Some people may be uncomfortable associating the word “disability” with children, especially those who have “invisible” or “mild” disabilities. We get it. The word “disability” sounds like a negative label that emphasizes what a student can’t do. It sounds like a label that slams doors. But in reality, it’s exactly the opposite.

The word “disability” is a term for a minority status that grants the children who have it strong educational civil rights under federal laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 (“504”) of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These laws spell out qualifying conditions that protect individuals from discrimination and help them get a fair shake in achieving their potential. That’s how we roll in the USA.

In order to understand the critical importance of the federal government’s role in the protecting the rights of students with disabilities, we have to remember that before these laws were passed, most of these kids received no education at all, and those who did were mostly “taught” in segregated “special” schools where very little teaching occurred.

The laws produced by civil rights movement for people with disabilities are federal laws, and school districts receive federal funding to supplement the costs of education students with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights enforces anti-discrimination laws, and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSER) supports programs, research, and policies that benefit youth with disabilities.

In the fall of 2016, OSER launched an investigation into the Texas Education Agency’s 8.5% cap on the number of students receiving special education in our state. The investigation followed the Houston Chronicle’s “Denied” investigative series. OSER is expected to release its findings in the summer of 2017.

BLAH blah blah. NEED COPY HERE. All Texans are currently represented by Senators Ted Cruz(R) and John Cornyn(R) in the U.S. Senate. Include their contact information.

Make note of your representative's addresses and phone numbers for future reference. A big part of reform action includes contacting those who represent you. They are your voice in Washington, D.C. and they need to know what's important to their constituent. More important than knowing how our state government works or who's in charge is knowing who YOUR elected state representatives are. If you don't know your's, follow our link below to find out quick and easy.

Be sure to return back here to learn [HOW] you can use this information to affect special education reform.

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  Go to your district’s website and find the school board link. This should take you to information about your representatives, their regular meetings, and how to contact them. You should also find a link to the school board’s policies.
  
  




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  School board meetings are open to the public, and most boards schedule a time during meetings for public comment. Check out our guide to effective public testimony for tips on using your voice effectively at school board meetings.
  
  




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  Establishing a positive working relationship is very important. Invite them to lunch or coffee. Tell them your story. Share your concerns. Remember that many people who have never experienced disability in their families have no way of knowing what the journey is, and educating them is an important first step.
  
  




• 4. Need copy here.
  Expressing your concerns in a business-like email to your trustees can be an effective way to get a special education issue prioritized in your district. Written correspondence and public testimony at board meetings becomes part of the record.
  
  




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  One person is an important voice, but an organized effort is a constituency. Speaking in a unified voice benefits all the students.
  
  




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  You are the beneficiary of courageous advocates who have gone before you; remember that people with disabilities and their parents were responsible for the passage of the laws that protect your children today. You can pay it forward by advocating in your community.

BLAH blah blah. NEED COPY HERE. Possibly talk about (1)writing/calling reps. Scripts? (2) Attending rallies and marches with rules of etiquette? (3) Attend townhalls, link to Town Hall Project here.

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