Deer Creek Family Wants Special Education Plan For Daughter

Jennifer Pierce, News 9

DEER CREEK, Oklahoma -- It has been a long battle, but Alex and Rachel Hernandez say they will not give up their fight to get their 5-year-old daughter special services at Deer Creek Schools.

The Herdandez's daughter, Lily was born deaf. She now wears a Cochlear implant, but her mothers says she does not hear the same way others without a hearing impairment do.

Lily's parents have been trying for several years to get their daughter on an Individualized Education Plan. An IEP is for children with special needs and is covered by federal law.

During this time, her parents have spent thousands of dollars in therapy for Lily, when Rachel says Lily could be receiving a free education.

Rachel says the district has refused to place Lily on an IEP. Rachel says her daughter meets all the qualifications and test scores show Lily is eligible.

The district would not comment about Lily, stating it is a confidential student matter.

The Hernandez's have taken their fight to the Oklahoma State Department of Education. They have filed a complaint against the Deer Creek District and say the Department of Education has taken their side.