I understand the need to respect it.
But I don't know, I feel like that's going to be so much work.
Have you heard him play?

I have, actually. Tuesday I was at his house all day, just to observe, and he played a little for me. He's pretty good.

So what if he didn't march and just got his own platform and some solos and such?
And maybe you can have him march only some of the time.

That's been brought to the table, however nobody is really liking that one. Especially James. He's totaly against it, as he'll be under the spot light, as it were. He's got a little bit of stage fright. Or....Err...Field fright?

Just tell him he wont always be able top march if it's too much trouble for everyone else, I'm sure he wont take offence or anything, you cant be expected to go too far out of your way for him.

What the hell kind of advice is that?

My 2 shillings:

If you are in the US, there are ADA (Americans with Disablilities Act) laws and requirements about accessibility.

I think you should access your school related resources, and also the ADA itself. Maybe there is already a precedent, and you don't have to stress out over solving this.

How much is it realistic for him to expect, and what is realistic and proper, considering he wants to try to play music with your group, to enable him as much as possible?

A helper for the chair, 2 buff guys to help him up the bleachers, if they are willing, and a platform to sit on don't seem unreasonable. I think thats cool.

A handicap-ready bus is not your problem. That should already exist. Other wise the powers that be/$ that be should provide that.

Excuse me? I'm sorry, but I absolutely refuse to comprimise agaisnt my students. That is a deal and an option I won't take. If he wants to be in the marching band, so be it. And he will be a regular member of the band, per his wishes.


As for the ADA, we can't really do anything, as there's no money in the state. Most schools in state have enough money to stay open. And as for the bus, I've sent a certified letter to the superintident of schools, and to the mayors of the sorrounding the district. Here's a copy:


Let's hope that'll get the fires lit.

Didn't mean it in a harsh way, I just think it might not always be possible without drawing too much attention to him, which you also said you didn't want to do.

I'm not going to say he can't participate like everyone else because of his chair. I'd rather people look him a little funny because two band members are lifting him up into the stands, rather than him sitting in the middle of the field on a platform.