tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55887820476991192232011-12-31T23:15:07.453-05:00Advocating for children and adults with disabilities, this blog began during the 2008 presidential campaign to track the candidates' positions and records. The election is over, but the need for citizen action remains. We all need to work together to make changes that benefit all Americans. Don't let your elected officials play politics with your children. They deserve better. And you deserve the facts.Mark Millernoreply@blogger.comBlogger3031100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-9931065664694986292011-08-30T22:44:00.004-04:002011-08-30T22:50:50.494-04:00

Sites like Special Ed Ratings are only as good as the ratings people provide. So search for your school district and share your thoughts to help other families. The site is at www.specialedratings.com.

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-45006463392886734362011-07-29T23:05:00.000-04:002011-07-29T23:05:03.768-04:00

Thanks to Google Plus, I've discovered a new blog and a a great advocate. Dennise Goldberg writes for the Special Education Advisor, and this post caught my eye: "Secrets from Your Child's Special Education Teacher." I highly recommend it. Take a look at the Special Education Advisor website, and you can follow them on Facebook.  Dennise is on Twitter as @specialedadvice and Google+.

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-55391926176913225272011-07-25T20:44:00.000-04:002011-07-25T20:44:50.744-04:00

Today President Obama celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Read his remarks.

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-65316839215171750062011-05-11T08:54:00.000-04:002011-05-11T08:54:21.197-04:00

President Obama has appointed an impressive group of advocates to the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. The web post includes short bios.

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-63572643929899087132010-11-01T19:43:00.003-04:002010-11-01T19:46:16.096-04:00

NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH, 2010BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAA PROCLAMATIONEvery day, family members, friends, neighbors, and concerned individuals across America provide essential attention and assistance to their loved ones. Many individuals in need of care -- including children, elders, and persons with disabilities -- would have difficulty remaining safely in their

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-87477942743449891802010-10-30T12:45:00.003-04:002010-10-30T12:55:30.610-04:00

Taking a glance at my Google Reader today, I was once again reminded how much negative news we hear each day in the area of special education and disability policy. Just today, I see:- "Autistic Boy Abused by Bus Driver"- " 'Drop Your Disabled Kids at Shelter,' Indiana Parents Told"- "Special Education Attorney Convicted of Defrauding Parents"- "Behavior Specialist with Bogus Credentials to

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-58247902987349868482010-10-27T14:19:00.003-04:002010-10-27T14:35:36.006-04:00

Apple has created a section titled "Useful for Everyone: Right from the Start" that lists 72 applications for the iPhone and 13 for the iPad to help people with special needs develop skills in areas from emotional development to communication to life skills. Many parents and consultants have identified useful apps for people with special needs, but this seems to show an increased focus by Apple

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-61583686060703646172010-10-22T19:21:00.004-04:002010-10-22T19:34:19.658-04:00

When you hear "lawsuit" and "special ed," you probably assume parents are suing a school district, right? Not this time.A school district in Texas is going after a family who sued to improve their autistic child's education program. The family gave up after nearly four years of fighting, and now the school district is going to federal court to try to force the family to pay the estimated

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-1272650184872992422010-10-09T14:19:00.004-04:002010-10-09T14:37:29.701-04:00

I want to say thank you to my loyal readers -- everyone who has submitted suggestions, commented on my posts, challenged my opions, and shared my blog with others over the past few years. As any parent of a child with special needs will understand (and, really, any parent of any child will understand), I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with my "outside" activities beyond my 9-to-5 job (if only it

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-17471620406291133882010-09-11T19:55:00.005-04:002010-09-13T12:52:45.057-04:00

A recent article from Agence France-Press explores how Facebook, email, online chats, and other technology are helping to crate :a virtual world of equality" for people with disabilities. Pacific Diversified Services, an organization that promotes inclusion, trains clients in basic computer skills and to safely use social networks. "It really adds to their sense of acceptance in the community,"

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-53007077240061942192010-09-06T21:45:00.004-04:002010-09-06T22:09:16.240-04:00

Last week Pia Prenevost -- blogger, developmental psychologist, NICU nurse, and full-time advocate for her son -- posted "An Open Letter to Special Needs Professionals" on a blog called The Thinking Person's Guide to Autism. If you are a parent, teacher, therapist, or anyone who knows someone with a family member with special needs, I encourage you to read her letter. It's particularly

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-3789475894633398622010-08-08T11:00:00.004-04:002010-08-08T11:30:19.458-04:00

While no one would question the fact that raising a child with a disability presents additional challenges to parents, allegations that parents with a child with autism are much more likely to get divorced may not be accurate. Studies have claimed that raising a child with autism significantly increases the rate of divorce, but a new study reported on WebMD says 75 percent of parents of children

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-53146457509756662822010-08-01T12:52:00.004-04:002010-08-01T12:59:51.174-04:00

Maybe it's because I'm a fan of Chipotle, but I'm not sure how I feel about a recent ruling against the restaurant for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act -- because it's counters are too high for people in wheelchairs to see the food. I've noticed before that the walls are too high for even some short people, like children, to see the ingredients, but no one is denied any food. The

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-6644399122831574492010-07-29T19:02:00.005-04:002010-07-29T23:32:00.781-04:00

I have not been very good about keeping this blog up to date. Has anyone noticed?The biggest news story since I last posted is the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Patricia Bauer at Disability News has a good summary of media coverage.Read more on the anniversary:Autism Speaks blogPresident Obama's executive order on Increasing Federal Employment of Individuals with

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-23838856813513527442010-07-29T18:00:00.000-04:002010-07-29T19:20:46.346-04:00

Sue Swenson, former commissioner of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, has been appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, and Melody Musgrove will be the Director of the Office of Special Education Programs. Read more from Education Week.

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-39962033750287214822010-06-22T17:13:00.002-04:002010-06-22T17:15:22.321-04:00

Disability.gov has new resources for parents who are planning for their child's transition to college, jobs, and adulthood. Read Preparing for Post-Secondary Education.

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-43117192985172026522010-06-22T17:02:00.002-04:002010-06-22T17:10:09.469-04:00

From a White House media advisory today, Gallaudet faculty member Kubby Rashid, who is deaf, has been chosen as a White House Fellow."Kubby Rashid has been a member of the Gallaudet faculty since 1994, including a stint as Chair of the Department of Business. In addition to teaching, Dr. Rashid was active in faculty leadership and administration, and was co chair of a major initiative to

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-1139864951415615142010-06-03T20:39:00.000-04:002010-06-03T20:39:42.104-04:00

Many think it; few say it.  Los Angeles Unified School District is closing 200 classes and a campus for students with disabilities.  The explanation from Superintendent Ramon C. Cortines: "You have to look at it in perspective. When you fund some of the special ed things, you're taking from regular kids." As reported in the Los Angeles Times, to help close a $640 million budget gap, LA is

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-12201503991101874572010-05-29T22:13:00.000-04:002010-05-29T22:13:17.806-04:00

As I've pointed out before, truly exceptional services for children with disabilities -- especially preschoolers -- are few and far between.  When parents find services that are appropriate to their child's specific needs, they will do anything possible to access them.  So when quality services are taken away, with little thought about either the students or the parents, bad things happen.  

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-55440878822776891112010-05-12T20:59:00.000-04:002010-05-12T20:59:47.843-04:00

From JFActivist:The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law congratulates President Obama on his nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to replace Justice John Paul Stevens on the Supreme Court. "The advancement of legal protections for people with disabilities has always been a bipartisan effort.We need strong leaders on the courts to ensure that disability rights laws have the broad remedial

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-80322445636944439862010-04-28T13:48:00.001-04:002010-04-28T13:50:19.856-04:00

I was sad to read today that Dr. Stanley Greenspan, the founder of "Floortime" and the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based model (DIR) approach to developmental therapy, had died.  His books, his lessons, and his therapeutic models will benefit children for generations to come.  If you haven't seen how children with autism do (or do not) learn, it would be easy to write off

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-58890118034950111172010-04-24T21:23:00.000-04:002010-04-24T21:23:11.831-04:00

Speaking to 6,000 special educators at the annual conference of the Council for Exceptional Children Wednesday, Education Secretary Arne Duncan called on teachers to improve the achievement levels of students with special needs.  He said that while we have made progress in expanding educational opportunities for all children, "a significant gap between our aspirations and reality" for students

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-43714853587953887092010-04-17T11:19:00.001-04:002010-04-17T11:35:37.494-04:00

I haven't updated this blog in a while, partly because my attention shifted last week to managing communications and another blog for the 6th Annual USA Hockey Disabled Festival in Laurel, Md. I've mentioned before that I volunteer with the American Special Hockey Association, which is similar to Special Olympics for ice hockey (because SO doesn't offer hockey) for people with developmental

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-14726249416035143632010-04-02T20:33:00.001-04:002010-04-02T20:33:25.811-04:00

As Autism Awareness Month begins, take a look at this touching story about how a dog is helping twins with autism.

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-28897902204953813702010-03-23T22:54:00.002-04:002010-03-23T22:57:38.894-04:00

Are you looking for a long analysis of the health care bill? You won't find it here. I want to know what you think.Quoted in Disability Scoop, Liz Savage, director of health and housing policy at the Disability Policy Collaboration, said "I think everyone in the disability community is thrilled because everything that we fought for was included."So are you thrilled?

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-35127182448053128952010-03-22T20:24:00.004-04:002010-03-22T20:40:32.604-04:00

Autism Speaks is asking people to be creative by deciding how to "Light It Up Blue" during Autism Awareness Month in April. They're asking bloggers to post in blue during the month, and when they contacted me they recognized that my blog is already blue (just a coincidence). So the best thing I can do is challenge you to Light It Up Blue and let me and our readers know how you're doing it.

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-50726261755376442842010-03-16T10:43:00.006-04:002010-03-17T12:03:49.066-04:00

I have a confession to make.Many people have told me my blog is one of their most important resources to keep up to date on disability issues. The blog was even named one of the top resources for special education teachers.But I have to confess that the only reason I started this blog -- and the only reason I keep it going -- is to support my daughter and people like her. Yes, it may help

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-57754365578541439202010-03-15T20:58:00.002-04:002010-03-15T21:00:55.970-04:00

I'll have more to say soon about the Obama Administration's proposal for education reform ad its impact on special ed. For now, read Disability Scoop's summary, "Obama Education Overhaul to Up Ante for Students with Disabilities."

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-38726288814251734952010-02-17T14:00:00.006-05:002010-03-15T21:02:47.426-04:00

If you've followed my blog over the past few months, you've read about the proposed budget in Montgomery County, Md., that would eliminate a proven program for preschoolers with disabilities, replacing it with a flawed, experimental program that was created without the involvement of parents or the county's partners who have successfully provided these services for 35 years.Parents vocally

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-45342235805525837842010-02-12T22:41:00.002-05:002010-02-12T22:47:56.652-05:00

President Obama's proposed budget includes $250 million in new special education funds, but some advocates say it's not enough. The budget proposal has nearly $12 billion in special ed funding for states, which is $250 million more than last year."But despite the increase," Disability Scoop reports, "the federal contribution toward the cost of special education would remain steady at about 17

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-12723949804938344932010-02-08T19:33:00.006-05:002010-02-09T21:48:48.903-05:00

I don't comment every time someone is criticized for saying "retard" or "retarded," but so many political and media folks have been dropping the R-word that I have to chime in. Particularly why Rush Limbaugh's and Glen Beck's comments are more offensive than the other people in question -- White House aide Rahm Emanuel and David Carney, a campaign consultant to Texas Gov. Rick Perry. Here's a

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-68891792079198480952010-02-05T20:53:00.006-05:002010-02-05T21:07:36.170-05:00

On Tuesday, the Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the FY11 budget, which includes a proposal to dramatically change the way the county serves preschoolers with special needs. As the vote nears, more questions are being raised about the program and the way Superintendent Weast is trying to push it through, despite the objections of parents and special ed advocates. Here is a letter that a

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-10724669355016778872010-01-28T17:03:00.009-05:002010-01-28T17:47:36.504-05:00

Here's an interesting (and disappointing) development with the Montgomery County scheme to shift preschoolers with special needs to a new experimental program in public elementary schools. I call it a "scheme" because emerging details suggest that the public hearings, meetings with board members, and letters and phone calls from parents may not have really mattered -- because the county is moving

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-24245426487851328022010-01-28T14:23:00.007-05:002010-01-28T14:29:36.348-05:00

On Feb. 9, the Board of Education in Montgomery County, Md., will either 1) support proven educational programs for preschoolers with special needs or 2) give in to political pressure at these children's expense. One parent has submitted this compelling case to the Board. Will they listen?Why You Should Vote NO on the Proposal to Realign Non-Public Preschool Tuition (P. 20 of budget proposal)It

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-7402007893237745232010-01-25T21:37:00.004-05:002010-01-25T21:54:36.237-05:00

As reported by the Parents' Coalition of Montgomery County last week, Superintendent Jerry Weast was the keynote speaker this Saturday at the annual conference of the Kentucky School Boards Association. The meeting's website said Dr. Weast would discuss his "ambitious comprehensive reform effort" to meet the needs of all students. When I heard that, I was compelled to write a letter to the

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-39772443939669936912010-01-25T14:45:00.006-05:002010-01-25T15:02:53.406-05:00

In the second evening of hearings at the Montgomery County Board of Education on Jan. 20, Maria Dudish got a standing ovation for her emotional testimony. Please take the time to read this and then tell the Board why Dr. Weast's plan is a bad idea. Email boe@mcspmd.org"My name is Maria Dudish, and I want to tell you the best kept secret of this whole budget process. The best kept secret I am

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-46170262095489273012010-01-25T14:32:00.002-05:002010-01-25T14:44:19.587-05:00

Montgomery County Superintendent Weast says his plan to move preschoolers from a proven program to an experimental public program is intended to meet children's needs in the "least restrictive environment." Not so fast, say the lead advocates for LRE in the county.Testifying at a Board of Education hearing on Jan. 20, Ricki Sabia presented the views of the LRE Access Group of Montgomery County,

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-20562583642557110342010-01-14T00:36:00.008-05:002010-01-14T02:51:04.209-05:00

At the Jan. 13 Board of Education hearing on the proposed FY11 budget, 23 of 29 people who testified were parents and advocates opposed to the realignment of preschool services for children with special needs. Here's what a few parents said. (See previous posts for more information.)Polly MacLaine Pont: "Universal approach will mean lower-functioning students will benefit less....Even the best

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-74144960702804836862010-01-13T10:49:00.008-05:002010-01-14T02:30:52.347-05:00

Tonight was the first of two hearings at the Montgomery County Board of Education about the proposed "realignment" of preschool services for children with special needs. I've written a lot about this and have already shared my testimony (see post below), so now I want to share the perspectives of some other parents. For context, this was a very well-attended hearing on all aspects of the

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-27927082296042732132010-01-12T21:34:00.004-05:002010-01-12T21:46:22.093-05:00

Tomorrow at a hearing on the FY2011 education budget for Montgomery County, I will join many other parents in speaking out against a plan to displace preschoolers with special needs who are currently being served at a school that has partnered with the county for 35 years. I've written quite a bit about this, and I'm looking forward to the hearings. You can submit written comments to the board

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-89170686784018066722010-01-06T20:42:00.006-05:002010-01-06T21:23:10.393-05:00

It seems that when education officials try to shut down specialized services for children with special needs, parents and the media pay attention. Today the ongoing controversy to displace preschoolers in Montgomery County was covered by both News Channel 8 and the Gazette newspaper. View the TV story below.After a 35-year partnership with the public school system, the Arc of Montgomery County,

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-36772591320471042402010-01-06T20:25:00.004-05:002010-01-06T20:35:48.646-05:00

Kudos to the Left Brain/Right Brain blog (based in the UK) for naming special educators the "Autism People of the Decade." The author explains: "When I ask myself who really has made a difference in the quality of life for my autistic kid, it isn’t the researchers, the advocacy groups, or the 'personalities' in the autism community that I can point to. What has made a difference are the efforts

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-71521487658353356252010-01-03T11:36:00.004-05:002010-01-03T11:46:05.526-05:00

I started 2010 by spending a fun day with young disabled hockey players at the NHL Winter Classic -- the first hockey game ever played at Fenway Park in Boston. The owner of the Boston Bruins, Jeremy Jacobs, personally ensured that youth hockey players would get free tickets to the game, and he was thoughtful to make sure each of the special hockey teams in New England were invited. We had

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-88794330694302484252009-12-26T21:59:00.011-05:002009-12-30T16:32:19.261-05:00

Like every other year, 2009 had its ups and downs in terms of disability rights and policy. The Obama administration made some important steps in some areas, while much remains to be done on several important agenda items. Not surprisingly, the actions of the Obama administration play a prominent role in this list of 2009's top news items for disability issues.UN Convention -- At the direction

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-56172777701515929002009-12-24T09:48:00.006-05:002009-12-24T10:50:57.866-05:00

I have posted a memo from Superintendent Jerry Weast to the members of the Board of Education, trying to justify his proposal to displace preschoolers with special needs from a school that has been effectively serving children and families for 50 years. I intentionally reprinted his entire letter, to give him an opportunity to share his position, unfiltered, to people like you who care about

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-5113883917275141752009-12-24T09:39:00.004-05:002009-12-24T09:46:49.258-05:00

When I wrote to Superintendent Jerry Weast to express my concerns about his plan to displace preschoolers with special needs, I told him I would be happy to share his views if he would answer my questions. While he did not respond to me, I did receive this letter that he wrote to the Board of Education on Dec. 18. Here it is, in its entirety without editing or commentary. (I will post my

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-18382680256863594032009-12-21T14:02:00.005-05:002009-12-21T21:57:02.824-05:00

As new details surface, parents and disability advocates are increasingly concerned and angry about a plan to displace preschoolers who require early intervention services in Montgomery County, Md. (See story and video below, about the county's plan to replace a proven preschool program with a hastily planned public program that would put 3-year-olds in large elementary schools that are not

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-90964717544298188572009-12-17T09:33:00.006-05:002009-12-17T10:26:05.508-05:00

On this blog, I typically write about issues that affect people with disabilities nationally and internationally. But sometimes, a local issue has national implications, and I want to inform you about something that's happening here in Maryland.I've written before about the principle of inclusion -- an important principle for people with disabilities, to be sure, but one that officials can

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-69865639155688852512009-12-09T22:15:00.003-05:002009-12-09T22:39:59.649-05:00

From OnlineUniversities.com, here are the 50 Best Blogs for Special Ed Teachers. Special Needs '08 is pleased to be among the seven blogs listed in the "Special Education News and Policy" category. Other categories include:- Special Education Teaching Tips and Strategies- Technology and Assistive Technology- Specific Disabilities- Special Education Law- Various Topics on Special Education

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-38072091034631739792009-12-09T21:05:00.003-05:002009-12-09T23:09:31.806-05:00

This video is 5:14, but if you watch the whole thing, you'll be happy you did. Ricochet was trained to be a service dog, showed promise, but did not make the cut. But she was able to turn her amazing ability to surf into a service to people with disabilities. Just amazing.

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-82574195614917089422009-12-05T11:20:00.002-05:002009-12-05T11:33:21.108-05:00

Calling him "a musical genius and a great humanitarian who has campaigned against apartheid, for children in need, and for persons with disabilities," UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon announced Thursday that Stevie Wonder has been appointed a UN Messenger of Peace. On his new role, Wonder said, "It's about that 10 percent of the world that suffers with a disability. It's about sounding that

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-16873452221163374222009-12-01T20:56:00.004-05:002009-12-01T21:07:55.391-05:00

A British education expert says increased survival rates among premature babies may create a need for new teaching methods to meet their unique needs. Eighty percent of prematurely born babies survive, but many have learning challenges that may differ from traditional special-needs students. "Their patterns of learning may be different to those we have previously known in children with learning

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-92185639730581431842009-11-27T20:27:00.003-05:002009-11-27T20:31:45.763-05:00

From allgov.com, "Who is Alexa Posny?", a profile of the head of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-15100692912439429442009-11-23T21:25:00.003-05:002009-11-23T21:33:44.323-05:00

Will the District of Columbia be the next "state" to require insurance companies to cover autism treatment? Often overlooked on the state policy scene, the District could join 15 states to pass legislation mandating insurance coverage for essential autism treatments and services. Introduced by DC Councilmembers Tommy Wells and Muriel Bowser, the Health Insurance Coverage for Children with

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-45091214959628015532009-11-23T21:17:00.003-05:002009-11-23T21:21:58.852-05:00

I recently heard from Jim Gerl, who writes the Special Education Law Blog, which I highly recommend. In a few weeks, he's going to interview the Assistant Secretary of Education for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Dr. Alexa Posny. He'd like your thoughts about what you'd like him to ask her. Visit his blog and tell him what you want to know. And while you're there, bookmark the

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-4894155998199915932009-11-23T20:56:00.005-05:002009-11-23T21:13:43.720-05:00

I reported earlier about the federal government's agencies to improve access to citizens with disabilities, especially disability.gov, which I find a tremendous resource for anyone looking for information about government services and resources. But a recent article in Fierce Government IT claims there are "ongoing, widespread accessibility glitches at federal websites such as WhiteHouse.gov,

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-83348446139560016942009-11-07T21:34:00.002-05:002009-11-07T21:50:41.555-05:00

In late October, White House senior adviser David Axelrod and his wife Susan appeared on "60 Minutes" to discuss their personal experience with their daughter Laruen. Lauren, now 28, had her first seizure when she was an infant. By the time she was 18, she had tried 23 different medications and had undergone an unsuccessful brain surgery.Susan started the Chicago-based advocacy group Citizens

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-29986614329442834552009-10-26T22:50:00.003-04:002009-10-26T23:13:06.396-04:00

A Newsweek article titled "Blind Spot" says museums are finding new ways to improve the arts experience for people with visual impairments.The Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 requires museums to make their facilities "accessible" to everyone, but ramps and Braille museum guides only go so far for people who are blind. A 2008 Department of Justice ruling has museums trying to determine

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-20726680165906652932009-10-19T23:13:00.011-04:002009-10-20T00:12:49.968-04:00

On Friday, Education Secretary Arne Duncan gave a speech he titled "Partners for Success" to the National Association of State Boards of Education in Cincinnati, in an attempt to build support for his plans to bring more innovation and accountability to our education system.There's a lot to like about the speech, including an interesting overview of the federal government's historic role in

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-6241486973696948532009-10-19T22:35:00.004-04:002009-10-19T23:04:31.340-04:00

In a victory for disability advocates in California and nationwide, a federal judge today stopped California's plan to cut or reduce caregiver services for 130,000 disabled and low-income seniors. The $82.1 million cuts to the In-Home Supportive Services program were due to go into effect Nov. 1, which one disability advocate said would have caused a "humanitarian disaster."Judge Claudia Wilken

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-33004119193919779582009-10-09T19:03:00.004-04:002009-10-09T19:24:06.667-04:00

In an op-ed published this week, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius calls autism research a high priority for the Obama Administration -- a priority "that has so far gone mostly unnoticed." She outlines the ways President Obama has made autism a focus of his presidency, such as releasing the first-ever strategic plan for government-funded autism research and adding $1

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-4647837276081560172009-10-07T22:08:00.003-04:002009-10-07T22:17:14.966-04:00

As part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, President Obama has asked federal agencies to develop plans to increase employment of people with disabilities, but he didn't stop there. He also encouraged federal contractors to make disability employment a priority."Across this country, millions of people with disabilities are working or want to work, and they should have access to the

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-62584857662099879432009-10-07T21:56:00.003-04:002009-10-07T21:59:59.854-04:00

Education Secretary Arne Duncan on National Disability Employment Awareness Month:"President Obama and I recognize the critical role that education plays in empowering the next generation of Americans with disabilities. Through education, we can help people with disabilities build a strong foundation of knowledge and marketable skills with expectations for employment and the ability to give back

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-28271931544112621342009-10-02T19:41:00.011-04:002009-10-02T21:47:24.861-04:00

When I profiled Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, I guess I chose the wrong city. Today the International Olympic Committee announced that the 2016 Games will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Chicago officials had promised the most inclusive games ever, in the most accessible facilities. They even had hoped to equip Chicago Stadium with 50,000 seats that could be

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-16085822405063544122009-10-01T21:32:00.004-04:002009-10-01T21:56:08.215-04:00

Tomorrow we'll learn if Chicago will host the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics. President Obama made a quick stop in Copenhagen to support the city's bid, but First Lady Michelle Obama is the one who's really making the case. She's meeting with members of the International Olympics Committee, as are representatives from the cities being considered -- Tokyo, Japan; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Madrid,

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-29192008762545630342009-10-01T20:14:00.004-04:002009-10-01T20:20:44.141-04:00

As reported in Disability Scoop, the National Institutes of Health is awarding nearly $100 million in grants to research the causes of autism and look for treatments. This is the largest ever commitment to autism research.In all, NIH will award $5 billion to study cancer, heart disease, and other conditions. President Obama called the grants "the single largest boost to biomedical research in

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-67883700693354331502009-10-01T19:21:00.004-04:002009-10-01T19:55:56.307-04:00

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and yesterday President Obama signed a proclamation that focuses on increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.The proclamation states: "Each day, Americans with disabilities play a critical role in forging and shaping the identity of our nation. Their contributions touch us all through personal experience or through

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-50729550304513493122009-09-28T20:34:00.004-04:002009-09-28T20:48:37.845-04:00

According to an article in the Chicago Sun Times, if Chicago is selected next week as the host of the 2016 Olympic Games, Chicago Stadium could become the most "handicapped-friendly" venues ever built.Specifically, city officials are working on a plan to convert up to 50,000 of the 80,000 seats in the temporary stadium into wheelchairs. After the Olympics, when the stadium is torn down, the

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-29119267405060220932009-09-23T21:50:00.004-04:002009-09-23T22:07:12.534-04:00

Here are Education Secretary Arne Duncan's prepared remarks for a Thursday speech on No Child Left Behind, the 2002 incarnation of the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which is up for reauthorization.From Duncan's remarks: "The biggest problem with NCLB is that it doesn’t encourage high learning standards. In fact, it inadvertently encourages states to lower them. The net effect is

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-86149046277604315182009-09-22T22:07:00.003-04:002009-09-22T22:45:08.996-04:00

With Chicago bidding to host the 2016 Olympics, there's a lot of talk about what President Obama's role should be. One aspect of the story you don't hear as much about is the Paralympics, which will be held in the same city that hosts the Olympic Games.Paralympian Linda Mastandrea is the director of Paralympic Sport & Accessibility for Chicago 2016. Mastandrea, who won gold and silver medals in

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-79054111460387482282009-09-15T22:09:00.006-04:002009-09-15T22:27:50.032-04:00

Easter Seals and Autism Society: "Health care will improve coverage for people with disabilities!"Republican-sponsored parents: "Health care will kill people with disabilities!"Having been active in special needs issues for five years now, I've seen that parents and other advocates can have honest disagreements about the appropriate approaches for treatment, education, and medical care. But the

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-50043582802894596082009-09-07T11:48:00.006-04:002009-09-07T12:41:23.682-04:00

The job market is tough right now -- especially for people with disabilities. So for Labor Day, I won't waste your time with summaries or links to ceremonial speeches about the holiday and the importance of work in our society. Instead, here are resources that may be helpful to people with disabilities who are seeking employment. If you have other tips, please post them in a comment.FOR JOB

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-9658565031801547122009-09-04T21:50:00.003-04:002009-09-04T22:06:57.741-04:00

According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, a recent Supreme Court ruling on special education is expected to put additional pressure on school districts. The ruling says parents of students with special needs have the right to seek reimbursement from their districts for private school tuition, even if they have not first tried special ed program in their public schools.Matthew Cohen, a

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-24578165926819881522009-09-04T21:11:00.005-04:002009-09-04T21:43:54.541-04:00

A new report on the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, has a particular caution to parents of children with disabilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children with high-risk medical conditions or disabilities should be among the first to be vaccinated against H1N1 influenza. CDC director Dr. Thomas Frieden said, "We also are recommending that all people with

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-70466236636875597422009-09-04T21:07:00.003-04:002009-09-04T21:11:46.408-04:00

We all know the economy is not showing any dramatic signs of recovery. But it's troubling that while job losses are slowing for the general population, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities reached a record high for the third month in a row in August. The rate is now 16.9 percent, compared with 9.3 for the general population. Read more from Disability Scoop.

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-4824276096590045012009-08-25T08:12:00.007-04:002009-08-25T09:04:37.039-04:00

Writing in the Huffington Post, Ari Ne'eman, head of the Autism Self-Advocacy Network, outlines a number of issues that need to be addressed to ensure that health care reform does not leave behind adults and children with disabilities. I always appreciate Ari's passion and insights. Following is a summary of his key points.Long Term Services and SupportsTo get Medicaid support for basic services

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-39625895922107356702009-08-20T14:42:00.003-04:002009-08-20T15:10:11.761-04:00

The recent launch of disability.gov -- actually a relaunch and upgrade of the previously named disability.info -- represented a huge leap forward in the federal government's service to Americans with disabilities. I had a chance to learn more about the site from Kevin Connors, a Department of Labor employee who serves as the program director for the site.Q: How did DisabilityInfo.gov become

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-16188906050756542902009-08-19T23:08:00.006-04:002009-08-20T22:25:38.162-04:00

Well, it took seven months, but yesterday Education Secretary Arne Duncan actually talked about special education. As I reported when President Obama first nominated Duncan, many disability advocates criticized him not for doing bad things in special ed when he oversaw education in Chicago, but for simply overlooking it as a priority. Over the past seven months, he's done little to reassure the

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-30190192679594208742009-08-18T22:25:00.004-04:002009-08-18T22:36:52.638-04:00

I recently joined the board of the Arc of Montgomery County, which advocates for people with developmental disabilities and provides direct services to people from infants to seniors. Today as part of my orientation, I visited several residential, vocational, educational, and day care programs throughout the county. While I was impressed with the level of service these people are receiving and

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-12040077153259454842009-08-14T23:08:00.008-04:002009-08-15T00:13:26.820-04:00

Disability Scoop has a nice summary of some of the disability issues at the heart of the health care reform debate. Read "Disability Issues At Center Of Heated Health Care Debate." Not surprisingly, former Governor Sarah Palin is at the center of some of the controversy -- which started when she seemed to suggest that President Obama would like to kill her son with Down syndrome. Specifically,

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-62018094021125540592009-08-11T19:13:00.005-04:002009-08-11T21:16:39.031-04:00

The National Down Syndrome Society has announced the first annual Down Syndrome Advocacy Day will be held on Capitol Hill Feb. 24-25, 2010. So technically, I guess it's "Advocacy Days" plural. Advocates will meet with elected representatives, learn advocacy tips, and connect with Down syndrome advocates from around the country. For information, visit the National Down Syndrome Society's website.

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-61011077850923149312009-08-08T11:56:00.004-04:002009-08-08T12:21:43.284-04:00

Friday was my daughter Chloe's last day of summer camp -- a six-week program with 500 students, 100 of whom have some type of disability. The model is full inclusion. All kids do all activities, to the best of their abilities, and they learn from each other.Since Chloe is non-verbal, we relied on daily notes to tell us how she was doing -- and every note assured us she was not only learning, but

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-80346315396856044272009-08-08T11:45:00.003-04:002009-08-08T11:54:04.673-04:00

The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law called Thursday's Senate's confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor a historic milestone for Hispanics, women, and people with disabilities. "Judge Sotomayor's confirmation promises a brighter future for people with disabilities," said Robert Bernstein, Ph.D., executive director of the Bazelon Center. "For years people with disabilities have looked for a

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-54195255930935482212009-08-07T07:59:00.005-04:002009-08-07T08:24:40.868-04:00

Rachel Norton, a member of the San Francisco Board of Education, provides a nice summary of a new report on the state of learning disabilities in the United States. Compiled by the National Council on Learning Disabilities, the comprehensive report reviews both positive and negative trends in meeting the needs of about 2.7 million public school students who have learning disabilities. View the 32

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-5910543911221028452009-08-03T19:52:00.003-04:002009-08-03T19:57:30.625-04:00

Disability Scoop reports that Education Secretary Arne Duncan has sent a letter to all state education heads to formally submit their policies on seclusion and restraint in schools. From Disability Scoop: "The request follows a government report released in May that documented hundreds of cases of allegedly abusive or deadly uses of restraint and seclusion tactics. It included cases of teachers

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-73353883327103860532009-07-30T22:01:00.002-04:002009-07-30T22:12:34.429-04:00

As President Obama announced on Friday, today Susan Rice, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New York. The president will submit the treaty to the U.S. Senate, which needs to ratify it.According to the Associated Press, Rice said the treaty "symbolizes that the United States is recommitting itself to upholding human rights

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-20692277923777604282009-07-30T20:34:00.004-04:002009-07-30T20:47:01.138-04:00

Kristina Chew over at autism.change.org recently raised an issue over Greece's role as host of the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games. She quotes blogger Emma, whose blog, The Iron Chicken, is about "Life in the weird lane, raising a child with disability in Greece and other things."Emma writes:"The irritation stems from the knowledge that Greek politicians are going to being doing their

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-61826246713428198642009-07-30T08:45:00.004-04:002009-07-30T18:08:53.347-04:00

Dora Raymaker of autism.change.org points out that reaction to President Obama's ceremony marking the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act was not entirely positive.As an example, read the reaction from New Mobility, titled "Obama's ADA Speech Bombs." Managing editor Josie Byzek worries that President Obama "believes most of the hard work is already done (if it was ever that

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-58463621763931537442009-07-26T08:49:00.005-04:002009-07-26T18:57:39.134-04:00

Today is the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.As reported earlier (see post below), President Obama on Friday announced his intention to sign the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. As part of a ceremony marking the ADA anniversary, the president also signed a proclamation (read full text) and commented on the work that remains to be done in the area

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-89528340363789412062009-07-23T22:37:00.010-04:002009-07-24T07:34:14.114-04:00

Sunday is the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It's nearly indisputable that people with disabilities have more rights and more access than they did before the ADA, and that's reason to celebrate. But if you're reading my blog, you probably also know that our country has a long way to go before people with disabilities are truly equal citizens. Today, we face questions

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-14472305437521522422009-07-22T21:24:00.006-04:002009-07-23T22:31:13.440-04:00

Earning its name, Disability Scoop reports two days early that on Friday, President Obama will announce he will sign the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It's no coincidence that Friday is also the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.To date, 140 countries have already signed the treaty, which seeks to remove barriers for approximately 650 million

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-77544261781573669312009-07-16T10:22:00.006-04:002009-07-16T10:32:26.976-04:00

I serve as a state advocacy coordinator for Autism Speaks, but as a parent, I have a personal appeal for you. Health reform is moving along without a critical component -- assurance that insurance companies will be required to cover autism services. You can help by making two phone calls, sending two emails, and telling your friends about this.Most urgent, call House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at 202-

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-43607738881414971582009-07-14T10:55:00.007-04:002009-07-14T15:10:14.820-04:00

Dear Secretary Duncan:I like to report on positive steps the administration is taking to improve the lives of people with disabilities. And I'd REALLY like to find some good news -- even supportive statements -- coming from you and the Department of Education. I promise you, if you say something positive, I'll report it here and many people will read about it.But PLEASE. Give me something to work

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-2868200273572817242009-07-13T08:21:00.002-04:002009-07-13T08:34:02.173-04:00

After Harold Snider was forced out of his third-grade classes because he was blind, his parents sued Duval County in Florida, and Harold became the first blind child in the county to graduate from public school. He went on to become a leading advocate for people with disabilites. Snider died June 26 at his home in Rockville, Md., after a heart attack. In the 1970s, he became the first blind

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-77723693736913792122009-07-10T07:24:00.008-04:002009-07-10T07:56:19.191-04:00

The White House's top disability advocate was back in the news yesterday -- but for the wrong reasons. The Chicago Tribune reported that Kareem Dale, special assistant to the president for disability policy, used his White House email account to recommend a student for admission to the University of Illinois law school, his alma mater. The school's dean testified that the school no longer uses "

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-54861759912348536012009-07-09T11:49:00.006-04:002009-07-10T08:04:40.876-04:00

President Obama has appointed Alexa Posny as his Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in the U.S. Department of Education. As you can see from her bio, she has a lot of relevant experience, including being a teacher herself."Alexa E. Posny currently serves as the Commissioner of Education for the state of Kansas. As Commissioner, she is responsible for helping

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-24219730800426713272009-07-09T08:44:00.005-04:002009-07-09T16:27:22.064-04:00

Back on May 27, I posted a review of Judge Sonia Sotomayor's record on disability issues. Yesterday Disability Scoop reported that numerous disability organizations are publicly expressing their support for Judge Sotomayor's nomination to the Supreme Court. The groups -- which include the American Association of People with Disabilities, the Autism Society of America, the National Council on

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-13445689053569729402009-07-08T07:56:00.005-04:002009-07-08T08:12:20.928-04:00

Autism Speaks is urging parents and advocates to call Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Red to "stop autism discrimination" by insurance companies.According to Autism Speaks, "Autism insurance reform can and should be included in the final health care reform bill that President Obama has stated he will sign by the end of October. This is the time to end autism

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-66940780922609228652009-07-04T23:59:00.005-04:002009-07-05T00:19:30.987-04:00

In this holiday blog post, special ed attorney Jennifer Laviano explains why special education law and patriotism go hand in hand."In few areas of the law is there a better demonstration of the ideals of the Founding Fathers than in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act," she writes. "Something about the way the IDEA envisions a just and equitable educational system as it regards kids

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588782047699119223.post-32479119992842352482009-06-30T18:25:00.002-04:002009-06-30T18:58:31.907-04:00

Disability Scoop's Michelle Diament, who you can always count on for the most important news about disabilities, reports that "People With Disabilities Voting In Record Numbers." According to a new study, more people with disabilities voted in the 2008 presidential election than ever before. The 14.7 million voters in 2008 represent a 34 percent increase over 2000.In 2008, 64 percent of people

Mark Millernoreply@blogger.com0