apembert%vdoe386.vak12ed.edu (Anne Pemberton) (05/21/91)
Index Number: 15730
As a special ed teacher in Virginia, the comments about a
situation in VA Beach and as presumption about the knowledge of
the Va Dept of Ed on the matter, caught my attention.
Harley Tomey is currently the Top Dog (think his title is
Superintendent, but may be Director, of Special Ed) in the Va
State Dept of Education. He is himself disabled, and came into
the job after some time as the head of the "Right of The
Handicapped" department. He is a strong advocate for the
handicapped, and seems to love nothing better than to have a
reason to go into a school district "swinging" on an advocacy
issue, irrespective of the handicap involved!!!
If Tim, Barbara, or Wayne is the parent of a Deaf child, or is
the Deaf student, they should IMMEDIATELY get in touch with Mr.
Tomey. I don't have the address or phone number handy, but if you
can't get it write me email, and I'll send it to you.
I've met Tomey at conferences, and seen him in action on local
cases, and, even if the problem is GROSSLY exaggerated, he is the
person who will get you some action!!!
Good Luck
Anne Pemberton
Nottoway, VA