Story Archive

We’re From the Government — We’re Here to Help You

Kristi Roberts’ 5-year-old daughter was born with cerebral palsy, and uses a walker to get around. The girl has been going to Kings Manor Elementary School in Houston for two years, but recently she fell at school. One strike and she’s out: school district officials decreed that she can no longer use her walker. Upset, Roberts spoke to the school district’s special education director, Gary Lemley — and recorded the conversation. “Basically she can’t use the walker because we don’t think it’s safe,” Lemley tells her. “Why isn’t it safe?” Roberts asks. “I just told you. We don’t feel like it’s safe any longer,” he repeats. “How many kids fall down at recess? Do you make them take their shoes off and buy new ones?” Roberts asks. “No ma’am. They’re not using walkers.” Unable to get Lemley to budge from the ban, Roberts says she will sue the district to force them to allow the girl to use her walker. (RC/KRIV Houston) ...District officials can’t walk and chew gum at the same time, but no one’s telling them to stop.