all abilities celebration connection...all abilities celebration connection laura nelson, editor u...

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Remember to Vote and More... fall 2017 fall 2017 in this issue Letter from Editor ............................1 Publication/Sponsorship Info...........2 Halloween Allergy Safety ................3 Voting in Virginia ............................4 FCPS Post-Secondary Planning .......6 World of Possibilities Expo ..............7 Endependence Open House ...........8 Social Security Disabilities Workshop ........................................9 Sportrock Climbing .......................10 Meet the Police Toolkit ..................10 Prince William ARC Annual Conference .......................11 Disability Training for Law Enforcement..................................12 DSAGR Transition Bootcamp .......13 CHIP Press Release .....................14 Spec Ed Guidance Documents Rescinded .....................................16 Interactive Caregive Planner ........17 1 all Abilities Celebration Connection Laura Nelson, Editor U nless you’re been living under a rock, you will know that Virginia has several elections coming up this November, including the governor’s race. With all the negative press out there about all the candidates, it’s more important than ever to do your own research, then vote to make your voice heard. See pages 4 and 5 for resources to help you be informed about the voting process and requirements in Virginia as well as the candidates on the ballots. But beyond the ubiquitous emails, facebook posts and campaign ads, there is much more going on in Virginia in the coming months. There are conferences and trainings and funfilled events. There is information from the U.S. Department of Education listing the Guidance Documents from the Office of Special Education Programs and the Rehabilitation Services Administration that have been rescinded. See also the press release about the federal funding for Virginia’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) that will run out in January of 2018 unless Congress takes action. And finally, as exhausting as the troubles of the world can be, take some time to be with family and friends to enjoy Halloween, Thanksgiving, and your favorite wintertime holidays. See you in January! NOVEMBER 7, 2017

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Page 1: all Abilities Celebration Connection...all Abilities Celebration Connection Laura Nelson, Editor U nless you’re been living under a rock, you will know that Virginia has several

Remember to Voteand More...

fall 2017

fall 2017

in this issueLetter from Editor ............................1Publication/Sponsorship Info...........2Halloween Allergy Safety ................3Voting in Virginia ............................4FCPS Post-Secondary Planning .......6World of Possibilities Expo..............7

Endependence Open House...........8Social Security Disabilities Workshop ........................................9Sportrock Climbing .......................10Meet the Police Toolkit..................10

Prince William ARCAnnual Conference .......................11

Disability Training for LawEnforcement..................................12DSAGR Transition Bootcamp .......13CHIP Press Release.....................14Spec Ed Guidance DocumentsRescinded .....................................16Interactive Caregive Planner ........17

1

all Abilities Celebration Connection

Laura Nelson, Editor

U nless you’re been living under a rock, youwill know that Virginia has several elections coming up this November,

including the governor’s race.

With all the negative press out there about all thecandidates, it’s more important than ever to doyour own research, then vote to make your voiceheard.

See pages 4 and 5 for resources to help you beinformed about the voting process and require‐ments in Virginia as well as the candidates on the ballots.

But beyond the ubiquitous emails, facebook postsand campaign ads, there is much more going on inVirginia in the coming months. There are confer‐ences and trainings and fun‐filled events.

There is information from the U.S. Department of

Education listing the Guidance Documents fromthe Office of Special Education Programs and theRehabilitation Services Administration that havebeen rescinded.

See also the press release about the federal fund‐ing for Virginia’s Children’s Health InsuranceProgram (CHIP) that will run out in January of2018 unless Congress takes action.

And finally, as exhausting as the troubles of theworld can be, take some time to be with family andfriends to enjoy Halloween, Thanksgiving, andyour favorite wintertime holidays.

See you in January!

NOVEMBER 7, 2017

Page 2: all Abilities Celebration Connection...all Abilities Celebration Connection Laura Nelson, Editor U nless you’re been living under a rock, you will know that Virginia has several

2 www.celebratingspecialchildren.org

allAbilities Celebration Connection

is published byCelebrating Special Children

P.O. Box 5333Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Editor in ChiefLaura Nelson, M.Ed

Chairwoman of the BoardBonita M. Pennino, M.S.

SecretaryPatti Cettin

TreasurerCarol Hagen

We love our Facebook followers!

We are especially proud of our Community Resource Page; www.celebratingspecialchildren.org/main/community-resources, and havereceived many compliments over the years. Our ongoing purpose is to provide information about the non-profits that align with our mis-sion; that is, “to provide the necessary information to ensure that individuals with disabilities realize their fullest potential of development,independence and quality of life.”

Over the years, we received requests from “for-profit” companies to post their information and during the time that we have been an online-only resource, we have posted their information, at no charge.

Recently, our Board of Directors made the decision to no longer offer free space to “for-profit” companies and organizations. Your sponsor-ship will continue to provide visibility for your company and preserve our ability to continue our mission. We welcome and encourage youand similar companies to contact us directly at [email protected] if you have questions or need additional information.

I look forward discussing this opportunity with you further and continuing (or beginning!) your relationship with Celebrating SpecialChildren.

all Abilities Celebration ConnectionSponsorship opportunity

If, in the past, you requested that your organization have a listing on our Resource page, you may have recently received anemail from me with the message below... It’s not something we would have chosen to do if our circumstances weren’t sodire. . . for as you may remember, our time on the Virginia tax refund list has come to an end.

And yet, I know, I get it; there are only so many resources to go around. I, personally get many email and hard copy requestsevery day to help fund worthy causes and I have to pick and choose which ones I support.

Of course, you will expect me to say that Celebrating Special Children is deserving of your donation. Since, 2002 we have beenunique in the disability community; the information that we publish is cross-disability, is grounded in Virginia, and seeks toempower our readers with the awareness to make the most informed decisions possible for their families and themselvesabout such diverse topics as research, pertinent press releases, relevant book reviews, summer camps, and inclusive play-grounds.

We’re sincerely grateful for the support we have received in the past. We’re hoping to be part of the conversation for manyyears to come. Please make that possible through a personal or business donation to support our mission. n

Laura Nelson, Editor

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3fall 2017

Halloween at HomeHalloween can be a fun and exciting holiday for children, but it is not without risk for those with food allergies. Families raising children with food allergies need to take extra precautions in order to keep their children safe. In addition, children with food allergies may also feel left out due the fact that many candies contain allergens and many cele-brations center around these foods. Fortunately, there are many ways your family can safely celebrate Halloween with food allergies.

Consider hosting a party at your home. Children can wear their costumes, create handmade crafts and dance to spooky music. There are many craft ideas available on sites such as Pinterest that are fun, easy to make and inexpensive. Hosting a party pro-vides you the control to serve only food that is safe for everyone (if you choose to serve food). Check KFA’s recipes for a variety of allergen-friendly treats.

Enlist the help of others. Talk to neighbors, family, and close friends about your child’s food allergies and safe options they could offer your child on Halloween. You may even wish to purchase the items yourself so these trusted adults can have them on hand for your child. Depending on your child’s age, needs, and your own comfort level, you may want to only go trick-or-treating at these prescreened homes.

Trade unsafe treats. If you choose to allow your child to trick-or-treat freely, offer to trade unsafe items for safe treats or a special prize such as a book or toy. Let your child know that he or she will not be allowed to eat any treats without you checking the label and approving it first.*

Have a food-free Halloween. Hand out non-food treats to trick-or-treaters. You may find that your house is the busiest house in the neighborhood by supplying fun and unusual treats.

*Remember that Halloween candy may be manufactured in a different facility than their regular-sized counter-parts. Be sure to check the labels and also find out the manufacturing practices of your favorite treats.

Trick-or-Treating Checklist� Costume that is visible to

motorists (add reflective tape if needed) and that allows your child to see (no masks)

� Flashlight

� Treat bag

� Epinephrine auto-injectors and emergency care plan

� Comfortable shoes

� Cell phone (make sure it’s charged and emergency numbers are in your contact list)

� A trained adult to supervise

� A group of friends to walk with

� Wipes for hand washing on the run

Examples of Non-food “TREATS”

• Glow sticks

• Glow necklaces, bracelets and rings

• Bouncing “eye” balls

• Spider rings

• Fake vampire teeth

• Halloween-themed stickers, pencils, pens, and erasers

• Mustache stickers

• Crazy sunglasses

• Headbands with antennas

• Whistles, kazoos and other noise- makers

• Small flashlights

• Halloween key chains

• Allergen-friendly slime or silly putty

Written in collaboration with Gina M. Lee, M.Ed.

TAKE ALL FOOD ALLERGIES SERIOUSLY •

TRACE AMOUNTS OF FOOD CAN CAUSE A REACTION

PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY

For more detailed information and a list of resources, please visit KidsWithFoodAllergies.org. Copyright ©2014, Kids With Food Allergies, a division of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), all rights reserved.

Page 1 of 2 Rev. October 2016

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4 www.celebratingspecialchildren.org

You will need to show one acceptablephoto identification card (photo ID)whenever you vote in person. This is

Virginia law for all voters.

Many types of photo ID are acceptable for voting in Virginia.You only need to show ONE acceptable photo ID to vote.Photo IDs can be used to vote up to one year after the ID hasexpired.

Acceptable forms of valid identification:• Virginia driver’s license• Virginia DMV‐issued photo ID• United States passport• Employer‐issued photo ID• Student photo ID issued by a school, college, or universitylocated in Virginia• Other U.S. or Virginia government‐issued photo ID• Tribal enrollment or other tribal photo ID• Virginia Voter Photo ID card

Need a photo ID?If you don’t have an ID, simply go to your nearest voter regis‐tration office to get a free Voter Photo ID, even on ElectionDay! You will be required to complete an photo ID applica‐tion, have your photo taken and to sign a digital signaturepad.

Forgot your photo ID on Election Day?If you get to your polling place without acceptable photo ID,you can vote a provisional ballot. You will be given instruc‐tions on what to do so your vote can count.

How and where can I register to vote?Any person, regardless of their disability status, has the rightto register to vote at any office or agency that provides sucha service. These offices include but are not limited to:Department of Health (VDH), Department of Social Services(DSS), Department of Behavioral Health & DevelopmentalServices (DBHDS), Department for Aging and RehabilitativeServices (DARS), Department for the Deaf and Hard of

Hearing (VDDHH), and the Department for the Blind andVision Impaired (DBVI). Your local Registrar’s Office also hasregistration forms and should be able to accommodate anyspecial need.

Accessibility

Is curbside voting still available forthose who wish to use it?

Yes, curbside voting is still available for people ages 65 andolder, or any person with a physical disability. The votershall be afforded every opportunity to vote in a private andindependent fashion, but voting equipment must remain inthe view of the election officers.

Will I be able to get into the polling place on myown?Federal and state laws mandate that all polling places,including all locations for in‐person absentee voting, must befully accessible to elderly voters and voters with disabilities;state law further requires curbside voting be available at allthese locations for voters age 65 or over or with physical dis‐abilities. See above discussion of curbside voting.

Voters with continuing disabilities may apply annually toreceive absentee ballots for all elections within a given yearusing the Annual Absentee Ballot Application.

Is the voting equipment in my polling placegoing to be accessible?State law and federal law (the Help America Vote Act)require every polling location in Virginia must be equippedwith at least one accessible voting system that will allow allvoters with a disability to vote the same private and inde‐pendent manner as a voter without a disability.

I understand that with the changes in electionsservices I should not need assistance from any-one, but can I still have assistance if I wish to?Yes, you can. If any voter who requires assistance in voting

Everything you need to know to vote in Virginia

www.elections.virginia.gov/index.html

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• The Americans with Disabilities Act and OtherFederal Laws ~ Protecting the Rights of Voters withDisabilitiesPosted on U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division –Disability Rights Sectionwww.ada.gov/ada_voting/ada_voting_ta.htm

• Resources for Voters with DisabilitiesPage on U.S. Election Assistance Commission with many relevantresources, both statewide and national.www.eac.gov/voter_resources/resources_for_voters_with_disabilities.aspx

• ADA Checklist for Polling PlacesThis document is an updated technical assistance publication onpolling place accessibility for voters with disabilities. The publica-tion includes information about key areas of a facility that mustbe accessible to voters with mobility or vision disabilities, optionsfor low-cost temporary measures for removing barriers, and asurvey to guide election officials in evaluating the accessibility offacilities used or being considered for use as polling places.www.ada.gov/votingck.htm

due to a physical disability or inability to read or write canreceive assistance if they request it. Any of the officers ofelection can advise you of your rights in this area.

Are people with cognitive disabilities allowed toregister and vote?Yes. A registered voter with cognitive disabilities can beeligible to vote if not adjudicated mentally incapacitated by

a court of law.

What if I feel that my rights to accessible regis-tration and voting have been violated?Please document your complaint using the Voter Complaintsarea of our website. You may also contact your voter regis‐trar or electoral board locally or the Department’sAccessibility Coordinator Terry Wagoner at (804) 864‐8937or [email protected]. Contact informationfor your local voting administration can be found using ouronline tool at https://elections.virginia.gov/LocalGR.

Additional Resources

Vote Smart's mission is to providefree, factual, unbiased informationon candidates and elected officials

to ALL Americans.https://votesmart.org

The Voter's Self-Defense System (Partial list)Every candidate and elected official from President to local government can be easily and instantly accessed through theVoter's Self-Defense System:

Voting Records -- https://votesmart.org/bills#.WezgrBR_JnoVote Smart digests key legislation in Congress and all 50 states into easy-to-understand summaries, making it easy tocompare what your representatives said during the campaign with how they actually voted on the record.

Biographical & Contact Information -- https://votesmart.org/search#.Wezh9BR_JnoFrom their previous professions, education, family life, and organizational memberships to their social media accountsand latest email addresses.

Issue Positions (Political Courage Test) -- https://votesmart.org/about/political-courage-test#.WeziPhR_JnoWe test thousands of candidates for President, Congress, Governor and State Legislature with our Political CourageTest. The Test accurately measures candidates' willingness to provide voters with their positions on the issues they will

most likely face if elected.

Interest Group Ratings -- https://votesmart.org/interest-groupsSee how over 400 national and 1300 state special interest groups evaluate your representatives. Despite their bias,special interest group ratings can help indicate where an incumbent has stood on a particular set of issues.

Campaign Finances -- https://votesmart.org/search#.WezjRRR_JnoHow much money did your representatives raise and from whom?

https://votesmart.org

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TheFCPS Parent

Resource [email protected]

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7fall 2017

Come to our annual Disability Expo if you or a family member has or has had; a disability, autism,cognitive disability, deaf or hard of hearing, physical disability, down syndrome, |multiple scerosis,genetic disease, cerebral palsy, deaf or hard of hearing, wheelchair user, amputees, quadraplegia,

paraplegia etc.

This expo offers a wide range of things such as; attachables, wheel chair service, disability housing,wheel chair parts, respite care, respite services, disability services, accessible, ERS, emergency

response systems, wheel chairs, wheel chair, disability funding, and wheel chair repair.

This expo will provide an opportunity for you to enhance your knowledge and to explore the latestand greatest products, services, technology and resources that include: Assistive and Adaptive

Devices, Durable Medical Equipment, Computer Software, Instructional Materials, Mobility Products,Adaptive Learning Tools, Disability Law Resources, Recreation/Travel Resources, Adapted

Bikes/Adapted Exercise Equipment, Personal Care Products, Communication Devices, Products forthe Visually Impaired and/or Deaf or Hard of Hearing Individuals, Local Agencies and Support

Groups, Many Informative Workshops, Free Benefits Planning and Help Desk, ProductDemonstrations, Strolling Entertainers/Raffles and Giveaways, Personal Care Attendants, Free

Parking, FREE WHEELCHAIR RENTAL AND REPAIR!!

For more information, visithttp://expo.caringcommunities.org

October 28, 2017 11:00am - 3pm

Tysons Corner, VirginiaTysons Corner Marriott

April 14, 2018 11:00am - 3pm

Rockville, MarylandRockville Hilton

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8 www.celebratingspecialchildren.org

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9fall 2017

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10 www.celebratingspecialchildren.org

NAA’s Meet the Police safety initiative is a free,downloadable toolkit for individuals withautism, parents or caregivers who are concernedabout their loved one’s safety in the community.The purpose of this program is to help enhancethe quality of interactions between individualswith autism and members of law enforcement.

The toolkit includes steps you can take to estab‐lish trusting relationships, reduce confusion andfear, and encourage opportunities for lawenforcement agencies to get to know members oftheir community who may be at increased riskdue to behaviors commonly associated withautism.

For more information and to download, vist theAutism and Safety Tab ofhttp://nationalautismassociation.org

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12 www.celebratingspecialchildren.org

August 7, 2017 | Richmond, VA

The Department of Criminal Justice Services(DCJS), in partnership with the VirginiaBoard for People with Disabilities (VBPD),

and the Department for Behavioral Health andDevelopmental Services (DBHDS), has contract-ed with Niagara University to develop and con-duct statewide training for law enforcement offi-cers.

The primary goal is to provide the specific inter-action skills law enforcement needs when theyencounter individuals with disabilities. Fundingwill provide the development of a train-thetrainer curriculum and stand-alone courses thataddress specific types of disabilities.

“I am very pleased that these agencies have com-mitted resources and created a partnership thatwill enable our law enforcement officers to effec-tively communicate with and respond to individ-uals with disabilities during routine and emer-gency situations,” said Governor TerryMcAuliffe. “The result will be law enforcementofficers who are responsive and better empow-ered to serve everyone within their jurisdic-tions.”

Individuals with disabilities are often more vul-nerable to crime and are two to three times morelikely to be victims of violent crimes than thosewithout disabilities. They also may have physical

and cognitive barriers that affect their ability toaccess services and communicate with the lawenforcement officers who are trying to helpthem. Law enforcement officers must be able torespond appropriately in these situations and itis essential that their initial interaction be help-ful, appropriate, and safe while protecting them-selves and the people they serve from additionalharm. Specific high-profile events have shownhow a lack of appropriate training and prepared-ness in responding to this population can easilyescalate an incident. This training will includeeducation on disabilities while enhancing sensi-tivity, honing response techniques, and connect-ing students to community resources and dis-ability experts.

Niagara University has significant experience incustomizing its training for individual stateneeds and has well developed resource materialsand a web based network to help ensure the pro-gram’s sustainability. As part of the training pro-gram, a train-the-trainer curriculum will bedeveloped for implementation of an overviewcourse. In addition, Niagara University willdevelop stand-alone courses that offer more in-depth information on the following populations:Intellectual disabilities, developmental disabili-ties including Autism Spectrum Disorders,dementia including Alzheimer’s disease,acquired brain injuries, including traumaticbrain injuries, and mental health disabilities.

Disability Awareness Training for Law Enforcement

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13fall 2017

"Niagara University's First Responders DisabilityAwareness Training program is excited to bringits program to the Commonwealth of Virginia,”states David Whalen, Project Director. “We aredelighted that the Commonwealth recognizes theimportance of sensitizing and educating lawenforcement in proper, appropriate and accurateresponses to individuals with disabilities. Ourcomprehensive training brings together the dis-ability community and law enforcement to pro-duce a Virginia-specific curriculum that allowsfor understanding disabilities, connecting withcommunity resources, ensuring readily availableinformation, and addressing matters in a con-structive and positive manner.”

DCJS provides leadership to improve the crimi-nal justice system in Virginia’s communitiesthrough effective training, partnerships, research,regulation, and support. It has long been

considered a leader in the area of training forspecial populations. The VBPD serves as theDevelopmental Disabilities Council for theCommonwealth. Its mission is to advance oppor-tunities for independence, personal decision-making and full participation in community lifefor individuals with developmental and otherdisabilities. DBHDS is the state agency thatfunds, licenses and administers Virginia’s behav-ioral health and developmental services system.Its goal is to ensure person-centered services andsupports that will enable individuals to live fulland productive lives in their communities. n

Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services1220 Bank Street, Richmond, VA, 23219 804-786-3921 • www.dbhds.virginia.gov

Paul Wexler, Vice President of Specialty Servicesreceived the 2017 Virginia Network of PrivateProviders Leadership Award.

Paul has worked in the field of developmental disabilities (DD) for over 45 years. He became the

Executive Director of Central Fairfax Services, Inc.(CFS) in 1986, a small day support program for adults with DD, located inAnnandale, VA. Paul demonstrated strong leadership as he helped to guide CFS froma small agency to a major resource for individuals with multiple physical, medicaland behavioral challenges in Northern Virginia. In 2010, he led the process as CFSaffiliated with ServiceSource (www.servicesource.org) , in an effort to ensure longterm sustainability. Paul's compassion, commitment and guidance has helped toshape the service system in positive ways, to the benefit of all.

Congratulations Paul!

Editor’s note: Paul has been a good friend to CSC for many years ~ Congratulations!

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The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond is a 501(c)3nonprofit organization that improves the quality of life for individu-als with Down syndrome and their families. We offer individual andfamily support, education, community awareness and advocacy.http://dsagr.org

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Federal Funding for Children’s HealthInsurance Program in Virginia Set to Expire

unless Congress Acts

RICHMOND- Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that, absent Congressional reauthorization, federal fundingfor Virginia’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will run out in January of 2018, forcing the Commonwealthto notify the families of 65,000 Virginia children and 1,100 pregnant women in November that their coverage will beterminated.

“Once again, dysfunction in Washington is putting the health and security of Virginia families at risk, this time throughCongress’ failure to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program. If Congress does not act, 65,000 children and1,100 pregnant women will be at risk of losing their coverage. Every day that Republicans in Congress fail to reautho‐rize this critical program will create significant uncertainty for families in every corner of this Commonwealth,” saidGovernor McAuliffe.

“Health care for Virginia children is too important to fall by the wayside as Congress wages battles over a backwardpartisan agenda. I urge leaders in Washington to act now to fund health insurance for children across this nationbefore the remaining federal resources run out.”

While the House and Senate appear to be working on reauthorization bills, their failure to act before the legal deadlinefor reauthorization has forced states across the country to contemplate the adverse effects on children and state budg‐ets. To make the transition as seamless as possible, Virginia will have to begin taking concrete steps this month andissue notices in late November if reauthorization is not enacted immediately. Many states across the country will runout of money to cover their residents even sooner than Virginia.

Even under the current reauthorization scenario contemplated in Congress, Virginia’s budget will take a hit. TheAffordable Care Act had increased the percentage of funding for CHIP that came from the federal government. The cur‐rent proposals to reauthorize CHIP reduce that enhanced match back to pre‐ACA levels. That means Virginia could berequired to pay approximately $50 million in additional general funds starting in fiscal year 2020 and more than $100million each year going forward. ###

For Immediate Release: October 5, 2017 Contacts: Office of the Governor: Brian Coy,

[email protected]

~Termination notifications will go out to Virginia families in late November if program is not reauthorized~

CHIP provides services through a home visiting model using a case management approach. Services are providedby a CHIP team of a public health nurse and outreach worker who work in partnership with the family and service providers to help each family reach full potential.

CONTACT CHIP OF VIRGINIA8100 Three Chopt Road, Suite 212 • Richmond, VA 23229

Phone: 804-783-2667 • Fax: 804-783-2723 • http://chipofvirginia.org

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16 www.celebratingspecialchildren.org

U.S. Education Department Has Rescinded 72 Guidance Documents from the Office of

Special Education Programs and theRehabilitation Services Administration

Editor’s note:

The following text has been reprinted from www.disabilityscoop.com/2017/10/20/trump-rescinds-special-ed-guidance/24323, written by Michelle Diament | October 20, 2017.Similar information can be found in the Washington Post, and other national news outlets.

I searched through the websites of Office of Special Education and from the RehabilitationServices Administration; links to information about these documents was not to be seen on thehome pages.

However, in the June Press Releases portion (www.ed.gov/news/press-releases) titledRegulatory Reform Task Force Progress Report, states "To ensure an open and transpar-ent process, the Task Force's progress report will be published on the Department of Education'swebsite.” I could not find this report on the ED.gov home page, but a link in the press releasewww2.ed.gov/documents/press-releases/regulatory-reform-task-force-progress-report.pdfbrings up a 66-page document with blank boxes for the actions to be taken with regard to specific regulations.

The U.S. Department of Education is with-drawing dozens of guidance documentsaddressing everything from transition to

due process as part of a Trump administrationeffort to do away with unnecessary regulation.

The Education Department said Friday that ithas rescinded 72 guidance documents — 63 fromthe Office of Special Education Programs andnine from the Rehabilitation ServicesAdministration — some of which have been onrecord for decades.

The move comes as the agency works to followthrough on an executive order signed by

President Donald Trump in February requiringthe federal government to “to alleviate unneces-sary regulatory burdens.”

Over the summer, the Education Departmentsought public comment on “regulations that maybe appropriate for repeal, replacement or modifi-cation.” Now, officials with the agency’s Office ofSpecial Education Programs said they are work-ing in phases to comply with the order.

“The first phase involved reviewing guidance thatOSERS has published on the Individuals withDisabilities Education Act (IDEA), and theRehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehab. Act), as

Michelle Diament | October 20, 2017

Page 17: all Abilities Celebration Connection...all Abilities Celebration Connection Laura Nelson, Editor U nless you’re been living under a rock, you will know that Virginia has several

Thanks to Rachel Anne Zimmers forsending this information.

They have put together a virtual assis-tant to help keep you and your kidsorganized. And interactive planner isabsolutely free to use.

Explore the toolbox to discover user-friendly ways to schedule your child’s day, record your child’s meals, track games and activities,log medications, and share emergency contact information.

Visit http://planner.thecplawyer.com

17fall 2017

amended,” said Kimberly M. Richey, actingassistant secretary of special education and reha-bilitative services, in a statement announcing thedecision to withdraw numerous guidance docu-ments. “Initially, we evaluated the guidance todetermine those that were outdated, unnecessaryor ineffective.”

Guidance documents flagged by the review touchon special education funding, least restrictiveenvironment, private placements, employmentand more. Some were issued as recently as 2014while others have been around since the 1980s.

Policy guidance, often issued in the form of a“Dear Colleague” letter, is typically used by theEducation Department to clarify how existinglaws or regulations should be implemented inschools.

In comments submitted to the EducationDepartment in recent months, disability

advocates broadly opposed the Trump adminis-tration’s plan to pare down regulations and guid-ance.

“The IDEA regulations and guidance identifiedby the Regulatory Reform Task Force for possi-ble repeal, replacement or modification havebeen established through a comprehensiveprocess as prescribed by the AdministrativeProcedure Act,” wrote Mikki Garcia, president ofthe Council for Exceptional Children, in com-ments to the federal agency. “The evaluation ofexisting regulations and guidance for the pur-pose of repeal, replacement or modification isunconventional and ill-advised.”

Multiple disability advocacy groups have saidthey were still examining the rescinded guidancedocuments to assess what the impact could beon students and their families. n

To see the list of rescinded Guidance Documents, visit

https://c.ymcdn.com/sites/copaa.site-ym.com/resource/resmgr/docs/accessible_2017/OSERS_list_of_rescinded_guid.pdf