Olivia is an individual first, not an individual with one label!

As one of Olivia's swim coaches, I can say that she is one of the most good natured, self-motivated, determined, hard working children I know. She deserves every opportunity to succeed in whatever she sets her mind to. You're awesome, Olivia!

This is so important. Thank you for fighting for your child - and thereby fighting for all our children.

What a wonderful young lady with such great achievements she should be afforded the same opportunities as a sighted person. If she went through her elementary school grades the middle school years should be no different.

You go girl all the way to college

Olivia sounds very much like my daughter who is 12. She also uses Braille, loves science & maths and attends chess club and STEM club based on science and maths. She attends our local mainstream high school in the UK and is doing brilliantly there academically and socially. I hope Olivia gets to go to the school she wants to attend, as there is no reason she can't achieve there alongside her friends. As you say they are far more than just visually impaired young people and should have that choice. Best of Luck

Make it happen

Our family went through same process. Our son did go to Ligon, so he could get what he needed for his disability! Olivia should be given same opportunity.

Community integration has a huge impact on our children. Being able to attend your local school with your neighborhood peers should be of up most importance. It will give Olivia the confidence to navigate her world and continue to be successful once she is out of the school system.

Olivia Rocks!

We're pull for you Olivia!!!

I went to the residential school at Raleigh for 3 years, but I was mainstreamed after the second grade. I believe I had a better time of it in public school than I would have had staying around in the closed environment. This helped me a great deal with social situations and skills. Thanks to all those who got the law changed so we could go to public school.

Olivia is a joy to be around! She is a bright young lady who needs to be challenged intellectually and socially just like all other kids! Keep pressing forward! A change is definitely needed to afford her the opportunities she so desires and deserves in order to fulfill her individual dreams! We ❤️ You, Olivia! Thanks for being a good friend to my son, as well! Keep your head up, Traci and keep on fighting!

My son is also visually impaired and we have the same struggle going on in our school district! Your petition is wonderful and I hope the district realizes that the needs of the whole child should be considered, not merely the category of visually impaired. Wishing you lots of luck and support from N.J. !

You go!

My son is completely blind and excels in his academics as well. Our children need as much "normal" as possible to help them become amazing parts of the community. I can't imagine him being kept out of the general Ed school system! Good luck with everything and keep pushing!

I'm shocked they are doing this to your daughter! Your on the right path! good luck

Blind/VI deserve the right to attend Home Base School. Social involvement plays an major part in social communicating in child teen & young adult years. Social isolation is an act of abuse & neglect. Stop & prevent social isolation in the Blind/VI community.

I do hope she gets in her home school. It's wrong not to. how are our children with VI going to be fully immersed and accepted in society when older if segregated from their peers at school age? Its unfair to everyone..

Though Olivia may be labeled with a disability, I believe she is uniquely able. She may not be able to see, but she can feel. She can feel the words on a page, and she can feel the passion and desire to learn in a school within her community.

So glad Olivia has parents that will advocate for her without ceasing! I think parents know their kids best! I'm sure this is stressful on your family. You are in my daily prayers!! Btw - they both swam great last night!!