It is embarrassing for me to write this post but I don't have much of a choice.
Readers, I went with Dovi today for a school interview for the coming school year of 2013-2014.
I am speechless, blown away, and in tears.
THAT SCHOOL IS INCREDIBLE. AMAZING. BREATHTAKING. EXTRAORDINARY.
There is no other school of its kind for autistic children in New York.
For obvious reasons I won't name the school, just like 'TABAC' isn't really called 'TABAC'.
But I saw Dovi's future in front of my eyes. And the future looks glorious.
I saw children there who started out as impaired as Dovi, and are now talking, behaving, learning.
I saw children Dovi's age that are as low functioning as him, happy and compliant and learning.
The director was so warmhearted and delightful. The teachers and therapists, loving and dedicated. I had tears in my eyes within minutes. Dovi responded to her in a way I haven't seen him respond to anyone in a long time.
Again, the theme here is tears in my eyes.
The fact that they even considered us for an interview is miraculous. They are a truly small school and don't really have vacancies for new students, yet they were interested in meeting with us. They were blown away by the documentary video I showed them of Dovi, and I hope they were impressed by my dedication and involvement in Dovi's life and were excited about meeting Dovi. They also seem equally excited to actually have him.
The only downside to this school, like all private, exclusive, special ed schools is its price tag. Those of you who know anything about special ed schools know just how unreachably expensive such a school can be.
I know about the whole BOE reimbursement and all, but that's all after paying up the first year up front.
I can't let a lack of funding stop Dovi from reaching his full potential. I can't imagine putting Dovi into any other school.
There are a handful of schools for kids with autism as severe as Dovi's. Most of them are terrible; Dovi would regress there, lose his few acquired skills, and definitely not make progress. This was a perfect match for Dovi. For a school as incredible as this one to show interest in accepting him is miraculous and Divinely Inspired.
I can't let money stand in the way.
Please, please donate to the Dovi educational fund. Even if a dollar is all you can give, it will make a big difference. All you have to do is click on on the button below.
I have no words to describe my gratitude to anyone who has a hand in helping Dovi.
If you'd rather donate by mail I'll gladly give you an address, just email me at firstname.lastname@example.org and I'll supply my address.
Dovi says thank you.