H629
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An Act Relating to Containing
Special Education Costs while Continuing to Meet the Needs of All Vermont
Students is expected to pass in the Senate. The bill is on our website
so please take a look. H629 proposes an increase in technical assistance
from the Department of Education to school districts, increased support
for training and recognizes the importance of early intervention. But it
remains a cost containment bill. New eligibility rules will be promulgated
following the April meeting of the State Board of Education. These rules
will go through a public comment period and Administrative Rules Process.
Once public comments are received, the Department of Education must respond
in writing. Rules can be altered based on your participation in public
comment. Legislative comments then go to the Legislative Committee on Administrative
Rules (LCAR). LCAR is a committee made up of four Senators and four Representatives
who review rules for consistency with legislative intent. Following approval
by the Secretary of State the rules go into effect. Late spring and early
summer are critical times for you to become involved! The Vermont Coalition
for Disability Rights (VCDR) Education Committee is actively following
the implementation of H629. Please email them at vcdr@plainfield.bypass.com
or call at 802-223-6140 for updates and to find out how you can become
involved in watching this very important piece of legislation. ©
FYI:
H. 629 entitled CONTAINING SPECIAL EDUCATION COSTS WHILE CONTINUING
TO MEET
THE NEEDS OF ALL VERMONT STUDENTS has now passed the Senate in amended
form. We should be hearing more shortly. The status report
and information on history may be found at the following location on the
web:
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/database/status/summary.cfm#DETAILS
If you're interested, you will find the amended version of the bill in
the Senate Journal for April 28. |
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Disability
Awareness Day
On March 3, 2000, the Vermont
Coalition for Disability Rights (VCDR) sponsored Disability Awareness Day
at the State House in Montpelier, Vermont. The Day, coordinated by the
Education Committee of VCDR, is an annual opportunity to learn about organizations,
programs, initiatives and advocacy efforts. There was an opportunity to
pick up informational materials from agencies and organizations present
as well as to view a wonderfully creative VCDR Display in the Card Room.
Peter Youngbaer, Executive Director of VCDR, welcomed everyone and introduced
presenters: a video presentation by Judy Heumann, Assistant Secretary,
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, U.S. Department
of Education; comments from Sister Janice Ryan, representing Senator James
Jeffords; Ms. Liz Slayton, representing Senator Patrick Leahy; and Mr.
Dennis Kane, Department of Education.
One of the most informative
and interesting parts of the Day were the panelists' presentations. Families,
children (ranging in age from 3 to mid-twenties) and support personnel
talked about their experiences collaborating with each other, what supports
and services worked and which ones did not. It was very powerful listening
to the older students talk about their struggles, what they have learned
about themselves and what the future holds for them. Parents of the younger
panelists were able to provide information to the audience about their
child's struggles and successes both personally and programmatically. © |
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What
does it mean to be an Advocate?
Being an Advocate for Your
Child
When you are a parent (guardian
or responsible family member), it means doing whatever is necessary to
make sure your child gets what he or she needs... and what you need as
a family to support and care for your child.
Where your child's health
is concerned, that means getting all the shots and checkups required to
stay healthy. It includes getting help from a pediatrician, family physician,
nurse, or other primary care practitioner for those childhood illnesses
and injuries that normally occur.
When you have a child with
special health care needs, advocacy becomes more challenging. Your child's
health and quality of life may be at greater risk because of a chronic
illness, condition or disability. With so much at stake, families need
to develop skills and knowledge to become the best advocates they can for
their children.
Teaching Your Child to be
a Self-Advocate
Even young kids often can
learn about their health condition, chronic illness, or disability and
become active participants in their own care.
Young self-advocates learn
and practice important skills that will help them in many areas throughout
their lives. They can gain confidence, feel better about themselves, and
feel more in control of their illness or disability.
KASA--Kids As Self-Advocates
is a Family Voices program that promotes self-advocacy through peer empowerment
and the development of leadership opportunities.
Webpage: www.familyvoices.org/kasa.html
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Advocacy Tips
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Prepare yourself with information.
Ask questions. Know your rights.
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Keep records. Be organized.
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Don't go it alone. Seek out other
families and supportive people; in Vermont, the ARC, VPIC, and Federation
on Families can help.
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Advocate with confidence! You
are the expert on your child. Trust your instincts: You may be right, even
if professionals disagree with you. However, be open to learning new things.
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The Internet
is an excellent place to do research for your child. Some helpful
websites include: www.familyvoices.org,
www.familyvillage.wisc.edu,
www.nichcy.org,
and the magazine www.eparent.com
You can always check out your
local schools and libraries for access to the internet. |
