Get Started

I'll show you how.
 

Find Advice

Let's Play Nice

We’re glad you’re here, and we want to know what you have to say. This is your community, but please remember that there are kids and great-aunts out here, too. Look out for each other. Whatever you post, make sure it helps, encourages, and gives back to the community. For details about our content policy, click here.

America's future will be determined by the home and the school. The child becomes largely what it is taught, hence we must watch what we teach it, and how we live before it.

Jane Addams

Get Advice

 
previous previous  |  all  |  next next

How can one go about getting a key lock put on a students locker? The child is unable to use a combination lock.

Due to a cognitive disorder problem, my granddaughter has been unable to have a locked area to keep her coat and other items during classes. At one point on a bitterly cold day someone took her coat. This is unbelievable at a 5th-6th intermediate school. Thank goodness she is driven to and from school, and did not have to handle the school bus. The principal states that because of fire laws they would not be able to open the locker quickly with a lock and key. The reasoning is insane as a key could be kept in the same folder that a combination would be kept. This fall she will be in junior high and the problems will mount. Since she isn't physically handicapped, what can we do?

Question applies to ages: 12, 13

reportReport

Rate Advice (2)

avatarBridgette
# of Thumbs Up Received (41)		 Does your granddaughter have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) for her cognitive disorder problem? Schools are required to accommodate disabilities whether they are physical, mental, or learning.

I would recommend meeting with the principal of the junior high now and go in explaining your granddaughter's disorder and telling the principal that she needs an accommodation. Explain that you think the lock and key would be the easiest solution, but that if they are unable to do so, they need to provide another way for her to secure her belongings.

One possible accommodation might be to allow her to give a friend her combination. However, this would need to be someone she trusted who wouldn't violate that trust and who wouldn't make her feel bad for needing the assistance. The school could then help by placing their lockers together and giving them extra time between classes.

Once you get an accommodation set up for next year, it might be easier to go back to this year's principal and ask why he/she can't do something similar.

I agree with you that the reasoning you were given was insane. I'd be tempted to ask to be shown the fire law that states this because ideally, students aren't going to their locker if there is a fire--they're going directly outside. If they can't show you that in writing, you might be in a good position to accuse them of making up the law. Whereas the laws are very clear about schools needing to provide accommodations.

Good luck!!
Was this helpful?    thumb up  |  thumb down
reportReport
avatarElizabeth.Johns
# of Thumbs Up Received (76)		 I agree with Bridgette that this kind of thing should be added to your grandchild's IEP (if she has one, which she should if she is cognitively impaired).

I copied the following from a web site for special needs children that was discussing this very issue:

Request a Key Lock
There may be some hall lockers set aside for children with disabilities who cannot work a combination lock. Ask about these, and if you feel it's the best option for your child, have that put in the IEP. Check on the rules for gym lockers, and if necessary, make sure that the IEP contains provisions for use of a key lock there as well, and those requirements are communicated to the gym teachers. You'll probably have to provide the school with a copy of the key.

(from specialchildren.about.com/od/schoolissues/a/locks.)

There is no reason for the school to refuse your request. I might even consider contacting the fire department and asking if there is such a restriction as the principal is stating. To be quite honest, in an emergency, I think it would be a whole lot quicker to open a key lock than a combination lock.

I would also meet with the school staff about the students who are stealing your grandchild's stuff. That should not be tolerated at any school, and they need to come up with a plan for keeping her stuff safe if they are not willing to accommodate her with an appropriate locker (which they should).

References:
mom to a kid with Asperger's Syndrome, who was offered a key lock for his locker (but who was able to figure out the combination lock)
Was this helpful?    thumb up  |  thumb down
reportReport

EduGuide does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any EduGuide Advice content. Click here for the Full Disclaimer. Help us improve EduGude Advice. Tell us what you think.

McAfee Secure sites help keep you safe from identity theft, credit card fraud, spyware, spam, viruses and online scams
Parents |  Students |  Professionals |  Our Cause |  Site Map |  Contact Us
Website Development by Web Ascender
Privacy Policy |  Terms of Use | © 2008 EduGuide