Missouri Advocates For Families Affected by Autism

We are a citizens action group advocating and lobbying for families that have a child with special needs. We believe that EVERY child has a right to a FREE and APPROPRIATE EDUCATION and should NEVER BE LEFT BEHIND.

Friday, February 25, 2011

8-year-old Riverside Elementary student arrested – for fifth time

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/os-8-year-old-arrested-tantrums-20110225,0,44851.story

Autism Society - Federal Budget Proposal Includes Funding for Autism Research, IDEA; Proposed Cuts Overall are Severe

Autism Society - Federal Budget Proposal Includes Funding for Autism Research, IDEA; Proposed Cuts Overall are Severe

Autism Society - Federal Government Announces $4.3 Billion in New Funds for Community Alternatives to Institutional Long-Term Care

Autism Society - Federal Government Announces $4.3 Billion in New Funds for Community Alternatives to Institutional Long-Term Care

Autism Society - Share Your Story: Help Families Get Expert Witnesses for IDEA Due Process Hearings

Autism Society - Share Your Story: Help Families Get Expert Witnesses for IDEA Due Process Hearings

Autism Society - Researchers Reveal First Autism Candidate Gene That Demonstrates Sensitivity to Sex Hormones

Autism Society - Researchers Reveal First Autism Candidate Gene That Demonstrates Sensitivity to Sex Hormones

How a child with Asperger's helped his father become a better parent | The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

How a child with Asperger's helped his father become a better parent The Manila Bulletin Newspaper Online

Researchers Detect Babies' Potential Risk of Autism - ABC News

Researchers Detect Babies' Potential Risk of Autism - ABC News

Autism Society - Jackie's Story

Autism Society - Jackie's Story

Autism Society - Sensory Friendly Films

Autism Society - Sensory Friendly Films

Autism Society - Autism Society Will Join Autism Community to Call for Autism Understanding and Acceptance this April

Autism Society - Autism Society Will Join Autism Community to Call for Autism Understanding and Acceptance this April

Autism Society - Join the Autism Society at TimesTalks, presented by the New York Times, this March

Autism Society - Join the Autism Society at TimesTalks, presented by the New York Times, this March

Autism Society - Autism Society Presents Public Service Announcement for Spring 2011

Autism Society - Autism Society Presents Public Service Announcement for Spring 2011

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Supreme Court Issues Pro-Child Decision in Forest Grove School District v. T.A. by Peter Wright, Esq. and Pamela Wright, MA, MSW - Wrightslaw.com

Supreme Court Issues Pro-Child Decision in Forest Grove School District v. T.A. by Peter Wright, Esq. and Pamela Wright, MA, MSW - Wrightslaw.com

Special Education Caselaw - Law Library - Wrightslaw

Special Education Caselaw - Law Library - Wrightslaw

IDEA: Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

IDEA: Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

Supreme Court Says No To Parents Suing Vaccine Makers - Disability Scoop

Supreme Court Says No To Parents Suing Vaccine Makers - Disability Scoop

Feds Unleash Billions For Community Living - Disability Scoop

Feds Unleash Billions For Community Living - Disability Scoop

Parent Observations v. Student Privacy and Confidentiality by Pete Wright and Pam Wright - Wrightslaw.com

Parent Observations v. Student Privacy and Confidentiality by Pete Wright and Pam Wright - Wrightslaw.com

Passing Grades, IQ scores, and Evaluations of Students with Learning Disabilities - OSEP Policy Letter to Lillie /Felton - Wrightslaw

Passing Grades, IQ scores, and Evaluations of Students with Learning Disabilities - OSEP Policy Letter to Lillie /Felton - Wrightslaw

Is Child with Passing Grades Eligible for Special Ed Under IDEA?

Is Child with Passing Grades Eligible for Special Ed Under IDEA?

Tax Benefits for Taxpayers with Disabilities and Parents of Children with Disabilities - Wrightslaw

Tax Benefits for Taxpayers with Disabilities and Parents of Children with Disabilities - Wrightslaw

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

10-year-old autistic boy, Brandon Strong, punished for behavior caused by his condition

10-year-old autistic boy, Brandon Strong, punished for behavior caused by his condition

Record Number of Children Enrolled in School Choice Programs This Year | Children's Education Council of Missouri - CECM

Record Number of Children Enrolled in School Choice Programs This Year Children's Education Council of Missouri - CECM

Special Needs Scholarship Tax Credit Bill Returns | Children's Education Council of Missouri - CECM

Special Needs Scholarship Tax Credit Bill Returns Children's Education Council of Missouri - CECM

Report Reveals Silent Epidemic of Bullying Against Children With Special Needs -- SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

Report Reveals Silent Epidemic of Bullying Against Children With Special Needs -- SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

Bill Filed to Expand Charter Schools Statewide, Increase Accountability | Children's Education Council of Missouri - CECM

Bill Filed to Expand Charter Schools Statewide, Increase Accountability Children's Education Council of Missouri - CECM

Feds Put Virginia On Notice Over Disability Violations - Disability Scoop

Feds Put Virginia On Notice Over Disability Violations - Disability Scoop

Obama Budget Brings Mixed Bag For People With Disabilities - Disability Scoop

Obama Budget Brings Mixed Bag For People With Disabilities - Disability Scoop

Judge: Special Needs Community 'Disproportionately Vulnerable' In Emergencies - Disability Scoop

Judge: Special Needs Community 'Disproportionately Vulnerable' In Emergencies - Disability Scoop

Waiting Lists, Fragmented Services Among Developmental Disability Barriers - Disability Scoop

Waiting Lists, Fragmented Services Among Developmental Disability Barriers - Disability Scoop

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Support Youth with Significant Disabilities Get Equal Opportunities to Become Productive, Responsible, Contributing Citizens of Society in Adulthood

Support Youth with Significant Disabilities Get Equal Opportunities to Become Productive, Responsible, Contributing Citizens of Society in Adulthood


Cosponsor the Transitioning towards Excellence & Achievement in Mobility through Education

(TEAM-Education) Act of 2011

POLICY OVERVIEW

Despite significant public expenditures in special education, students with intellectual and developmental disabilities frequently transition out of high school lacking the proper skills required to find and maintain employment or pursue post-secondary education. This trend is due to a reluctance among state and local educational authorities in providing hands-on work experience and training (including mentoring, internships, summer work programs, and career development) that is typically offered to non-disabled students during their transitional years. Instead, low expectations dominate individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs despite the potential and desire of many students to pursue opportunities that will help them gain experience to better prepare them for the workforce and adulthood. Although the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) requires schools to provide transition services to support students with disabilities during their high school years, there currently lacks no enforcement, monitoring or evaluation of school districts to ensure that they are complying with this important provision in the law.

It is no surprise then that upon exiting the school system, these young citizens are woefully unprepared and unsupported in finding and maintaining employment in the community and at wages which promote optimal self-sufficiency and independence. Yet research demonstrates that when provided with preparatory, hands-on job experience in the form of part-time work, internships, or summer employment, individuals with significant disabilities can successfully obtain and sustain work in integrated settings and earn competitive wages.

PURPOSE OF LEGISLATION

The TEAM legislation provides three separate legislative responses to better align existing federal programs providing publically-funded systems and supports to focus on one uniform goal – ensuring that every youth with a significant disability has the opportunity, encouragement and support to become gainfully employed in an integrated setting, pursue a post-secondary education, and contribute to and meaningfully engage in typical community settings upon leaving high school.

TEAM-EDUCATION ACT OF 2011: BILL SUMMARY

The TEAM-Education Act amends IDEA to encourage and empower schools districts, states educational authorities, students with significant disabilities, their familiesand transition teams to plan for and achieve employment in an integrated setting at minimum wage or higher after high school.

 Adds requirements to ensure Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) holistically address the transition needs of students: Under this bill, the IEP changes the age when transition planning must be included in a student’s IEP from age 14 to 16, and requires school districts to invite the State Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD) Authority to participate on the IEP & transition planning team for students expected to be eligible for adult I/DD services. The bill further requires the IEP to include comprehensive transition planning and services, including objectives for developing the skills, knowledge-base, training and experience to successfully obtain integrated employment, economic self-sufficiency, independent living and community involvement. The bill would require schools to produce a comprehensive portfolio of the student’s skills, experiences and talents relevant to employers, tobe given to the student and parents once the student exits the school system. Additionally, the bill offers

TEAM-Education Act of 2011 Page 2

advocacy training for students and families to help them prepare better for articulating the wishes of the student during the IEP process.

 Allows for IDEA Part B discretionary dollars to be used by school districts to hire or contract with professionals possessing transition expertise for youth with significant disabilities: The legislation clarifies that school districts are allowed and encouraged to use IDEA discretionary funds for either hiring transition experts within or contracting out transition services as needed, based on stringent criteria that these contracts be focused on the preparation and confirmation of integrated, competitive employment or other desired post-secondary education outcomes.

 Modifies the Definition of Transition Services: Ensures that the definition of transition services includes customized employment services and training in advocacy and self-determination activities to better prepare youth for job preparation and advocating on their own behalf. Additionally, the bill clarifies that transition services do not include facility-based or other segregated programs.

 Establishes Support for Local Transition Coordinators: Provides $50 million to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to pilot the hiring of internal transition services coordinators who would be responsible for facilitating relationships with public and private entities on behalf of the student and the student’s family to ensure the successful provision of desired transition services necessary to achieving the student’s transition objectives.

POLICY RATIONALE

The goal of publically-funded transition services and supports for youth with disabilities should be focused on helping youth with significant disabilities acquire the skills, knowledge and experience required to successfully obtain a job in an integrated setting at minimum wage or higher, ensure maximum community participation and achieve optimal self-sufficiency. To achieve this goal, Congress must establish a coordinated, comprehensive approach to the investment of public resources that expands and improves the choices of youth with significant disabilities who are transitioning into adulthood to ensure the design and execution of an individualized , coordinated strategy aimed at securing meaningful post-secondary educational opportunities, career development and training, supported employment in an integrated setting, and inclusion in the community setting through independent living and social engagement.

The TEAM-Education Act would streamline the transition process at the high-school level and require coordination and collaboration between the state education authority and the State I/DD authority to maximize the efficient use of resources through systems alignment. Clarifying that facility based or other segregated experiences are not acceptable transition services will focus IEP teams on having high expectations of all students and in identifying opportunities that lead to integrated employment, post secondary education, independent living and optimal self-sufficiency for students with significant disabilities. The legislation ensures that the newest and most promising practices for assisting students in finding, creating and maintaining employment are implemented, rather than promoting a continued dismissal of the potential of students with disabilities to become productive citizens and contribute in meaningful ways to their communities.

ACTION REQUIRED

Congressional leaders dedicated to improving the future opportunities of youth with significant disabilities through fiscally responsible, innovative systems-reform strategies are encouraged to co-sponsor all three of the following legislative proposals: TEAM-Education Act of 2011; Team-Empowerment Act of 2011; and TEAM-Employment Act of 2011. To cosponsor one or more of these innovative legislative bills, please contact Scot Malvaney in the Office of U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R-MS) at scot.malvaney@mail.house.gov or 202-225-5031.

Education Week: Ex-D.C. School Chief Rhee Defends Teacher Firings, Despite Ruling

Education Week: Ex-D.C. School Chief Rhee Defends Teacher Firings, Despite Ruling

Dems ask governor for special-ed funds | State Government | Wichita Eagle

Dems ask governor for special-ed funds State Government Wichita Eagle

Friday, February 11, 2011

Special Education Law Blog: Special Needs as a Second Language by Lori Miller Fox

Special Education Law Blog: Special Needs as a Second Language by Lori Miller Fox

Special Education Law Blog: Steps towards Making a Strategic Plan for Your Next IEP

Special Education Law Blog: Steps towards Making a Strategic Plan for Your Next IEP

Special Education Law Blog: Guidelines for Effective Educational Testing Part 1

Special Education Law Blog: Guidelines for Effective Educational Testing Part 1

Special Education Law Blog: Guidelines for Effective Educational Testing Part 2

Special Education Law Blog: Guidelines for Effective Educational Testing Part 2

Special Education Law Blog: Words of Wisdom for (and at) IEP Meetings

Special Education Law Blog: Words of Wisdom for (and at) IEP Meetings

Special Education Law Blog: Comprehensive Accomodations Manual is a Good Reference for Your Next IEP and for High Stakes Testing

Special Education Law Blog: Comprehensive Accomodations Manual is a Good Reference for Your Next IEP and for High Stakes Testing

Special Education Law Blog: Count Your Blessings? by Lori Miller Fox

Special Education Law Blog: Count Your Blessings? by Lori Miller Fox

Special Education Law Blog: Emergency Evacuation Should be Part of the IEP

Special Education Law Blog: Emergency Evacuation Should be Part of the IEP

Special Education Law Blog: School District's Gathering Information on Parents

Special Education Law Blog: School District's Gathering Information on Parents

Special Education Law Blog: Illegal Holds, Restraint and Seclusion by Nicole T. Jorwic

Special Education Law Blog: Illegal Holds, Restraint and Seclusion by Nicole T. Jorwic

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

CDC Wants to Know What You Think About Autism Research - AGE OF AUTISM

CDC Wants to Know What You Think About Autism Research - AGE OF AUTISM

Bill Gates on CNN: They Kill Children (Vaccine Safety Advocates) - AGE OF AUTISM

Bill Gates on CNN: They Kill Children (Vaccine Safety Advocates) - AGE OF AUTISM

Dr. Halvorsen on Wakefield, Witch Hunts and Vaccine Safety - AGE OF AUTISM

Dr. Halvorsen on Wakefield, Witch Hunts and Vaccine Safety - AGE OF AUTISM

California Reports Tripling of Autism K-12 - AGE OF AUTISM

California Reports Tripling of Autism K-12 - AGE OF AUTISM

Missouri House of Representatives

Missouri House of Representatives

HB362 Bryce's Law Autism Scholarship Bill

Bloomberg Takes Aim at Special Ed Costs - WNYC

Bloomberg Takes Aim at Special Ed Costs - WNYC

Inclusive Child Care Offers New Option For Kids With Disabilities - Disability Scoop

Inclusive Child Care Offers New Option For Kids With Disabilities - Disability Scoop

Young Adults With Autism Forgoing Assistance After High School - Disability Scoop

Young Adults With Autism Forgoing Assistance After High School - Disability Scoop

What's Next For Special Education - Disability Scoop

What's Next For Special Education - Disability Scoop

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Education Week: Are Superintendents Necessary? One Colo. District Says No

Education Week: Are Superintendents Necessary? One Colo. District Says No

Education Week: Ohio Gov. Creates Education-Czar Post

Education Week: Ohio Gov. Creates Education-Czar Post

Two Govs, Very Different Political Stripes, Call for K-12 Cuts - State EdWatch - Education Week

Two Govs, Very Different Political Stripes, Call for K-12 Cuts - State EdWatch - Education Week

Education Week: Study Disputes Myth of School Bullies' Social Status

Education Week: Study Disputes Myth of School Bullies' Social Status

Wrightslaw - Topics - Discipline: Suspensions, Expulsions and IEPs by Robert Crabtree, Esq.

Wrightslaw - Topics - Discipline: Suspensions, Expulsions and IEPs by Robert Crabtree, Esq.

What Are the School's Obligations to a Child with Severe Emotional & Behavior Problems? by Pete Wright - Wrightslaw.com

What Are the School's Obligations to a Child with Severe Emotional & Behavior Problems? by Pete Wright - Wrightslaw.com

What You Need to Know About IDEA 2004: IEPs for Children with Behavior Problems by Pat Howey, paralegal and advocate

What You Need to Know About IDEA 2004: IEPs for Children with Behavior Problems by Pat Howey, paralegal and advocate

Brooklyn mom's battle to educate her learning-disabled son continues six years after it began

Brooklyn mom's battle to educate her learning-disabled son continues six years after it began

Former Williamstown High School student sues district, Monroe Township over alleged discrimination - NJ.com

Former Williamstown High School student sues district, Monroe Township over alleged discrimination - NJ.com

The Autism News

The Autism News

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Chantal Sicile-Kira: Open Letter to Governor Jerry Brown: On Budget Cuts and the Lanterman Act

Chantal Sicile-Kira: Open Letter to Governor Jerry Brown: On Budget Cuts and the Lanterman Act

Autism Parent Tips On Applying For Social Security Benefits

Autism Parent Tips On Applying For Social Security Benefits

New Vaccine Approaches Clinical Trial Phase: NoThinx Sure to be Blockbuster! - AGE OF AUTISM

New Vaccine Approaches Clinical Trial Phase: NoThinx Sure to be Blockbuster! - AGE OF AUTISM

Is That Paul Offit with a Casserole? - AGE OF AUTISM

Is That Paul Offit with a Casserole? - AGE OF AUTISM

Molecular Psychiatry Medscape: Mitochondrial Dysfunction Linked to Autism - AGE OF AUTISM

Molecular Psychiatry Medscape: Mitochondrial Dysfunction Linked to Autism - AGE OF AUTISM

Offit Cashes In: Closing the Books on the Vaccine Profits of a Merck-Made Millionaire - AGE OF AUTISM

Offit Cashes In: Closing the Books on the Vaccine Profits of a Merck-Made Millionaire - AGE OF AUTISM

Katie Wright Reports on the IACC Meeting: Common Sense & Compassion in Short Supply - AGE OF AUTISM

Katie Wright Reports on the IACC Meeting: Common Sense & Compassion in Short Supply - AGE OF AUTISM

Chiefs to Feds: Renew ESEA Soon or Help Us Innovate - Politics K-12 - Education Week

Chiefs to Feds: Renew ESEA Soon or Help Us Innovate - Politics K-12 - Education Week

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Proposed Revision | APA DSM-5

Proposed Revision APA DSM-5

50 Great Blogs & Links for Autism Teachers // Current

50 Great Blogs & Links for Autism Teachers // Current

Teacher Abuse by Principals-The Dark ... - Oprah.com

Teacher Abuse by Principals-The Dark ... - Oprah.com

UPDATE: Fired deputy had prior reprimand | HeraldTribune.com

UPDATE: Fired deputy had prior reprimand HeraldTribune.com

Causes

Causes

Beautiful autism pendants.

Documents emerge proving Dr Andrew Wakefield innocent; BMJ and Brian Deer caught misrepresenting the facts

Documents emerge proving Dr Andrew Wakefield innocent; BMJ and Brian Deer caught misrepresenting the facts

Out-of-Pocket Spending by Low-Income Families Raising a Child with a Disability - Disability Scoop

Out-of-Pocket Spending by Low-Income Families Raising a Child with a Disability - Disability Scoop

Corporal Punishment More Likely For Students With Disabilities - Disability Scoop

Corporal Punishment More Likely For Students With Disabilities - Disability Scoop

How is Jeff Grisamore addressing this and all of the other injustices that our children face in public education?

People With Disabilities Confined Involuntarily For Decades, Suit Alleges - Disability Scoop

People With Disabilities Confined Involuntarily For Decades, Suit Alleges - Disability Scoop

In Nation's Largest District, 1 In 3 Suspensions Handed To Kids In Special Education - Disability Scoop

In Nation's Largest District, 1 In 3 Suspensions Handed To Kids In Special Education - Disability Scoop

Animal Assisted Therapy - Equine Therapy - Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Animal Assisted Therapy - Equine Therapy - Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

What to Do When Schools Have Children Arrested for School-Related Behavior Problems by Pete Wright, Esq. - Wrightslaw

What to Do When Schools Have Children Arrested for School-Related Behavior Problems by Pete Wright, Esq. - Wrightslaw

Wrightslaw - Functional Behavioral Assessments: What? Why? How? Who? by Stephen Starin, Ph.D.

Wrightslaw - Functional Behavioral Assessments: What? Why? How? Who? by Stephen Starin, Ph.D.

Behavior Management and Appropriate School Response: FBAs, BIPs, & IEEs - Wrightslaw.com

Behavior Management and Appropriate School Response: FBAs, BIPs, & IEEs - Wrightslaw.com

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Moral Reasoning A Struggle For Those With Autism, Study Finds - Disability Scoop

Moral Reasoning A Struggle For Those With Autism, Study Finds - Disability Scoop

Court Upholds Involuntary Commitments For People With Disabilities - Disability Scoop

Court Upholds Involuntary Commitments For People With Disabilities - Disability Scoop

Long-Running Special Education Lawsuit in Pa. Gets Trial Date - On Special Education - Education Week

Long-Running Special Education Lawsuit in Pa. Gets Trial Date - On Special Education - Education Week

Special Education Court Decisions on the Rise - On Special Education - Education Week

Special Education Court Decisions on the Rise - On Special Education - Education Week

Governor's Rocky Transition To Private Life Prompts Special Ed. Debate - On Special Education - Education Week

Governor's Rocky Transition To Private Life Prompts Special Ed. Debate - On Special Education - Education Week

RTI Can't Delay Special Education Evaluations, Feds Say - On Special Education - Education Week

RTI Can't Delay Special Education Evaluations, Feds Say - On Special Education - Education Week

Education Week: Duncan Urges Atlanta School Board to Get Its Act Together

Education Week: Duncan Urges Atlanta School Board to Get Its Act Together

Police: Teacher Abused 6-Year-Old Boy - Jacksonville News Story - WJXT Jacksonville

Police: Teacher Abused 6-Year-Old Boy - Jacksonville News Story - WJXT Jacksonville