Ekkie Reunion

charmedbyekkie

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My partner and I went to an ekkie community meetup today (for those who don't know - we don't yet have any parrot for a variety of reasons), and who did we see again but the ekkie who had showed up lost on our balcony! My partner insisted on going to the meetup because he was sure the little guy would be there.

Based on when the ekkie (keeping his name mum for privacy reasons) visited us, I figured he didn't quite like being touched anywhere but his beak. His owner, who laughed when he saw us, offered to let me hold him - much to my surprise. The little guy was really reluctant to step up onto my hand, but his owner insisted. He reached out with his beak and gently put pressure on my hand before stepping up. At the time, I thought he might be testing the stability of my hand since he's still quite young and unfamiliar with people. But once he was on my hand, I quickly realised he didn't want to be anywhere but his stand. He was very kind to me though - slowly building up pressure with his biting; however, by the time his owner took him off my hands, I lost a bit of skin on my thumb. (Here, I think we're quite lucky my response to animals is to stay quiet and calm). Still, I was so happy to see him again and to see him doing well :)

On the flip side, it was interesting to interact with the local bird community:

- I found myself empathising a little with the newcomers to this forum when I met a person who is considered the eclectus expert (and breeder) in the community. The person was trying to discourage us (understandable) without asking about what research we've done ourselves. Despite my partner saying how I've been reading nonstop, the breeder just assumed we were ignorant. I think a better approach would have been to ask what we already knew, and then to work from there - something I'll keep in mind when encountering newcomers here in the forum.

- The main basis on which the breeder was trying to discourage us from thinking about adopting an ekkie was the fact that handfeeding babies are difficult. My unspoken question is why on earth would anyone sell an unweaned bird?! But I also realised quickly based on the other group members' stories that buying an unweaned baby is considered the norm and actually expected.

- The breeder also seemed to try to encourage me to go for babies rather than adults because, simply put, adults come with baggage. This quite upset me for a variety of reasons. I've worked with children with special needs (who are hidden away culturally), I've worked with animals coming from abusive histories, and I don't think lesser of any of them. Sure, a different type of work has to go into your interactions, but it's not bad if a bird screams or doesn't want to interact with you for months. We all work at different paces and in different ways. Argh, it was just upsetting to hear people pushing parrot mills over rescue.

- Almost every ekkie was chained by the leg to their tripod stands, which resulted in several trying to fly off but falling to the ground as they pulled their tripod stand to the ground with them. I stifled my alarm since the community members were very blasƩ about it happening, but I made a mental note that until we've managed to complete harness training (with future ekkie), there'll be no trips to the meetups.

- Another common pattern in the community was using punishment on their birds. They shared stories on how their parrots learned not to bite certain things by hitting them once and the birds freeze in biting when their hands were raised to whack them a second time. (Considering corporal punishment is legal here - I'm not surprised, though the technique goes against what I've read as well as my instinct.)

Overall, good perspective for us - I think - gives me a better understanding of what I can reach out to the local community for (where to purchase supplies, where to socialise with other birds) and what I should reserve for this forum.
 
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Inger

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Ewwwww. Yuck. Sounds like a good thing you went so you can cross that off your list of places to hang out!


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chris-md

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I love that youā€™re really doing some hardcore research! Remember, however, that book smarts is not a substitution for experience. The assumption of ignorance for someone who has never owned the species is - to my mind - a fair assumption. To put it bluntly, parroting information you donā€™t have first hand experience with is just that: parroting. Absent the experience in handling the nuances that arise, all you really have is what amounts to sharing a catchphrase which may or may not actually apply. The nuances are what inform the application.

Please donā€™t think this is to disparage or insult you in any way; not at all my intent. Merely making the point that itā€™s not all reading. Understanding birds is understanding the nuances behind the headlines.

And Iā€™m actually glad he was dissuading people from ownership; Iā€™m sure youā€™re aware we do that to. To perhaps overstate a bit, it helps weed out people who perhaps a bit flippant about parrot ownership. These make the worst owners where the birds are most likely to suffer.

But I do also see where the atmosphere was certainly less than welcoming, and Iā€™m so sorry you experienced that. Sometimes egos work into the conversation where they donā€™t belong. And the chaining...ugh.
 
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saxguy64

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Great response from Chris. First hand experience is, as he stated, paramount. That said, every experience you get, good or bad, has value depending on how you use it. This group you visited for example, perhaps gave you some insight on things you would or absolutely would not do when you are ready for a bird of your own.

Even with many years with my Amazon Cuckoo, it took me months of research and learning, and visiting with him before I felt I would be able to properly care for Patches, and it's an ongoing process. Ekkies are unlike any other. Through my research, the biggest thing I learned, aside from Ekkie specifics, is the many things I didn't do right for Cuckoo. I was dumb enough to think I knew all I needed to know about his needs. Never again.

I wish I had found a forum like this one, where there's great support and info, and also people who understand and aren't afraid to tell you if you're doing things wrong. I guess I've developed thick skin over the years, so if a knowledgeable member here told me I was doing something wrong, I would look at that info and probably thank them. Chances are if someone felt that strongly to tell me, it is likely something that may save a bird's life, or at minimum help with his happiness and well being.

So Chris, I understand that you are sometimes accused of being blunt. In my book, that's a good thing, and necessary for those who would otherwise make bad decisions on parrot ownership, thinking they knew enough.
 
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charmedbyekkie

charmedbyekkie

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Hey, Chris and saxguy - no worries! :) I definitely look up to you guys for your honesty and your stories (good and bad). I greatly appreciate the bluntness, especially since it comes from genuine concern for the bird at hand. I'm glad everybody here does communicate so well, explaining the rationale behind their words while also not sugarcoating anything. I've been bookmarking threads throughout the history of this forum and been trying to constantly check myself (Am I prepared for x to happen? If I'm not, then I probably shouldn't become a parront. What would I do in x situation? Would it be the right thing for the fid, or the easy route for me? Am I really ready to say I'm looking to adopt/rescue?).

It's a genuine concern I have also, since I have such a limited exposure to birds in general. I'm an insane bookworm, but I learned at an early age that books (or forums) don't teach you everything about rabbits or horses or dogs or anything really that real life can't do better. So I'll probably be going back to the community meetups just for more interactions - I'm quite sure I don't recognise most of the body language used and that does really worry me. And I'd imagine, since each creature is unique and eclectuses have such tricky diets, there will be a steep learning curve for the individual ekkie owner (not to mention, I've never had a bird before). I do still have a lot of concerns on my eligibility/compatibility to be a parront at this point in time, which I'm struggling with, so hearing from the forum members other facets to consider helps shape that debate/discussion.

Since we can only start even planning on adopting next year (even at that, it's not very frequent that people want to give up their 'hobby' here), hopefully this year will be full of more opportunities to learn from different sources! So definitely keep poking us newbies with reality :D
 

Anansi

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I've worked with children with special needs (who are hidden away culturally)

Hi, I'm curious, where do you live where this practice is occurring?

Unfortunately Tami, I think it happens everywhere. One of my brothers has special needs, and we do our best to ensure he gets to indulge in everything good life has to offer (within reason, of course). But I remember it took years, as a child, to get to the point where I no longer cared about the less than kind looks that often come from an uncaring - and sometimes cruel - public. It was difficult, but I learned that my brother deserves the best of me. It took coming to grips with the fact that it wasn't all about me. That he was the one being gawked at, and judged. And that if anyone should be embarrassed, it was them.

But some families never learn that lesson. And to shelter their feelings... or their pride... try to keep their special needs children away from the public eye. It becomes a topic never broached. A discussion never had.
 

Anansi

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Charmedbyekkie, I grieve for the treatment some of those ekkies are receiving at that meet up. It's sad, but often it's people who believe themselves to be the authority in their field who make the most egregious mistakes. Why? Because they have become so convinced of their absolute knowledge of the topic that they close themselves off from learning anything new. Once we forget that we aren't all knowing, we hinder our ability to take in anything new. Corporal punishment for a bird? Really?!? I mean, sure, it stops the bird from biting. But why seek to achieve that means through fear? Why not learn to reach them by other means?

I get the feeling that you will make an exceptional parront. And one of the reasons I believe so is the fact that you are so willing to question your suitability to be one. That indicates, to me, a respect for the responsibilities inherent to being a caretaker of such an intelligent and emotionally complex being. And another reason? Your willingness to hear what people have to tell you. In other words, your willingness to learn. You haven't shut yourself off to learning.

Your future ekkie, should you ultimately decide to go ahead and become a parront, will likely be a lucky bird.
 

TiredOldMan

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I've worked with children with special needs (who are hidden away culturally)

Hi, I'm curious, where do you live where this practice is occurring?

Unfortunately Tami, I think it happens everywhere. One of my brothers has special needs, and we do our best to ensure he gets to indulge in everything good life has to offer (within reason, of course). But I remember it took years, as a child, to get to the point where I no longer cared about the less than kind looks that often come from an uncaring - and sometimes cruel - public. It was difficult, but I learned that my brother deserves the best of me. It took coming to grips with the fact that it wasn't all about me. That he was the one being gawked at, and judged. And that if anyone should be embarrassed, it was them.

But some families never learn that lesson. And to shelter their feelings... or their pride... try to keep their special needs children away from the public eye. It becomes a topic never broached. A discussion never had.

I know these circumstances and feelings first hand like yourself.

I have never heard or read them stated so perfectly.

Thank You
 

saxguy64

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Charmedbyekkie, thanks for the kind words! I'm by no stretch of the imagination any kind of expert, in fact I'm still a newbie to Ekkies. Six months ago I had never even heard of one. Patches found me at a local refuge (an hour each way is local for us) and made it very clear I was the person he wanted. Like yourself, I started researching, knowing I had no idea what he needed. I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to care for him the way he deserved. He's been home with us for 3 months now, and has made such amazing progress, and he teaches me new things constantly. I'm so glad I listened to him and brought him home. The biggest thing was keeping an open mind. I went in to it this time thinking perhaps cockatiel or maybe a conure. I was lucky enough to be chosen by the sweetest, most amazing bird ever. Without the open mind, I would have missed this opportunity.

So... While again, I'm not really in a position to give much advise, I am pretty good at reading people. I do believe that you have the right mindset that when you are ready, you will become an awesome parront. Try to always keep the open mind. You may eventually find the perfect Ekkie for you, or you might be surprised that something completely different becomes just the right one. I never truly understood what it meant to be chosen by a bird until I was lucky enough to have it happen. So, if it happens for you, you'll know, believe me.
Hey, Chris and saxguy - no worries! :) I definitely look up to you guys for your honesty and your stories (good and bad). I greatly appreciate the bluntness, especially since it comes from genuine concern for the bird at hand. I'm glad everybody here does communicate so well, explaining the rationale behind their words while also not sugarcoating anything. I've been bookmarking threads throughout the history of this forum and been trying to constantly check myself (Am I prepared for x to happen? If I'm not, then I probably shouldn't become a parront. What would I do in x situation? Would it be the right thing for the fid, or the easy route for me? Am I really ready to say I'm looking to adopt/rescue?).

It's a genuine concern I have also, since I have such a limited exposure to birds in general. I'm an insane bookworm, but I learned at an early age that books (or forums) don't teach you everything about rabbits or horses or dogs or anything really that real life can't do better. So I'll probably be going back to the community meetups just for more interactions - I'm quite sure I don't recognise most of the body language used and that does really worry me. And I'd imagine, since each creature is unique and eclectuses have such tricky diets, there will be a steep learning curve for the individual ekkie owner (not to mention, I've never had a bird before). I do still have a lot of concerns on my eligibility/compatibility to be a parront at this point in time, which I'm struggling with, so hearing from the forum members other facets to consider helps shape that debate/discussion.

Since we can only start even planning on adopting next year (even at that, it's not very frequent that people want to give up their 'hobby' here), hopefully this year will be full of more opportunities to learn from different sources! So definitely keep poking us newbies with reality :D
 

Tami2

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I've worked with children with special needs (who are hidden away culturally)

Hi, I'm curious, where do you live where this practice is occurring?

Unfortunately Tami, I think it happens everywhere. One of my brothers has special needs, and we do our best to ensure he gets to indulge in everything good life has to offer (within reason, of course). But I remember it took years, as a child, to get to the point where I no longer cared about the less than kind looks that often come from an uncaring - and sometimes cruel - public. It was difficult, but I learned that my brother deserves the best of me. It took coming to grips with the fact that it wasn't all about me. That he was the one being gawked at, and judged. And that if anyone should be embarrassed, it was them.

But some families never learn that lesson. And to shelter their feelings... or their pride... try to keep their special needs children away from the public eye. It becomes a topic never broached. A discussion never had.

Thank you Anansi for your candor. :heart: I hope your brother continues to be unconditionally loved and accepted. And embraced for who he is and not perpetual grieving for who he isn't.

I understand things were different when we were growing up. But they are much better today, due to awareness, in addition to the increase in numbers. Especially here in NJ, which is the best state to be in for services and resources.
But, "hidden away culturally", nah I do not believe that is the norm today. Maybe yesteryear but not anymore. That's why I was asking where is this happening in this country today? Absolutely appalling & outrageous if it's true.
 

saxguy64

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Hi, I'm curious, where do you live where this practice is occurring?

Unfortunately Tami, I think it happens everywhere. One of my brothers has special needs, and we do our best to ensure he gets to indulge in everything good life has to offer (within reason, of course). But I remember it took years, as a child, to get to the point where I no longer cared about the less than kind looks that often come from an uncaring - and sometimes cruel - public. It was difficult, but I learned that my brother deserves the best of me. It took coming to grips with the fact that it wasn't all about me. That he was the one being gawked at, and judged. And that if anyone should be embarrassed, it was them.

But some families never learn that lesson. And to shelter their feelings... or their pride... try to keep their special needs children away from the public eye. It becomes a topic never broached. A discussion never had.

Thank you Anansi for your candor. [emoji813] I hope your brother continues to be unconditionally loved and accepted. And embraced for who he is and not perpetual grieving for who he isn't.

I understand things were different when we were growing up. But they are much better today, due to awareness, in addition to the increase in numbers. Especially here in NJ, which is the best state to be in for services and resources.
But, "hidden away culturally", nah I do not believe that is the norm today. Maybe yesteryear but not anymore. That's why I was asking where is this happening in this country today? Absolutely appalling & outrageous if it's true.
I agree Tami that things are better now, but rest assured, are far from ideal. Special needs people, while not so much hidden away, still get the stares, gawking, pointing, and comments. This is one area I can speak to with some first hand experience. My youngest son, the one in a few of my pictures here, the one in the wheelchair, who speaks differently than most, is "that kid."

His situation causes him to be socially delayed among his peers, which then contributes to more social isolation. Resources might be available, but there's no one in the school administration or teaching staff properly equipped to make use of them. Teachers commonly start off with best intentions, but that becomes short lived when they realize they can't force him to learn the way they insist on teaching. They usually claim they've worked with kids like him before. I can guarantee they haven't. There are nine cases in all of medical literature of his specific neurological issue, so they have no clue what to do with him. It's frustrating at best. We have to date been forced to file eleven cases with disability rights against the school system to get things to change. He's only fourteen, and that's just for education. In spite of all that, he never gives up. He's the first middle school cross country wheelchair runner in the state! (Shameless brag, I know) He's my inspiration!

In the "real world" it's the same in many places. For example, today we took him to a nearby coastal town to tour a recreation Viking ship. That part went well enough, but it was clearly inconvenient for people around us. Then we realized that there was scarcely one business in this entire touristy town that could be entered by someone in a wheelchair. Seriously, no ramps, steps everywhere, and the few we managed to get in had isles so narrow it was hard to walk, again impassable in a chair forcing us to wait outside. And again, the pointing, staring, and acting inconvenienced at the thought of us trying to come in to spend our money in THEIR BUSINESS.

Sorry for my rant Tami, it's not in any way directed at you or anyone here, just a reality of life for us, where I get highly opinionated.



0c9a38b5d4a95adcfd6a8705e8976176.jpg
 

chris-md

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Ive got nothing to add other than reiterate every single word Stephen has said...on every topic in this thread. :)
 

ChristaNL

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Wow, that is a real hardcore-race-chair he's got there!
(Yes I am staring -sorry about that-, it's the first of that kind I've seen sofar. I adore his wheels! We have races every year in the parks near the rehab centre here - haven't seen this type yet. Here it is mostly asphalt, so indoortires etc.)


Same fights are going on here- NL should be more disability-friendly, but it is slow going. Not enough ramps, the toilets hidden away on the third floor etc.etc..
Every city is different though.
 

Tami2

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Charmedbyekkie,

I apologize for hyjacking your thread, it wasnā€™t my intention.
 

Tami2

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Unfortunately Tami, I think it happens everywhere. One of my brothers has special needs, and we do our best to ensure he gets to indulge in everything good life has to offer (within reason, of course). But I remember it took years, as a child, to get to the point where I no longer cared about the less than kind looks that often come from an uncaring - and sometimes cruel - public. It was difficult, but I learned that my brother deserves the best of me. It took coming to grips with the fact that it wasn't all about me. That he was the one being gawked at, and judged. And that if anyone should be embarrassed, it was them.

But some families never learn that lesson. And to shelter their feelings... or their pride... try to keep their special needs children away from the public eye. It becomes a topic never broached. A discussion never had.

Thank you Anansi for your candor. [emoji813] I hope your brother continues to be unconditionally loved and accepted. And embraced for who he is and not perpetual grieving for who he isn't.

I understand things were different when we were growing up. But they are much better today, due to awareness, in addition to the increase in numbers. Especially here in NJ, which is the best state to be in for services and resources.
But, "hidden away culturally", nah I do not believe that is the norm today. Maybe yesteryear but not anymore. That's why I was asking where is this happening in this country today? Absolutely appalling & outrageous if it's true.
I agree Tami that things are better now, but rest assured, are far from ideal. Special needs people, while not so much hidden away, still get the stares, gawking, pointing, and comments. This is one area I can speak to with some first hand experience. My youngest son, the one in a few of my pictures here, the one in the wheelchair, who speaks differently than most, is "that kid."

His situation causes him to be socially delayed among his peers, which then contributes to more social isolation. Resources might be available, but there's no one in the school administration or teaching staff properly equipped to make use of them. Teachers commonly start off with best intentions, but that becomes short lived when they realize they can't force him to learn the way they insist on teaching. They usually claim they've worked with kids like him before. I can guarantee they haven't. There are nine cases in all of medical literature of his specific neurological issue, so they have no clue what to do with him. It's frustrating at best. We have to date been forced to file eleven cases with disability rights against the school system to get things to change. He's only fourteen, and that's just for education. In spite of all that, he never gives up. He's the first middle school cross country wheelchair runner in the state! (Shameless brag, I know) He's my inspiration!

In the "real world" it's the same in many places. For example, today we took him to a nearby coastal town to tour a recreation Viking ship. That part went well enough, but it was clearly inconvenient for people around us. Then we realized that there was scarcely one business in this entire touristy town that could be entered by someone in a wheelchair. Seriously, no ramps, steps everywhere, and the few we managed to get in had isles so narrow it was hard to walk, again impassable in a chair forcing us to wait outside. And again, the pointing, staring, and acting inconvenienced at the thought of us trying to come in to spend our money in THEIR BUSINESS.

Sorry for my rant Tami, it's not in any way directed at you or anyone here, just a reality of life for us, where I get highly opinionated.



0c9a38b5d4a95adcfd6a8705e8976176.jpg

He is beautiful, God Bless him.

No need to apologize, I get it. I am aware of the stares. Iā€™d actually prefer if ppl asked questions rather than stare. But, I understand ppl donā€™t know what to say. And good for them, that they donā€™t have anyone close that suffers deficits.

Based on you post, it sounds like he is not in Special Ed? Nor has an IEP? For those who donā€™t know what an IEP is, itā€™s an ā€˜Individual Education Programā€™ based on the childā€™s all encompassing needs.
Which would very much surprise me today.
Iā€™ll admit I am not privy to the laws in other states. But, this is where we shine.
Like I said previously, my state of NJ may have itā€™s issues and there are many, however, addressing special needs and advocacy is where we are cutting edge. People move here from all over the country and beyond to get the services they need for their children.

I will also add that our experience has always been kind and compassionate. It breaks my heart that yours has not been similar. :(
We have never been treated poorly, itā€™s actually the complete opposite they go out of their way to accommodate.
I have many stories of ppl & places that went over and beyond to make our experience as pleasant as possible.

For all who have shared, I will keep you families in my prayers.


If this conversation continues, we should start a new thread. Iā€™m feeling responsible for the hyjack. :(


PS) That is indeed a super cool wheelchair:smile049:
 
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charmedbyekkie

charmedbyekkie

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Charmedbyekkie,

I apologize for hyjacking your thread, it wasnā€™t my intention.

Hey! No worries :) It's definitely something people need to normalise more.

The difference I've noticed, having grown up in both countries as well as family from both countries, is that in the US, our generation is very nonchalant about talking about it (friends will casually mention their siblings with special needs, or we might have friends ourselves who are more vocal about their needs). Whereas, here, people keep it hush-hush, friends are embarrassed to say a sibling is on the spectrum, politicians go to lengths to not mention their children with special needs, private tutors will charge exorbitantly if your child has any kind of diagnosis (even 'high-functioning' and in mainstream schools), etc. While in the US, there's a semblance of support (schools go through the motion of providing aid and the government passes legal verbiage to make everyone feel like some improvement is happening); here, people are quickly filtered out to other schools where they don't get government support and throughout the rest of their lives, (ableist) majority wins with the government :(

That being said, I notice in both countries, there are people trying to change that in small steps :) It's good to see people caring, even if it is slightly off topic :p
 

saxguy64

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Thanks Tami,

Yes he actually does have an IEP. Boils down to a lot of lip service :-( Please feel free to PM me or maybe a new thread in the Off Topic section? You're right, we have hijacked this one. Sorry Charmedbyekkie. Apologies.
Thank you Anansi for your candor. [emoji813] I hope your brother continues to be unconditionally loved and accepted. And embraced for who he is and not perpetual grieving for who he isn't.

I understand things were different when we were growing up. But they are much better today, due to awareness, in addition to the increase in numbers. Especially here in NJ, which is the best state to be in for services and resources.
But, "hidden away culturally", nah I do not believe that is the norm today. Maybe yesteryear but not anymore. That's why I was asking where is this happening in this country today? Absolutely appalling & outrageous if it's true.
I agree Tami that things are better now, but rest assured, are far from ideal. Special needs people, while not so much hidden away, still get the stares, gawking, pointing, and comments. This is one area I can speak to with some first hand experience. My youngest son, the one in a few of my pictures here, the one in the wheelchair, who speaks differently than most, is "that kid."

His situation causes him to be socially delayed among his peers, which then contributes to more social isolation. Resources might be available, but there's no one in the school administration or teaching staff properly equipped to make use of them. Teachers commonly start off with best intentions, but that becomes short lived when they realize they can't force him to learn the way they insist on teaching. They usually claim they've worked with kids like him before. I can guarantee they haven't. There are nine cases in all of medical literature of his specific neurological issue, so they have no clue what to do with him. It's frustrating at best. We have to date been forced to file eleven cases with disability rights against the school system to get things to change. He's only fourteen, and that's just for education. In spite of all that, he never gives up. He's the first middle school cross country wheelchair runner in the state! (Shameless brag, I know) He's my inspiration!

In the "real world" it's the same in many places. For example, today we took him to a nearby coastal town to tour a recreation Viking ship. That part went well enough, but it was clearly inconvenient for people around us. Then we realized that there was scarcely one business in this entire touristy town that could be entered by someone in a wheelchair. Seriously, no ramps, steps everywhere, and the few we managed to get in had isles so narrow it was hard to walk, again impassable in a chair forcing us to wait outside. And again, the pointing, staring, and acting inconvenienced at the thought of us trying to come in to spend our money in THEIR BUSINESS.

Sorry for my rant Tami, it's not in any way directed at you or anyone here, just a reality of life for us, where I get highly opinionated.



0c9a38b5d4a95adcfd6a8705e8976176.jpg

He is beautiful, God Bless him.

No need to apologize, I get it. I am aware of the stares. Iā€™d actually prefer if ppl asked questions rather than stare. But, I understand ppl donā€™t know what to say. And good for them, that they donā€™t have anyone close that suffers deficits.

Based on you post, it sounds like he is not in Special Ed? Nor has an IEP? For those who donā€™t know what an IEP is, itā€™s an ā€˜Individual Education Programā€™ based on the childā€™s all encompassing needs.
Which would very much surprise me today.
Iā€™ll admit I am not privy to the laws in other states. But, this is where we shine.
Like I said previously, my state of NJ may have itā€™s issues and there are many, however, addressing special needs and advocacy is where we are cutting edge. People move here from all over the country and beyond to get the services they need for their children.

I will also add that our experience has always been kind and compassionate. It breaks my heart that yours has not been similar. :(
We have never been treated poorly, itā€™s actually the complete opposite they go out of their way to accommodate.
I have many stories of ppl & places that went over and beyond to make our experience as pleasant as possible.

For all who have shared, I will keep you families in my prayers.


If this conversation continues, we should start a new thread. Iā€™m feeling responsible for the hyjack. :(


PS) That is indeed a super cool wheelchair:smile049:
 

Anansi

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Dec 18, 2013
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Somerset,NJ
Parrots
Maya (Female Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Jolly (Male Solomon Island eclectus parrot), Bixby (Male, red-sided eclectus. RIP), Suzie (Male cockatiel. RIP)
Good idea to start another thread on the topic, Tami. You're right, we did hijack the living daylights out of this thread. (And shame on me, a mod. I should know better! Lol!) Thank you, Charmedbyekkie, for being so understanding.

To everyone who has shared on the hijack subject, I just want to say that I am very touched by all of the caring, love and compassion exhibited here. I'm at work now, but if a new thread is started I'll jump on it soon as I can, tonight.

That said, let's swing back to the original topic. (I love this community!)
 

ChristaNL

Banned
Banned
May 23, 2018
3,559
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NL= the Netherlands, Europe
Parrots
Sunny a female B&G macaw;
Japie (m) & Appie (f), both are congo african grey;
All are rescues- had to leave their previous homes for 'reasons', are still in contact with them :)
LOL, actually, imho we never strayed that much...

what I've read sofar: the eclectus is a 'special needs' parrot-
it must be understood and treated right to get the most enjoyment out of his life.

And (I for one) was appalled about the horrible way the "experts" treated their feathered charges.
so....back to the needs of this wonderfull group? ;)


(waves goodbye to all the special people mentioned here)
 

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