Page 15 of Echoes of Obsession

“Isn’t it the law that a school has to have an ASL interpreter if they’re needed?”

“At no cost to the family,” she confirms. “However, the resources we have available for this school district are next to none. We receive most of our funds from donations alone. Because of that, the board decides when things are needed. Which is why we only have one special needs teacher when a school of our size needs at least three.”

“This is insane.”

“What I don’t understand is why it’s suddenly become an issue,” she frowns. “I’ve looked back at your daughter’s reports, and she has exceeded at everything they’ve given her. We’re only three months into this school year, and her grades are all A’s.”

“Mr. Brown said it was because he had to spend too much time helping her tohearhis lessons that he didn’t have enough time at the end of his class for snack time.”

I laugh when her eyes widen.

“Yeah, my thoughts exactly.”

“Well, listen,” she smiles. “I don’t want you to worry about it right now. I have an aide who helps here, and we’ll make sure that Zoe is challenged and doesn’t fall behind. I’m calling another meeting with the school board. We’re going to fight this.”

“I really appreciate it,” I say, standing.

“Let’s go get that girl of yours,” Maddy says. “She’s in the band room.”

“Most likely with her shoes off,” I smile.

I follow Maddy until we reach the band room, where older kids are playing their instruments. Lo and behold, Zoe stands off to the side with her hands on the wall and no shoes.

“She’s listening to the music,” I explain. “She’s feeling the beat with her feet and hands as the sound vibrates off the floor and walls.”

“That really is amazing,” she says.

I watch as Zoe closes her eyes and lifts her head, almost as if she can actually hear the music. Her face is relaxed with a small smile, and I can’t help but love her even more.

As soon as the band finished their last note, Zoe opened her eyes and clapped, causing the rest of the class to laugh and sign,thank you.

“I see she’s been teaching,” I laugh.

“She spent our entire recess time teaching me the alphabet,” Maddy smiles. “It’s actually pretty simple if you think about it.”

“It really is,” I agree, catching my daughter’s eyes and telling her it’s time to go. “People just don’t take the time to stop and learn.”

Sky nudges my leg in warning, and I blindly hand him a treat. I really need to get home before this seizure hits.

“Is everything okay?” Maddy asks as I close the treat bag I always carry.

“Yeah,” I answer. “It’s just a warning. But I really need to get home in case something happens.”

“Does this happen a lot?” she asks.

“Almost daily,” I admit, smiling at Zoe.

“You ready to go home?”I sign and say at the same time.

“Sky alerted you, mommy,”she signs back.“Should we wait?”

“I’ve already called for a taxi, sweetheart,”I tell her.“It’s out front. I should be fine until we get home.”

“Do you always talk out loud when signing to her?” Maddy asks.

“It helps her learn to associate the sign with the movement of my lips,” I explain. “She can read lips pretty well right now, but only if you’re talking directly at her and slowly.”

“I’ll remember that. Well, I’ll keep you updated with the board meeting. Don’t worry, Amara, we’ll make sure your daughter is well taken care of.”

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