The bow was drawn. The young archer took aim and then spun wildly around. Everyone hit the deck, as they heard the twang of the string as it released the arrow. Suddenly, the boy cried out, “Oh look, I hit the yellow!” Indeed, it was a bullseye, much to everyone’s surprise. He hit the bullseye and walked away filled with the satisfaction of having accomplished a great feat.

This is a true story. It is only one of the accomplishments of my son, Jason, during his summer day camp program where he is swimming and boating, playing soccer and volleyball, participating in field trips…. all things he was unwilling or unable to try in the past.

This was Jason’s fourth and best year as a camper. His skills, his willingness to initiate and participate have ever increased. In many ways he has grown into a new maturity.

This is not a “special needs” camp. It is a YMCA camp open to all children. Jason’s mother and I worked with the school department, the Department of Mental Retardation (DMR), and the camp administration over several weeks this spring to ensure that he would be fully supported and able to participate effectively. A personal assistant was hired by the camp and paid for by our school district. His teaching assistant from last school year was also hired to provide training and technical assistance to the summer aide. She agreed to make weekly visits to the camp during the summer to offer support and ensure a smooth transition from one program to another. Educational materials were provided by the school and were integrated into his daily routine. Swimming lessons and free swim sessions meant two changes of clothes a day. With minimal support, Jason mastered these tasks and gained new independence. DMR supported him with family support resources to assist with the cost of tuition.

Four years ago, our children were the only ones with disabilities to attend. This year, 17 students with disabilities participated in one or more sessions of the camp.

Jason’s successes at camp show the dramatic impact and importance of having a strong system of special education services as required under state and federal law. As I write this article in mid-August, the federal regulations for IDEA ’97 are stalled in Washington, and the law remains under constant attack. On the Massachusetts front, Acting Governor Cellucci has vetoed the study of the proposed change from Maximum Feasible Benefit to the federal standard, claiming “we don’t need to study something we already have the answer to.”

Those of us who are parents understand the importance of a strong and comprehensive system of education, for we see firsthand the benefits when it works and the destruction when it does not. The Federation is committed to working collaboratively with the state and federal governments, local school districts, and parents to ensure that quality educational services are always available for all children. It takes all of us working together to create success.

Summer camp has been a real-world test of the educational services Jason receives. At school, inclusion works because he is structured and supported. Jason’s school day is fairly routine. Camp requires a bit more negotiation, adjusting to different children, changing routines daily, trying out new activities. Jason is meeting the challenge, spreading his wings, trying new things, gaining new confidence in himself in ways that are nothing short of miraculous.  

This kind of success takes the joint efforts of many people. It doesn’t happen on its own. For Jason it has taken everyone from the camp director, to the counselors, to the bus driver, school personnel, human service agencies, a family support director, his mom, and his friends. It takes a tremendous effort to support any child. But when it works, and a young boy with mental retardation hits the bullseye and can see himself as the “son of Robin Hood,” a miracle occurs. Jason, like all of us, suddenly discovers that though there are many things he cannot do, he can do things he never imagined possible!

This is what we at the Federation and as parents are all about—helping children grow up and learn to hit a bullseye. Wow!

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