Letter to the Editor: Disappointed By School Department Decision

On November 13, my youngest daughter underwent orthopedic surgery. As a result, she is now in a long leg cast for six weeks and on crutches. The physical therapist told us that it would be easier for her to climb and descend from a bus than from a car. Consequently, we contacted the East Greenwich School Department to discuss providing special bus service to transport her while she is disabled for the six weeks, and the subsequent six weeks for the second phase of the surgery.

After considering the issue, the school department decided they will not provide any accommodation. My daughter’s regular bus drops her off on Main Street. An 11-year-old child is expected to walk several blocks with a 30-pound cast and a heavy backpack while on crutches because the school department will not provide the necessary accommodation.

The doctor’s words still linger: You don’t have to bear weight twice to ruin the operation – it can occur if you make one mistake.

As her mother, I will make sure that she is not at risk of this occurring. As for the East Greenwich School Department, I hope you can justify your decision.

Very Truly Yours,

East Greenwich Taxpayer