INCLUDEnyc’s Post

JOIN US APRIL 30th to learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA requires public schools to provide prior written notice to parents of special education students in certain circumstances. What should the notice contain? When should these be issued? Jennifer Gornall will discuss. She will also provide an update on recent developments in education law across the country and in Pennsylvania. Register today: https://lnkd.in/eYvH5pes #schoollawupdate #specialeducation #educationlaw

A recent study highlights how high-SES parents of children with disabilities employ a strategic approach to navigate the special education system, leveraging their financial, cultural, and social capital. This unique class consciousness informs their interactions with educational and therapeutic systems, enabling them to influence decisions and ensure optimal outcomes for their children. Let's discuss the implications of this study and explore ways to create a more equitable system for all. #SpecialEducation #SocioeconomicStatus #EquityInEducation https://ow.ly/y7a550QLAwN

Thank you to eSchool News for this great piece! Read their full article from Kara Stern, Ph.D. to learn more about creating an inclusive environment that supports attendance and engagement for all students. Chronic absenteeism is a growing concern for students with disabilities, with rates rising significantly in recent years. To address this challenge, schools need to develop an "Equitable Blueprint"—a comprehensive framework to create inclusive, supportive learning environments. Key components of this blueprint include: ☑ Leveraging data-driven strategies to identify and address specific challenges ☑ Fostering a sense of belonging for students with disabilities ☑ Collaborating closely with families through two-way communication By implementing these strategies, schools can work towards ensuring every student, regardless of ability, has access to the equitable education they deserve.

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE COURTS? The case contends that when the school informed Mr. Perez and his family that he would not be graduating, the family filed a complaint with the Michigan Department of Education, alleging that the school failed to provide him with a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Read more here https://buff.ly/4b2OcoH #ShadesOfCommunication #Shades #SLP #FAPE #IDEA #SpeechLanguagePathology #Diverse #CelebratingDiversity #ShadesSpeak

In building an equitable blueprint to address chronic absenteeism, it's essential to create an inclusive school experience for students with disabilities. Dr. Kara Stern from SchoolStatus shares three integral sections to consider: https://hubs.li/Q02Jdxtp0

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities recently held a hearing for new proposed rules that would go into effect on July 1 that would be administered by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth who has submitted to become the lead agency for Part C Early Intervention. Changes would include: ✨ Eligibility for Part C Early Intervention services expanding to include newborns born at or before 28 weeks. ✨ More support for parents by almost doubling Units of Early Intervention services from 55 to 100 per year. However, as we celebrate these strides forward, it's vital to acknowledge the challenges that may arise. Counties already facing high demand for Early Intervention services could feel the strain without additional resources. Longer wait times, decreased quality of care, and stressed providers are all potential consequences. That's why we're hoping for significant investment in the Early Intervention system to ensure its effectiveness. Read more from Groundwork Ohio

If you have a student receiving special education services in Middle Tennessee, consider attending this event. It’s crucial that a large number of parents participate because policymakers need to hear your stories directly from you. This is the only way they will understand the challenges our students face in school. Even if your child is not currently in school, your experience can highlight that this problem has persisted for years. Things are worsening with new laws that disproportionately affect students with disabilities, especially those with behavioral challenges. Please tag parents who should attend, and share within your networks. #BahaviorSupport #BehaviorCrisis #CommunitySupport

@MissDeptEd and @Region7CC are teaming up to support the use of High-Leverage Practices (HLPs) for students with disabilities. Educators are working to implement these evidence-based practices to support improved outcomes for students. Learn more here: https://rpb.li/4ZCiMn

"There's been study after study that has shown that people do better academically, they do better with self-care, they have better overall outcomes, they're healthier and happier when they're in a community versus an institution." Take some time out of your day to watch this brief documentary (20 minutes) that sheds light on the systemic issues in Illinois related to housing and programming for individuals with disabilities and complex needs. This is NOT a new issue, and I am deeply grateful that there is more attention on this to create awareness and meaningful change. Even just implementing ASL training for staff providing support services to disabled folks will allow for more person-centered care and opportunities (see Ed's story). If you are interested in learning more about -finding a network -gathering information and receiving a roadmap to create inclusive community housing -finding person-centered services for disabled individuals residing in the community, reach out to Center for Independent Futures! https://lnkd.in/grsCTihR

Wondering how you can promote inclusion in your program? Does navigating policy seem daunting to you? Join this series to learn about the newly released Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs from the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To register, visit bit.ly/fedguidance2024 In the first session (May 8th), we will provide an overview of the policy statement and state-level recommendations. In the second session (May 15th), we will dive deeper into the components of this policy statement, explore local recommendations and the ways in which this statement can be a resource, and reflect on how it can reaffirm your program and community’s commitment to inclusion.