this.”


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Maybe Dawn Marks could do follow stories from the public school perspective, Cashion and statewide. It might informative to understand how the schools are trying to cope with these demands and what the ramifications are. It would also be good to see if there are districts within the state that have managed to excel in this type of special instruction. I would surprised to see that type of well rounded journalism from this newspaper.
Bobby, Edmond - Jun 18, 2008 8:32 AM
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I forgot to mention that I appreciate parents who have children with autism wanting to get insurance companies to cover the expenses for speech, education and so on. Do they understand that most insurances do not cover the cost of hearing aids, or tax breaks for the purchase of them because they're not considered medical,nor insulin for diabetes (at least not some insurance companies)--which is life saving. . .and I could go on. It's not just about autism. I know a woman who moved herself and her daughter to Texas to get the right program for her hearing impaired child. It paid off. My heart to these parents. It is difficult. However, it is unreasonable to potentially shut a school district down for two. Everyone loses then. Martha from Midwest City.
Martha, Midwest City - Jun 17, 2008 11:30 PM
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From what I have read in other places, not just the Daily Oklahoman, Cashion School offered to transport those girls to a school district that could better teach them. Daddy refused. Why did he refuse? God only knows. Maybe so he could sue again? If Cashion can't provide for these girls, they should be shut down? No! They did the best they could do with the money and teachers available to them. They offered to transport them for FREE. Why would the guy say no if he really wants them to have a good education, the education they deserved?? I graduated from Cashion seven years ago. We had autistic kids in my class, and some other grades as well. Guess what!! They got the education that their parents wanted for them. Not only have special ed teachers left Cashion this year, but other teachers have left too. Barry is crazy if he thinks any decent special ed, or regular teachers for that matter, are going to come to Cashion to teach now!! They're all going to be scared they're going to get accused of not providing for certain kids. If my kid had special needs that the school district I lived in couldn't provide, and the school offered to drive them to a better school, you bet your ass I'd let them. I wouldn't keep wasting the school district's money, which only hurts the other kids who are trying to go to school there. Barry: I'm sorry for your difficult situation, but suing Cashion Schools isn't going to make your daughters normal.
Raven, guthrie - Jun 17, 2008 3:18 PM
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During the second due process hearing, the hearing officer specifically asked Mr. Barry, what the twins were not getting that he thought they should be. He could not answer that question. It wasn't that he wouldn't answer it; it was absolutely that he COULD NOT. Why haven't any of the journalists who have interviewed Mr. Barry asked him the seemingly obvious question: What exactly are you not getting that you have a right to? Correct me if I'm wrong, but FAPE stands for Free and Appropriate Public Education not Free and Ideal! Thank goodness Cashion has Todd Garrison!!
Kerry, Cashion - Jun 17, 2008 2:56 PM
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Bobby, Piedmont, it is easy to uproot a family (of 5, in our case) and move to another district for the benefit of a special needs family member. It was very easy because we were committed to our family and determined not to cause a burden on others. P.L.O.M. is infinitely more debilitating than any disability. (And, Big Bro, if you're reading this....you're still my hero.)
K.L., warr acres - Jun 17, 2008 2:24 PM
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When the first mediation was being asked for by Mr. Barry (to keep the attorneys out of it) Todd Garrison and the district felt they needed to get an attorney which defeated the purpose of having a mediator. It was the Todd Garrison that made this a legal matter instead of acting like an adult and coming to an understanding of what these children needed. Todd Garrison knee jerked to Mr. Barry’s claim instead of trying to communicate and get an understanding of what was needed. Sorry folks this whole debacle lies solely on shoulders of Todd Garrison.
Ken, Mustang - Jun 17, 2008 2:24 PM
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Bobby, Piedmont, I would not dare to place blame on the parents of LD children. I have always been thankful that my children were healthy and that I did not have to endure what those parents have to endure. On the other hand, it is not fair for a parent to demand that the schools take care of their children at the expense of all of the other children. It is not asking too much to require families to another school district more better able to deal with thier needs. So it's another hardship. What about the children in the Cashion school district?
Bobby, Edmond - Jun 17, 2008 2:05 PM
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Marie, it is apperant from your comments that you do not have a child that suffers from learning problems. It is not that easy to uproot your family and move to another district. Furthermore, the school system should do their job instead of spending more money to fight the change than to except it. This why Oklahoma has a bad name when it comes to public education. It is alwasy other peopels fault Parents, lazy kids, it is never the fault of the school system.
Bobby, Piedmont - Jun 17, 2008 1:13 PM
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Furthermore, if Martin Barry really wanted to do what is best for his children he would move to a district that could more readily handle the extreme expense he has requested or that he is "entitled" to receive. Oh, just a thought, maybe there should be several schools statewide, say maybe 25 or 30 in key areas that would offer special educational programs for challenged children only. Oh my, what a thought, then the public school educators could return to a normal classroom environment. OMG, what an idea!!!!!
Marie, Oklahoma City - Jun 17, 2008 1:02 PM
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Mitch is right. Parents need to shoulder the responsibility for their children. Unfortunately, lots of children are born with problems. Some just have minor problems while others have tremendously challenging difficulties. This is what insurance is for and with the current price of premiums for all of us the insurance companies should not be allowed to disallow coverage of these devastating problems. I believe that it should be the responsibility of the parents to educate these children also instead of using the public school systems as day care and baby sitting services because they do not want to be responsible. I sincerely hope that if I had an exceptional child like this that I would protect and cherish the unique opportunity God had given me to step up to the plate instead of making it every taxpayers bain to do my job.
Marie, Oklahoma City - Jun 17, 2008 12:50 PM
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no james it's not the responsibility of all of us, it's the responsibility of the person who brought the child into this world. if you want to shoulder the weight of everyone's problems then go for it.
mitch, Oklahoma City - Jun 17, 2008 10:38 AM
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I have been a special education teacher for years too. I am also a person with a disability. I agree with all the comments made here so far. I do want to add to John's about the state and funding. Yes, we need more funds. However, the federal gov't also is responsible for making impossible demands on school systems that they do not back up with money themselves.

As for Bobbie and the LD population. I could not agree with you more. Of all the disabilities that are neglected, yours is the most. My personal opinion is that when most LD students are identified they are all ready three to four years behind. They should automatically get extended school year provided by special education.

I am hearing impaired and never had special education. I have two sons that are also. I did have parents who never expected me to fail and neither was I treated any differently in the classrooms in the west coast. It was assumed I could do the work. I did. However, both my parents, my husband and myself, helped our boys. I personally refused special education services of any kind, including a 504 for my youngest son in this state. I didn't like it that I sensed in this state that with a student on an IEP in a classroom expectations would be lowered. I am glad I made that choice because my youngest son played in a band, did drama, was in the National Honor Society and is now the student body president of a private university in town.

There are so many dynamics that make or break a student with a disability. I have a grandson that is autistic too. So, yes, my heart to parents who have these children. However, there are more disabilities that are being neglected because of one very "popularly" discussed disability nationally. Why not merged with those of all parents of children with disabilities and make it better for all, not just yours??? Martha Riles
Martha, Midwest City - Jun 17, 2008 10:36 AM
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Very well said, luann.
K.L., warr acres - Jun 17, 2008 10:28 AM
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It is a very sad day when one family's demands on public education can totally destroy many educational opportunities of so many other students. I am a special education teacher in one of our larger districts in the area and have been for 24 years. I am very passionate about what I do and I love teaching. I am the first to advocate for my students with special needs; however, the mindset of entitlement has absolutely gone over the top. Yes, all students have a right to a free and appropriate education, but unfortionatley, our federal/state governments do not like paying for all of it. So, it's left up to the districts to find the money. This is not just a problem in Cashion, but everywhere. The world of special education has changed so much over the years...some good and some not so good. The demands of special education that has been put on our public educational system and its teachers is out of control. This is just one sad story of a small district that doesn't have the funds to accommodate a very demanding family...there are hundreds just like it around the country. Furthermore, it speaks volumes when all 3 special educators left at the end of the year. Our country is in crisis when it comes to special education. UCO only graduated 6 students this past May in special education. It is almost impossible to find special education teachers. How are we going to educate any of our special education students if we don't have any teachers? It's hard for me to believe that this families demands are reasonable when what they are asking for is putting such a strain on this district and that all 3 special educators quit.

luann, Edmond - Jun 17, 2008 10:10 AM
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John, with all due respect, I disagree. Parents of autistic children have been working to get additional funding for their children through the state for health insurance and additional school funding for years. Unfortunatly, these efforts have always been blocked by the efforts of insurance company lobbyists, republican state senators and representatives, and an overall attitude of "Why should I pay for other people's kid problems?". We have exhibited some of the most un-Christian attitudes and behaviors immaginable. It was Christ that said to let the little children come to him. I believe that when we ignore the needs of our most helpless citizens that we have started down a very slippery slope. I sometimes wonder why people who call them selves "pro-life" do not work harder assist people in living their lives. This is not just the responsibility of parents, but all of us.
J, Anonymous - Jun 17, 2008 9:01 AM
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John, I understand your thinking, however, I must respectfuly disagree with you.
I was diagnosed at age 15 with a learning disablity and struggled all through high school because my school district refused to honor my individualized education program (IEP). My parents were forced to threaten the district with a law suit if they continued with their attitude. As a family we thought this was the best option not just for me, but for the families of other LD children who could not afford to fight for their rights.

The problem with the public education system in this state is that teachers and districts are not held accountable for the way they treat students who need speacial attention. They blame everyone else for the districts short comings instead of looking in the mirror. I feel sorry for the father of these children because I understand what he is up against and I hope that he is able to provail just as my parents were.
Bobby, Piedmont - Jun 17, 2008 8:52 AM
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J, Anonymous - Jun 17, 2008 8:48 AM
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What you will see is a cutback of other services like school lunches, arts, languages, trips, sports, media, and other services. I have said it before that the state needs to shoulder the monetary burden of handicapped children. Here you have a parent strangling the school system in a court of law instead of getting more funds for the school. So what he has essentially done is say that if his kids are hurting he's going to put the hurt to all the kids. Let them all suffer for his two kids suffering. IT would do this town a lot of good if they just moved to a district like Putnam City. Continued legal action against a helpless district is just going to result in the district shutting down and then he will have to take his kids to the next town with a surviving school until he also does it to them.
John, Stigler - Jun 17, 2008 8:24 AM
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