I appreciate you sharing the information with the group. It's been a long time since I've been in contact with all of you. My family and I moved to VA back in May 2004. When my son started middle school back there, they had a "Community
Based Instruction" (CBI) program that was basically a series of field trips. They sent home a form that we were to sign and return that said "we forever discharge [Prince William County Schools]... from all claims, demands, damages, whatsoever kind of nature..." and "to indemnify and hold harmless the [Prince William County School] Board, its servants and employees against all claims and actions...". I refused to sign the form and told them if my son was not allowed on field trips for this reason that was fine. I told them that I would gladly sign the form that all other regular students' signed in order to attend the field trips. They backed down and agreed. Even in the "regular" forms that were created by individual teachers, I crossed some phrases out, initialed them, and kept copies. He still went on field trips. I would never sign a form that released an agency (especially a public school district) from all liability with my child -- maybe an employee (personally), but I would still expect the agency would still be accountable:) Oh, we are now back in Lehi, UT with no support groups and on a medicaid waiting list for services following 2.5 years on the waiting list in VA. I regret leaving ID and the services we had there including a great group of ASA friends. Hope all is well and Happy Holidays to all.