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

She sounds like an amazing kid. Better yet, her mother sounds amazing for realizing her needs and fighting to find the best fit to keep this child in mainstraim schools. Kudos to them both and I hope the school system will see the child for who she is and place her where her parents think the best fit is...THEY know better.

Olivia should be able to attend her local school with her neighbors and friends. Stay strong Olivia, we think you are awesome and hope that this will be corrected.

Good luck Olivia! You are an amazing young lady. Reach for the stars always!

Wishing you access to all your goals Olivia! Keep working hard! You will achieve them.

I agree with this petition.

Olivia is an amazing swimmer and such a wonderful young lady. Go Olivia!!!

I hope this young lady exceeds in all her dreams and wishes

I stand behind this family and Olivia in voicing their right not to be "boxed-in" by labels. And worse, this label handed down by our school board DOES mean making Olivia less than her fullest potential by denying her access to the same opportunities as children in her age and peer group. Olivia, if unlabeled by administrators, would otherwise being attending a more fully realized school - academically and socially. She is not learning impaired or indifferent to whom she wants to become, if given the opportunity. She has very poor eyesight...that's it, that simple. Let this extraordinary girl who has demonstrated how she can and will grow beyond being merely VI, experience the next phase of her life just as fully as her friends next door!

This is terrible! WCPSS needs to follow IDEA. Sadly, it depends so often on the principal of the school where your student is first diagnosed and first requests accommodation. Keep pushing back, Olivia's mom. Olivia, keep on being your awesome self. From the mom of a VI high school student who is an athlete, a gifted visual artist, and an all-A student in AP classes -- That's not bragging, it's telling WCPSS that VI students who are allowed the *same opportunities as any other student* can grow and bloom just like *any other student*.

Wishing you the best Olivia, I hope all works out and you can go to your base school.

I moved my visually impaired child into a new county where she received the services she needed at her base school. It is so very important that our kids are socially integrated. Good luck

We support you!!!

Best wishes for a strong confident young lady in your quest.

Olivia is talented, capable and obviously being held back by an archaic school system who lumps all "handicapped" children into one category which is ridiculous

Supporting you Olivia!

Go girl!

As a teacher, I think I could learn so much by having a student like you in my class. Keep strong. Do not give up!

I too as a mother of a visually impaired child understand " the fight" we as mothers must endure to assure our children receive what is best for them.

As a teacher of students with visual impairments, I can not agree with your child not being served in the least restrictive environment. I am an itinerant teacher and drive to the students I serve in their school zone. Student first, ALWAYS.

Best wishes to Olivia, and high 5 for being a great example to your daughter!