Irving+Independent+School+District+v.+Tatro


 * Case || **Irving** **Independent School District** **v. Tatro** ||
 * Date || **DECIDED: JULY 5 1984** ||

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 * Citation || ** 468 U.S. 883 (1984) ** ||
 * Outcome || CIC services qualify as a supportive service, required to assist a handicapped child to benefit from special education ||
 * Story || **FACTS:** Amber Tatro, age 8, was born with spina bifida which causes her to suffer from orthopedic and speech impairments and a neurogenic bladderm which prevents her from emptying her bladder voluntarily. As a result of this Amber must use a catheter every three to four hours to empty her bladder and prevent damage to her kidneys. Accepted medical practice prescribes the use of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). This is procedure takes only a couple of minutes and can be performed by anyone. The training for this procedure takes less than one hour. Amber’s parents, babysitter, and teenage brother are qualified to administer CIC. Currently Amber is unable to perform this procedure on her own, but will be able to soon.

1n 1979 Irving Independent School District agreed to provide special education for Amber who was then three and half. With consultation with Amber’s parents, Irving Independent School District developed and individual education program for Amber. This individual education program provided that Amber would attend early childhood development classes and receive special services such as physical and occupational therapy. The program did not include provisions for school personnel to administer CIC.

Amber’s parents unsuccessfully pursued administrative remedies to secure CIC service for Amber during school hours. Amber’s parents argued that CIC is a related service to special education. Irving Independent School District argues that it is a medical procedure that is not used for diagnostics.


 * ISSUE:** Is CIC a related issue to special education? ||

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