FY09 Priority: Education
Goal G: The Disability Law Center of Alaska Will Ensure That Individuals with Disabilities Receive a Free Appropriate Public Education in the Least Restrictive Environment
Under state and federal law, students with disabilities have the right to be educated in integrated settings and to participate meaningfully in academic and non-academic activities with non-disabled children. Lack of information about special education laws is just one of many barriers preventing Alaskans with disabilities from benefiting from their special education programs.
Objectives:
G.1. To advocate on behalf of students with disabilities, or who are suspected of having disabilities, who are subject to suspension, expulsion, limited-day programs and arbitrary transfers resulting in their exclusion from regular schools, as a substitute for adequate and appropriate educational programs;
G.2. Ensure that the State Educational Agency conducts focused monitoring and responds to systemic issues arising at the school district level, particularly with respect to the use of restraint and seclusion in schools.
G.3. Initiate advocacy for systemic change on behalf of children who receive special education so that they have meaningful access to the High School Graduation Qualifying Exam, including exposure to the curriculum tested;
G.4. To conduct trainings statewide on special education rights and self-advocacy strategies.
Students with disabilities who are receiving no special education services will be prioritized over students receiving services, although those services may be inadequate.
Staff will not be available to attend IEP meetings unless staff attendance is likely to facilitate placement in the least restrictive environment.
Special education trainings will be limited to pre-arranged conferences that attract a sufficient number of individuals to warrant the commitment of agency resources.