Special needs child can't accept school voucher - KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana News Weather & Sports

The Louisiana Department of Education had more interest in the new private school voucher/scholarship program than they had spots this year. In Caddo Parish less than half the people who applied got a scholarship.

Trailais Tillman's son, Aidan, will start Kindergarten this year. He's zoned to go to a failing public school, so when the state announced they would give private school vouchers, Tillman applied right away.

"I was seeking other options, smaller atmosphere, more family oriented type environment, which is what he's used to," she said.

Tillman was thrilled to find out Aiden's name was pulled during the lottery to attend Evangel Christian Academy. She was equally disappointed when she realized she had to turn it down.

Aiden is autistic, and Evangel told her they didn't have the services he needs.

"I don't fault Evangel at all.   In my opinion, I fault those that put this plan together," said Tillman.

Tillman feels that if the state wants to give families educational options there should be options for all kinds of kids, including those with disabilities.

"This was the option that I wanted to take, but I am highly upset because my son was basically discriminated against because he had special needs."

The autism support group Families Helping Families says Tillman is not alone. Many parents in Northwest Louisiana would like to see more options for kids with autism.

"We need to have more support. We need more resources in this area," said Education Specialist, Monica Sullivan.

Families helping Families would like to see the state give private schools incentives to create special education programs that could be another option for parents.

"I believe that the governing boards of various private schools would accommodate or would make room if the state went out a little bit further and offered incentives for them to accommodate those students. Also, this would build a stronger relationship with the parents in the community because those families won't feel ostracized that our kids have been left out, which is what they're seeing now," said Families Helping Families' Transition Coordinator, Mine Jenkins.    

The Louisiana Department of education issued this statement, "Nonpublic schools participating in the Louisiana Scholarship Program may not turn away assigned students.   However, because nonpublic schools do not receive federal IDEA funding, they are not subject to the mandates of IDEA and are thus not required to offer special education services.  The law requires nonpublic schools to indicate the special education services they provide, and this information is communicated to families in advance of the application period. Parents are advised to check with their school of choice before applying to ensure it is able to meet their child's needs."

Copyright 2012 KSLA. All rights reserved.