What's New in OSERS

20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act a Cause for Celebration and Rededication to Equal Educational Opportunity for Students with Disabilities

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act’s (ADA) enactment by applauding the legislation and by rededicating the U.S. Department of Education to the ADA’s effective implementation.

“The Americans with Disabilities Act is a landmark piece of civil rights legislation. It protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination and promotes their full inclusion into education and all other aspects of our society,” Duncan said. “I want to celebrate the progress that we’ve made and highlight our commitment to continuing the work of providing equal access for all Americans. I acknowledge we still have work to do and renew my commitment to ensuring that individuals of all ages and abilities have an equal opportunity to realize their full potential.

“With President Obama’s support,” Duncan said, “we are strengthening our efforts to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, have the tools they need to benefit from a world-class education that prepares them for success in college and careers.”

To learn more about OSERS, the ADA Technical Assistance Centers and the independent living programs authorized by the Rehabilitation Act go to http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/index.html?src=oc.

For further information about the ADA, Section 504 and OCR, please visit http://www2.ed.gov/policy/rights/guid/ocr/disability.html.

(July 26, 2010)

Assistant Secretary of Education Alexa Posny to Discuss Reauthorization of ESEA, IDEA at Indiana Education Forum

U.S. Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Alexa Posny will deliver remarks and participate in a Q&A at an education forum on Friday, May 28 in Bloomington, Ind. Dr. Posny will discuss the priorities in the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and how it will serve as the roadmap for IDEA reauthorization.

The education forum is being sponsored by the Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education.

Who:
Dr. Alexa Posny, assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitative services,
U.S. Department of Education

What:
Discussion of how ESEA reauthorization aligns with IDEA reauthorization at Indiana Education Forum

Where:
Bloomington High School South
1965 S. Walnut Street
Bloomington, Ind.

When:
Friday, May 28 at 9:30 a.m.

(May 28, 2010)

The U.S. Department of Education Makes Public State-by-State Restraint and Seclusion Information

The Department has posted a summary of state laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines regarding the use of restraint and seclusion techniques in schools: http://www.ed.gov/policy/seclusion/seclusion-state-summary.html. The summary is a result of U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s letter issued to Chief State School Officers on July 31, 2009, urging a review of current state policies and guidelines regarding the use of restraint and seclusion in schools. Since August, the Department’s regional Comprehensive Centers have researched and compiled information on state-by-state restraint and seclusion techniques.

“Restraint and seclusion policies should be reviewed regularly to prevent the abuse of such techniques and ensure that schools provide a safe learning environment for all of our children,” said Duncan. “I am pleased that many states and territories have begun to work with their stakeholders to develop or revise current practices. The Department will continue to serve as a resource throughout the process to ensure that all students are safe and protected.”

Each Chief State School Officer or a representative of the Chief State School Officer reviewed and verified the information gathered.

(February 24, 2010)

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