The Education Department this week celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). They celebrated by hosting three events and launching an IDEA 40th Anniversary event page. There was an Anniversary Reception at the Hall of States, a White House Event, and an IDEA Symposium. I was asked to attend the IDEA Symposium on behalf of NDRN. It was held at the Education Department and I was excited about this event because IDEA changed the life of my own son, as well as the lives of so many others.
The event opened up with remarks from Arne Duncan, Secretary, U.S. Department of Education, Michael Yudlin, Assistant Secretary, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education, and Sue Swenson, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. After introductions, we were treated to short presentations from an expert panel of University Professors who have performed research that links to special education practice. We heard experts on Early Childhood, Literacy, Math, School Climate/Social Behavior, Secondary/Transition, Inclusion, and Teacher Training. One of the topics that I researched for many years and advocated for on behalf of my son was inclusion. In my research as a stay at home mother, desperate to help her son get the services that would help him progress toward a life of independence, I came across the writings of Michael Wehmeyer of the University of Kansas. He was the speaker on Inclusion at this event! I couldn't wait to hear what he said in a group of educators. He did not disappoint, he stated that research reveals that children with disabilities can, and should, reach education standards. He said the research reveals that inclusion does work best for children with disabilities. He challenged the audience to press forward in the work of raising standards, services, and resources for individuals with disabilities. It lifted my heart to hear many in the crowd nod their head in ascension, while one lady behind me snickered and made sarcastic comments. Many educators refuse to believe what the research reveals and work against moving children with disabilities into the general education environment. It is my hope that on every level, national, state, and local, leaders will challenge education agencies to provide a fair and appropriate public education for children with disabilities.
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Daphne ThompsonPursuing a Bachelor Degree in Public Services and Policy, Daphne is starting her senior year this fall. Archives
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