Musings and What-not

In a previous post , you learned of a Wisconsin troop "ousting" a little girl on the spectrum.  You also got to read my feelings about this event. I was peeved and have since calmed down.  The picture that had been painted for me by The Journal-Sentinel wasn't a pretty one.  I saw autism and rejection in the same sentence, and I think I may have blacked out from all the red I was seein'. I had a few commenters that shed some light on the situation.  One was mean and was quickly dealt with while another, D. Kirk, in particular, blew the doors wide open for me. Ask and you shall receive. I wanted to learn more about this situation, and he kindly informed me (by way of another comment) that more had come through the grapevine. " The Other Side " to this unfortunate event has been aired by WTMJ Newsman, Jeff Walker. Through Jeff, we hear from a parent who was there.  This parent originally sent her letter to the Journal-Sentinel, but it was rejected for length...

Magi Klages' parents only want what most of us want for our children.  Inclusion.  Fair treatment.  Acceptance.  RESPECT. Unfortunately, the Girls Scouts of the USA know nothing about any of these.  After all, they claim to care so much about girls with special needs, but didn't hesitate to reject an autistic child from the party. Columnist, Lauren Walker of the Milwaukee - Wisconsin Journal Sentinel writes, Michele and Kevin Klages think the Girl Scouts ought to practice what they preach. The Girl Scouts' Web site says the organization has "a long history of adapting activities to girls who have disabilities, special needs and chronic illnesses." Tell that to Magi, their 8-year-old daughter, who has autism. When her parents brought her to a Girl Scout Brownie troop for girls with special needs in Oconomowoc last week - thinking it would be a good fit - the leaders told them not to bring her back after the first visit. They were stunned, disappointed, frustrated...