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LD Advocates Guide This guide made possible by a grant from the Oak Foundation July 2012
Table of Contents
A Message from NCLD 3
Getting Started 4
Talking about LD 6
Working with Policymakers 10
Working with the Media 14
Glossary of Terms 19
Additional Resources 23
Appendices 25
National Center for Learning Disabilities Inc381 Park Avenue SouthSuite 1401New York NY 10016212-545-7510wwwLDorgwwwgetreadytoreadorgwwwRTInetworkorg
Public Policy Office1101 Vermont Avenue NW 400Washington DC 20005-3521703-476-4894wwwLDorg
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocate
effectively for their childrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomes
bull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
A Message from NCLD
Dear Fellow Advocates
WelcomeThefactthatyouareconnectingwithusheretellsmethatyouwanttotakeactioninsupportofindividuals with learning disabilities (LD) mdash and that you want to learn about ways to do so effectively Wersquore delighted to have you onboard and work with us
Nowmorethaneveritrsquosimperativethatparentsrsquovoicesareraisedandheardmdashthereissomuchatstake It all begins with advocacy to
bull Ensurethatallchildrenhavetheopportunitytoachievetheirpotentialbull IncreasethenumberofteachersandschoolleaderswhounderstandandarepreparedtoprovidetheinstructionalsupportandaccommodationsthatstudentswithLDmayrequire
bull IncreaseawarenessoftherealitiesandthechallengesofthosefacedwithLDandbull Buildthepublicwilltoinvestthetimeandmoneynecessarytomakesureallchildrenandadultsreceivetheeducationalandlifelongopportunitiestheydeserveandtowhichtheyareentitled
TohelpfurthertheseadvocacyeffortsNCLDhasdevelopedthisLDAdvocatesGuidetoexplainhowtoengagepolicymakersandthemediaonissuesaffectingfamiliesandindividualswithLD
Since1990NCLDhasmobilizedtensofthousandsofparentsteachersandindividualswithLDtospeakinapowerfulvoiceinWashingtonDCWiththissupportweareactivelyinvolvedinstrengtheningtheindividual rights of those with LD
TheeducationalopportunitiesandrightsthatachildwithlearningdisabilitiesenjoyshaveprimarilybeenshapedbyFederalpoliciesandlawssuchasthelandmarkIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)theElementaryandSecondaryEducationAct(ESEA)Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973andtheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(asamendedin2008)NCLDworkstoimprovetheseFederal laws with the overarching goal to ensure that all students with LD have the same access and necessarysupporttoachieveahighschooldiplomaandbepreparedtosuccessfullytransitiontopost-secondary education or career training
WepromoteaccountabilityforeducationaloutcomesforallstudentsearlieridentificationofLDmoreeffectiveearlyinterventionprogramsbetterteacherpreparationandincreasededucationfundingWithmoredecisionsforstudentachievementshiftingtothestatesourchildrenneedustostandupandspeakoutforthemWemustworktogethertoensurethathard-wonaccesstoeffectiveinstructionappropriateassessmentsupportservicesandaccesstoaccommodationsarenotlost
AgainwelcomeandmysincerethanksforjoiningwithNCLDinthisimportantwork
Sincerely
James H WendorfExecutiveDirectorNational Center for Learning DisabilitiesNew York New York
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 4
Getting Started
Do learning disabilities (LD) affect your life Whether you areaparentofachildwithLDanadultwithLDaneducatororanLDprofessionaltherersquosaplaceforyouintheworldofLDadvocacyTherearemanyaspectstoadvocacywhichyoucan learn about in this guide but all are intended to ensure that lawmakersandthegeneralpublicrespectandprotecttherightsof individuals with LD
AdvocacycanbehardworkfunexhilaratingandsometimesfrustratingbutitisessentialtoimprovingthelivesofpeoplewithLDSoletrsquosgetstarted
BeinganadvocatedoesnotmeanyouhavetoquityourjobwritebigcheckstopoliticiansorrushtoWashingtonDCIt also doesnrsquot mean you have to know everything there is to know about learning disabilities or every law ever written onthesubject
BeinganadvocatedoesrequirethatyouuseyourvoicetomakeadifferenceforchildrenandadultswithLDYouhaveanimportantstorytotellandexperiencestoshare
Under both education and civil rights law individuals with learning disabilities are entitled to rights and services It seemssimplebutasyouknowitiscomplexandoftenpeoplewithotheragendasarepushinglawmakerstomakedecisionsthatmaynottakepeoplewithLDintoproperconsiderationThatrsquoswhereyoucomeinYourvoiceiscritical mdashitrsquosthefoundationofdemocracyYoucan(andshould)tellyourelectedofficialshowtovoteforlawsbudgetsandpoliciesthatwork
BecominganLDadvocateisnotanewjoboraspecialtitlesavedforthechosenfewbutratheramindsetIfyouwanttheproblemsinyourschooldistrictstateoratthefederalleveltobefixedoratleastimprovedyoursquoregoingtohavetogetinvolvedParentshavebeensteppingintothisroleforyearsandyoucanmakeadifferencemdashnotonlyforyourchild mdash but for all children with LD
Evenifyouonlyhavefiveminutesperweektosparethesetipswillgetyoustartedontheroadtoeffectiveadvocacy
1 Become familiar with the state and federal laws that pertain to learning disabilities There is no need to go to law school because this information is available on wwwLDorgthroughyourstateofficeofeducationand your statersquos Parent Training and Information Center A directory of centers by state is available at wwwparentcenternetworkorg To get started also check the ldquoTalking about LDrdquo section of this guide
2 Get on the mailing lists of advocacy organizations NCLDrsquos own Legislative Action Center is a great way to becomefamiliarwithwhatrsquoshappeninginWashingtonDCrelatedtolearningdisabilitiesSignupatwwwLDorg
3 Call your legislators PoliticiansarepeoplewiththeirownexperiencesIfLDisnotapartoftheirlives theycanrsquotpossiblyunderstandtheimplicationsoftheirvotesthewayyoudoYourlocalstateandfederal legislatorsarelistedinthebluesectionofyourphonebookcanbefoundinaquickInternetsearchorat wwwcontactingthecongressorgTheywanttohearfromyoutheyhaveastaffforjustthatpurposeAndifthereis a bill you are interested in discussing theyrsquod rather receive your call before a big vote than get an angry call afterwardsMoretipsonworkingwithpolicymakersarepresentedlaterinthisguide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 5
4 Write a letter or an email to a policymaker YourelectedofficialswelcomehearingfromyouTellthemhowaparticularpieceoflegislationwillaffectyouandotherswhoareaffectedbyLDFirsthandandpersonalstoriesfromtheirconstituentsarealwayshelpfultopolicymakersInreturnyoucanusuallyexpecttogetareplyexplainingtheissue more fully and what they intend to do about it
5 Talk about what you know Tell your story talk about your LD concerns and offer ideas about what can be done aboutthemPoliticianswanttobeaskedtodosomethingsoseizethemomentandaskthemtobeproactiveontheissues that matter to you
6 Go public CallaradiostationblogonissuesyoucareaboutorwritealettertotheeditorofyourlocalnewspaperExplainwhydisabilitylegislationisanimportantissueandhowthingscanbechangedforthebetterEmailyourfriendsscheduleameetuporothermeetingtodiscussLDpoliciesAsanadvocateyoudonrsquothavetogoitaloneTothecontraryyoushouldtrytogetasmanypeopleexcitedandactiveaboutlearningdisabilitiesaspossible
7 Vote ItseemsbasicbutitisvitalthatyouexercisethisrightYoucanevengoonestepfurtherbyhelpingcandidateswhosupportlearningdisabilitiesissueswiththeircampaignsTheknowledgeyouhavecanhelpacandidateclarifyhisorherpositiononanissuethatisimportanttosomanypeople
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 6
Talking about LDThefirststeptobeinganeffectiveLDadvocateisunderstandingtheissueandhowtotalkaboutitYourpersonalexperiencesmaybemotivatingyoubutitisimportanttoeducateyourselfaboutthefactsandfiguresandbroadenyourunderstandingofLDbeyondwhatyoursquovelearnedthroughthoseexperiencesKnowingsomeofthe ldquohot buttonrdquo issues and how to deal with them is essential be-causeitconveysasenseofcredibilityandaddstoyourauthorityasaspokespersonforthecauseRegardlessofwhethertheseissuesareofinteresttoyouoneormoreislikelytocomeupindiscussionswithpolicymakersandthemedia
TherecontinuestobesubstantialmisconceptionsaboutlearningdisabilitiesandhowtobestsupportchildrenwhostruggletolearnLearninghowtoframemessagessothattheyhavethegreatestimpactshouldbeyourpriorityWhyBecauseunderstandingwhatyouaretalkingaboutandchoosingtherightwordscanhaveamajorimpactonyourworkMisconceptionscannotsimplybeoverturnedbyconfrontingthemwithstatisticsnomatterhowpowerfulthosestatisticsmaybeBothpolicymakersandthegeneralpublichavepreconceivedideasaboutwhatlearningdisabilitiesareanditisyourjobtospeakclearlyandeffectivelytothoseconcernswhilepersuasivelyexplainingthatitisineveryonersquosbestinteresttorespectandsupporttherightsofindividualswithLDsotheycanbecomesuccessfuladults
Describing Learning DisabilitiesFormanypeopleitisdifficulttounderstandthesecommonplacebuthiddendisabilitiesThisismademoredifficultbymisinformationandthedeliberatedistortionsofthosewhoclaimthatlearningdisabilitiesareanexcuseforpooracademicperformanceThetermldquolearningdisabilitiesrdquoisfrequentlyusedasanumbrellatermforalltypesofdisabilitieswhichonlyservestofurtherconfusethepublicandperpetuatemisunderstanding
ClearconsistentandconciselanguageshouldbeusedtodescribeLDWhenworkingwithpolicymakersusingalternativephrasesthatexcludethewordldquodisabilityrdquosuchasldquolearningdisorderrdquoorldquolearningdifferencerdquodoeslittle
tochangetheperceptionsIfanythingalternativedescriptionslikeldquolearningdifficultiesrdquoorldquolearningdifferencesrdquo can soften the intensity of concern and make theissueseeminsignificant
Becausethetermldquospecificlearningdisabilityrdquoisusedinthefederallawthatprovidesspecialeducationservices(IndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct)advocatesshould use this term in their communications with policymakersandthemedia
ThedefinitionofldquospecificlearningdisabilityrdquointheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isasfollows
For our family advocacy means sharing our personal experiences to educate and encourage other families teachers administrators care providers etc Sharing our stories has resulted in opportunities to provide assistance and
to participate in meaningful dialogue that leads to positive partnerships
Advocacy takes many forms but remember that sharing your own experiences and the facts about LD can change lives As Khalil Gibran once said ldquoA little bit of knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle rdquo
Esther Falcetta parent advocate Pennsylvania
bull Thetermlsquospecificlearningdisabilityrsquomeansadisor-derinoneormoreofthebasicpsychologicalprocess-es involved in understanding or in using language spokenorwrittenwhichdisordermaymanifestitselfinimperfectabilitytolistenthinkspeakreadwritespellordomathematicalcalculations
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 7
bullThetermincludessuchconditionsasperceptualdisabilitiesbraininjuryminimalbraindysfunctiondyslexiaanddevelopmentalaphasiaduetoLD
bullThetermdoesnotincludealearningproblemthatisprimarilytheresultofvisualhearingormotordisabilitiesof intellectual disabilities[formerly known as mental retardation] of emotional disturbance or of environmental cultural or economic disadvantage [34 CFR 3008(c)(10)]
Important points to remember when describing LDbullLearningdisabilitiesarerealScientistshaveproventheneurologicalbasisofLDthroughtheuseofbrainscansandothertechniquesTherealsoisproofthatlearningdisabilitiescanbegenetic
bullLearningdisabilitiesoccuroftenMostscientificexpertsagree(andschooldataconfirm)thatatleastfivepercent mdashandlikelymoremdashofourschool-agechildrenhavesevereproblemswithlearning
bullLearningdisabilitiesarenotthesameasautismintellectualdisabilities(previouslyknownasmentalretardation)orAttentionDeficitHyperactivityDisorderPeoplewithLDhaveaveragetoaboveaverageintelligencewhichisnotthecaseforpeoplewithintellectualdisabilitiesAndwhilethereareasignificantnumberofpeoplewithLDwhoalso have ADHD ADHD is not a learning disability (If ADHD and LD are confused during your conversations it canoftenhelptodistinguishbetweenthembystatingthatADHDisadisorderthatcausesinappropriateimpulsivityattentionandinsomecaseshyperactivityandcanoftenbetreatedwithmedicationLDisaneurologicaldisorderthataffectsthebrainrsquosabilitytoreceiveprocessstoreandrespondtoinformationandcannotbetreatedwithmedication)
bullLearningdisabilitiesarelifelongManychildrencanbetaughttocompensateforthemwithearlydiagnosisandappropriateinstruction
Legal ProtectionsPeoplewithlearningdisabilitieshavelegalprotectionsavailabletothemthroughseveralfederallawsBeingfamiliarwith these laws is essential to your success as an advocate
bullIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA2004) TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA2004)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforeligiblechildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparentsMoreinformationonIDEAisavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
bullSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelawMoreinformationonSection504isavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
bullAmericans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 is a civil rightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsMoreinformationontheADAisavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
NoteFormoreinformationontheselawsandtherightsofindividualswithLDpleasevisitwwwldorgforparentguides articles toolkits and other resources
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 8
Prevalence of LDTheprevalenceoflearningdisabilitiesisfrequentlyaddressedbythemediaandisoftenbroughtupindiscussionswithpolicymakersmdashsoitrsquosimportanttoknowthefactsonthisissueWhilethereisnotasure-firewaytocapturetheexactdata regarding the total number of Americans who have learning disabilities it is conservatively estimated that 3 - 5 ofthegeneralpopulationareaffected
FortunatelythereisreliabledataonthenumberofchildrenservedintheLDcategoryunderIDEAwhichisoftenthegroupsingledoutfordiscussionWhiletherehasbeensubstantialgrowthintheLDcategoryduringthe30yearssinceenactmentofIDEAthenumberofstudentsintheLDcategoryhasincreasedlessthanthetotalnumberofallstudentsservedunderIDEAfor15consecutiveyearsInfacttherehasbeenadeclineinthenumberofstudentsidentifiedashaving LD in each of the years between 2000 and 2010
Some important numbers
bull2415564students(ages6-21)arebeingservedintheLDcategoryofIDEAtodayaccordingtothemostrecentdataavailableThisis414ofthetotalnumberofstudentsservedunderIDEAand35oftheUSresidentpopulationofstudentsinthatagegroup
bull Whilethenumberofschool-agechildrenidentifiedwithLDgrewrapidlyduringthelate1980sand1990sthenumberofchildrenidentifiedwithLDhasdeclinedby19overthelastdecade(2001-2010)In2001studentsintheLDcategoryrepresented49ofallspecialeducationstudentswhilein2010thecategoryrepresented41
bullMalescomprisealmosttwo-thirdsofschool-agestudentswithLDwhoreceivespecialeducationservices
bullThepercentageofstudentsservedintheLDcategoryvariessignificantlyfromstatetostateTolearnaboutthespecificsforyourstateseeTheStateofLearningDisabilitiesatwwwLDorgstateofld
Over-IdentificationWithlessthan4oftheschool-agepopulationcurrentlyreceivingspecialeducationservicesintheLDcategorythereappearstobelittleevidencesupportingthepersistentclaimthatstudentsareover-identifiedasLDInfactCongressionaltestimonybyDrGReidLyonformerChiefoftheChildDevelopmentandBehaviorBranchoftheNationalInstituteofChildHealthandHumanDevelopmentattheNationalInstitutesofHealthindicatedthatapproximately6percentofschool-agechildrenwillexperiencelearningdifficultyparticularlyintheareaofreadingevenwhenprovidedwithearlyandintensiveinterventionsItisthesechildrenwhoshouldbeservedbyspecialeducation as students with LD
AnotherfrequentissueraisedbybothmediaandpolicymakersisthatofoverrepresentationofminoritypopulationsinspecialeducationWhilethereisreasonforconcernaboutover-identificationofminoritiesthedisabilitycategoriesandraceethnicgroupsofgreatestconcernarethoseofemotionaldisturbanceandintellectualdisability(previouslymentalretardation)asitrelatestoBlackandHispanicstudents
AswiththeoverallrateofidentificationofstudentsasLDthedisproportionalityofraceethnicgroupsvariesamongthestatesThedeterminationofdisproportionalityisgenerallymadebycomparingtheraceethnicdistributionofstudentsservedwithineachdisabilitycategoryofIDEAwiththedistributionofthosegroupswithintheresidentpopulationforastateorschooldistrictAdditionalinformationondisproportionalitybyraceanddisabilityisavailablefromyourstatersquosdepartmentofeducation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 9
Cost of Special EducationThecostofdeliveringspecialeducationservicestostudentswithdisabilitiesisafrequentareaofinterestforthemediaandpolicymakersalikeFederally-fundedstudieshavehelpedidentifythetruecostsassociatedwithIDEAservicesmostnotablytheSpecialEducationExpendituresProject(SEEP)(httpcsefairorg)
Report5oftheSEEPfoundthatperpupilexpendituresforstudentsinspecialeducationrangedfromalowof $10558forstudentswithlearningdisabilitiestoahighof$20095forstudentswithmultipledisabilitiesinthe1999-2000schoolyearTheaverageperpupilexpenditureforatypicalregulareducationstudentwhoreceivesnospecialeducationserviceswas$6556ThereforetheaverageexpenditureforstudentswithLDis16timestheexpenditurefora regular education student
TheseexpendituresincludedspendingonallregularandspecialeducationservicesusedtoeducatestudentswithLDThemajorityofstudentswithLDspendmorethan80percentoftheirinstructionaltimeingeneraleducation
Outcomes and ExpectationsThedifficultiesfacedbypeoplewithLDcanoftenbebestcommunicatedbyprovidingdataontheoutcomesbeingexperiencedbythoseservedbyspecialeducationWhilethereisfrequentreportingontheremarkableachievementsofafewnotableswithLDingeneralpeoplewithLDareexperiencingpooroutcomesinimportantareassuchashighschoolgraduationpostsecondaryeducationandaverageearningsOveralllearningdisabilitiescompromiseabilitiesandaspirationsandcanleadtoproblemssuchasunemploymentunderemploymentsubstanceabuseandpoormentalhealth
Graduation GraduationfromhighschoolwithastandarddiplomaforstudentswithLDcoveredunderIDEAin2009-2010was67Thiswasupfrom54adecadeearlier(2000-2001)
Dropout ThedropoutrateforstudentswithLDwas20inthe2009-2010schoolyearversus39in2000-2001Dropoutratesvarygreatlybyracialethnicgroupsforbothgeneralandspecialeducationpopulation
Postsecondary Education Amonghighschoolgraduateswhohadenrolledinpostsecondaryeducationwithin8yearsofleavinghighschooljust21hadenrolledina4-yearcollegeFiftypercenthadenrolledina2-yearorcommunitycollege and 36 had enrolled in a vocational business or training school
Parental Expectations Basedona2001survey59ofparentsexpecttheirstudentwithLDtograduatefromhighschoolwithastandarddiplomaRegardingpostsecondaryeducation14ofparentsexpecttheirstudentswithLDtograduatefromatwo-yearcollegewhilejust10expectgraduationfromafour-yearcollegeAmajorityofparentsmdash64mdashreportedthattheyexpecttheirstudentswithLDdefinitelyorprobablywonrsquotgraduatefroma4-yearcollege
Moreinformationonthesecondaryschoolandpost-highschoolexperiencesofstudentswithLDisavailableat wwwNLTS2org
Cost of Procedural Safeguards in Special EducationTherearemanyreportsaboutthehighcostoflitigationinspecialeducationhoweverthisisdifficulttosubstantiateRecentstudiesofdueprocesshearingssuchasthoseconductedbytheProjectForumattheNationalAssociationofStateDirectorsofSpecialEducationindicatethatthenumberofdueprocesshearingsheldintheUSisdecliningMuchofthiscanbeattributedtotherequirementthatallstatesmakemediationandotherdisputeresolutionstrategiesavailabletoschoolsandparentsinconflict
AreportbytheSpecialEducationExpenditureProject(Report4)indicatedthattotalexpendituresonspecialeducationmediationdueprocessandlitigationduringthe1999-2000schoolyearwasapproximately$1465millionforallK-12specialeducationstudentsinpublicschools(62millionstudents)Thisbreaksdowntoanexpenditureofapproximately$24perspecialeducationpupilandaccountsforonly3oftotalspecialeducationexpenditures
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 10
Working with Policymakers
Irsquove found that in order to implement effective policy our public officials must understand the priorities and challenges of individuals with learning disabilities They need to hear how our children are doing As Irsquove met
and talked with my representatives Irsquove always found someone sympathetic to my concerns mdash sometimes itrsquos a staff person or the Representative himherself Irsquove seen extraordinary partnerships with policymakers lead to improving outcomes for individuals with learning disabilities
Please remember that when you advocate
bull Itrsquosforthekids
bull Asparentswecanmakeadifference
bull ItrsquosnicetotraveltotheCapitolwithafriend
Bette Erickson parent advocate Minnesota
AllpoliticsarelocalmdasheverypieceoflegislationthatexistshaslocalimplicationsandisalsobasedonlocalneedsItseemsobviousbutitrsquosimportanttorememberItmeansthatlawsexistbecausepeoplelikeyouworkedtomakethemhappenMostofourcurrentlawsthatassistandprotectpeoplewithLDcamefromthegrassrootseffortsofadvocateslikeyouBoththeAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)andtheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)cametobebecauseadvocates(notSenatorsorhighlypaidlobbyists)tookactionandeducatedpolicymakersastowhytheselawsneededtoexist
YoutoocanmakelawshappenHowByunderstandinghowgovernmentworksandhowyoucanmosteffectivelygetinvolvedTherearelotsofdifferentwaystogettopolicymakersandcommunicateyourthoughtsonanissuebutbeforeyoupickupyourpenoryourphoneyouneedtokeepseveralthingsinmindinordertobemosteffective
Before you approach policymakers1 Familiarize yourself with what your elected officials have to say mdash both in the policies they support
and in the mediaKeeptrackofwhereyourlocalofficialsstandonlearningdisabilitieseducationandspecialeducationissuesStartingwiththelegislatorswhorepresentyoudirectly(yourSenatorsandCongressperson)isimportantbecausetheyaretheoneswithwhomyouwillhavethemostinfluenceYouareoneoftheirconstituentsYoucancontacttheirofficestoaskabouttheirparticipationonCongressionalcommitteesrequestaposition
statementorseeiftheyhavesponsoredlegislationimportanttopeoplewithLD
IfneitheryourSenatorsnorHouseRepresentativesitonthecommitteeswithjurisdictionovereducationandspecialeducationlawsthenlearnabout the legislators who do When you are readytogetintouchwithpolicymakersitwillbe useful to communicate with both your own representativesaswellasthosewhoareinthemoreinfluentialpositionsonLDissues
2 Become familiar with all the existing laws as well as bills that are pending that affect individuals with disabilities KnowtheirnamesandbillnumbersmdashitisimportanttobeabletorefertotheseexistinganddraftlawswhenyouarecommunicatingwithyourrepresentativesOurlegislatorscanrsquotbeexpertsoneveryissuesoitrsquosuptoyoutohelpthemunderstandintricateissuessuchasthelawsimpactingpeoplewithLDThisisnrsquot as daunting as it sounds NCLD and other organizationskeeptrackoftheselawsandevensend out email alerts to notify advocates about legislativenewsGotowwwLDorg to get the basicsandsignupforemailalertsaboutwaystoaddyourvoiceonimportantdecisionsonCapitolHill
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 11
3 Clarify your focus WhatexactlyareyoutryingtoaccomplishBeingasspecificaspossibleabouttheissueyouarepresentingtoapolicymakeriskeytobeingeffectiveldquoGettingchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesadecenteducationrdquoistoobroadldquoWorkingtogetIDEAreauthorizedandchangethelanguageinthelawtomakeitpossibleforchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiestobeidentifiedearlyandonapathtograduationwitharegulardiplomardquoarespecificgoalstobringtolegislators
4 Stay open-minded and respectful YouwillencounterpolicymakerswhodonrsquotagreewithwhatyouaretryingtoaccomplishtheymayhaveagendasthatcompletelyopposeyoursDonrsquotdismissthemUnderstandingopposingpointsofviewwillhelpyoucraftastrongpositionthattakesdiverseinterestsintoaccountAlsodonrsquotbehostiletowardsthemRemainingrespectfulcalmandpersonableevenwiththosewhoseviewsmightoffendyouisthekey to being an effective advocate
5 Be prepared to ldquodouble deckrdquoIfyouwanttobesurethatyouarereachingpolicymakersandhavinganimpactontheirpolicydecisionsyouaregoingtohavetousemanyoftheavailablemethodstocommunicateyourmessageJustsendinganemailisnrsquotenoughThesedaysinordertobeheardyouwillmostlikelyhavetopickupthephonesendafaxsendanemailandevenstopbytheofficeifyoucanMakeitimpossibleforthepeopleyouaretryingtoreach to ignore you
Who to ApproachConstituentshavethegreatestchanceofbeingheardbytheirlegislativerepresentativesOnthefederallevelCongressconsistsoftheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentativesEverystatehastwoSenatorsandatleastoneRepresentative(approximatelyoneRepresentativeforevery650000people)EachmemberofCongresshasalargestaffdedicatedtofindingoutwherevotersstandonimportantissuesOnthestatelevelthereisalsoaSenateandaHouseofRepresentativesLocallycountyandcitycouncilsrepresenttheircitizensandinsomestatestherearealsoregionallegislatures
EveryoneintheUnitesStatesisrepresentedbytwoUSSenatorsoneUSRepresentativeoneStateSenatoroneormoreStateRepresentatives(exceptforthosewhoresideintheDistrictofColumbia)aswellascountyandcitycouncilmembersYouelectthesepeoplesotheyareallveryinterestedinwhatyouhavetosay
When to Approach PolicymakersItrsquosnevertooearlytobeginestablishingrelationshipswithyourRepresentativesPolicymakersarepeoplelikeyoumdash theydonrsquotlikebeingapproachedonlywhenyouwantsomethingIfthereisabillupforconsiderationoravoteabouttotakeplacetheyhavealreadybeenworkingontheissueforsometimeTobeaneffectiveadvocateyoushouldcultivatearelationshipwithyourrepresentativesovertimesotheyknowtoturntoyouwhentheyneedguidanceonthetopicsyouknowandcareaboutAndtheywillturntoyouMakeityourbusinesstoestablishyourselfasanLDexpertintheeyesofyourelectedofficialsandtheirstaffmembersKeepinregularcontactwiththemmdashviaaletteroremailupdatingthemonlearningdisabilitiesissueseverymonthorsoregularphonecallsavisitnowandthenOvertimetheywillcometoknowandtrustyouasasourceofinformationtheycancountonIttakespersistencebutRepresentativeshavetomakedecisionswithorwithoutyouYourinputcanhelpthemmakegooddecisionsforpeoplewith LD
Writing Letters and EmailsPolicymakerspayattentiontolettersSinceSeptember112001regularmailcantakeupto30daystoreachalegislatorbecauseoftheinspectionprocessButifyouusemorethanonemethodofdelivery(regularmailfaxand email) your message will get through If you want to be sure your message lands in the right hands call your RepresentativersquosofficeandaskhowtheyprefertogetconstituentfeedbackPersonallettersandemailsfromconstituents are always the most effective and it doesnrsquot take hundreds of them to get a legislator to take notice Here areafewthingstokeepinmindwhenyouwrite
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 12
bullPersonalize your message Masscomputer-generatedmessagingiscommonthesedaysandpolicymakerswillpaymoreattentiontoaletteroremailtheyknowcomesfromarealpersonShareanypersonalexperiencesthatdirectlyillustratethepointyouaretryingtomake(ieldquoMysonJasonisabrightcuriouschildwhodoeswellinmathandsciencebutbecauseofhisreadingscoreshisschoolPS123wantshimtorepeatthirdgradeRetentionisnottheanswer rdquo)
bullInclude your name address and other contact information Legislators need to know that you are one of their constituents If you are sending an email be sure to use your real name not a username like ldquoLD momrdquo Anonymous mail will be ignored
bullBe brief specific and courteous KeepyourcommunicationsasshortaspossibleandbesuretopolitelystateyourspecificrequestinthefirstfewsentencesAvoidjargonthelanguageofyourmessageshouldbeassimpleaspossible
bullMention any affiliation you have with the policymaker IfyouknowsomeoneintheofficeorworkedontheRepresentativersquoselectioncampaignremindhimorherHavingapersonalassociationgivesyouevenmoreinfluencethan only being a constituent
bullEnclose any recent articles or reports that are relevant to your message NeverassumepolicymakersreadeverythingyoudoTheymightbutitisalwayshelpfultobringgoodinformationtotheirattention
bullIf your message is about a specific bill budget item or policy be sure to mention the name or number if you know it AlsostatewhetheryousupportoropposeitandaskforthepolicymakerrsquosviewsProvidefactsthatbackupyouropinionandshareanypersonalexperiencesthatpertaintotheissue
Using EmailMembers of Congress receive millions of emails each year To cut down on email volume most members of Congress arenowusingfilteringsystemsthatallowonlyemailsfromconstituentstoreachtheirinboxBesuretofollowtheinstructionsoftheWebformmdashtypicallyusedbymostMembersrsquositesmdashtoensurethatyourmessageisreceivedWheneverpossiblebesuretorefertoaspecificpieceoflegislationinthesubjectline(iereSupportEarlyInterventionforChildrenwithReadingDifficulties)andincludeyourmailingaddresssothereaderknowsyouareaconstituentIndividualizeyouremailbysharingthosepersonalexperiencesthatpertaintoyourargumentSomeemailcampaignsgeneratedbyLegislativeActionCenterssuchasthoseonwwwLDorgallowyoutoeditthetextyouaresendingsousethatoptiontomakeyouremailletterstandoutAgainthebestpolicyistouseallformsofcommunicationmdashwritealetterfaxitandalsosendanemail
Making Phone CallsPickingupthephoneisaneasywaytoreachouttopolicymakersanditisimmenselyeffectiveYourFederalRepresentativesshouldhavetheirphonenumberslistedontheirwebsiteinthebluepagesofthelocalphonebookoryoucanalwaysgetthisinformationthroughtheUSCapitolswitchboardat(202)224-3121orvisit wwwcontactingthecongressorgwhereyoucanenteryouraddressandgetcompletecontactinformationforyourelectedofficials
WhencallingasktospeaktotheaidewhoisresponsibleforeducationanddisabilityissuesSpeakingtoanaideisaseffectiveasspeakingtoanactuallegislatortheirstaffsexisttobetheirexpertsonwhatvoterscareaboutUsethesameguidelinesforaphonecallaswhenyouwriteBeforeyoudialbesureto
bullPrepare what you are going to say Writedownafewconcisetalkingpointssothatyoudonrsquothavetoremembereverything in the heat of the moment
bullMention your name and address so they know you are in their state or district
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 13
bullCall the office Whetheritrsquosvoicemailorareceptionistspelloutyournameandaddressandleaveashortmessageoutliningwhatyouarecallingabout(ldquoIrsquomcallingaboutthependingreauthorizationoftheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActandtheneedforearlyinterventionforstrugglingreadersrdquo)
bullFollow up any phone call with a written note sent via email or fax This way the legislator has a written recordofyourcallandyouhaveanotheropportunitytoreinforceyourmessageThenoteshouldclearlyincludeyournameaddressphonenumberandwhenyoucalledIfyouwereabletospeaktosomeonebesuretothankhimor her
Meeting with PolicymakersItmayseemdauntingbutthebestwaytoensurepolicymakersgetyourmessageistellingthemortheirstaffinpersonVisitingalegislatoriseasyAllyouhavetodoismakeanappointmentinadvanceYoucanvisitthemattheirdistrictofficeswhentheyarehome(typicallyonMondayandFriday)orgotoseethemonCapitolHill(iftheyarefederal legislators)
Beforeyougothinkaboutthefollowing
bullConsider bringing a delegation Itrsquoslessintimidatingforyouifyouarepartofagroup(ieagroupofparentsofchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesoradiversegroupofeducatorsparentsandpsychologists)andyourmessagewillbe even stronger because of your numbers If you are a team be sure there is a leader who will do most of the talking
bullWhy are you going You should rehearse what you are going to say and how you are going to say it before you go Beabletogivea90-secondversionofyourpresentationItshouldincludeyournamewhereyoulivewhatpertinentgroupsyouareapartofasynopsisoftheissueyouareaddressingandaclearrequest(pleasesupportbillxoropposethepassingofresolutiony)Yourappointmentwillprobablybeveryshort(10-15minutes)sostartwiththesummaryandthenexpandastimepermits
bullKnow where the policymaker stands YoursquollbeabletoprepareyourstrategyduringthemeetingifyouknowexactlywherethepersonyouaremeetingwithstandsontheissueyouareaddressingCalltheofficeorcheckoutProjectVoteSmartatwwwvote-smartorgYoucanalsocalltheofficebeforeyougoandaskwhathisorherpositionis
bullPrepare something in writing Whetheritisaone-pagesummaryofyourpresentationorafolderwitharticlesandstatisticssupportingyourrequestyoushouldalwayshavesomethingtohandthepersonyoumeetwithAlsobesurethatwhateveryouhandoverhasyournameaddressphonenumberandemailaddressonitGettingintouchwithyou should be effortless
bullFollow up with a thank-you note OncethestaffmembercanconnectafacewithyournamedonrsquotlethimorherforgetYournoteshouldbeshortandshouldbrieflysummarizewhatyoudiscussedatthemeetingincludeanyinformationyoupromisedtoprovideandasalwaysincludeallyourcontactinformation
Ifyoursquovestatedclearlyandconciselywhyyouarethereandtherersquossometimetospareexplainwhothisissuewillaffect and how If the legislator with whom you are meeting (or whose aide you are meeting) has done something you arepleasedaboutlethimorherknowthatPolicymakershearlotsofcriticismgenuinepraiseisalwayswelcomeYoumayspendalotoftimelisteningtowhatthepolicymakerrsquosviewsonyourissueareoryoumayhavetoeducatethemonsomebasicsmdashbepreparedforeitherscenarioAlsolethimorherknowthatyouwillsharewhathappensatthemeetingwithawideraudiencebackhome(suchasyourlocallearningdisabilitiesadvocacygroup)Thisisarelationshipyouarebuildingandevenifyoudonrsquotseeeyetoeyeitrsquosimportanttokeepthedooropentocontinuedcommunications
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 14
Working with the Media
photo
If you are a parent advocate you are also an activist Working with the media is a powerful and enduring tool in my special education toolbox Remember the media is there to tell the news or a story My voice and pen are my greatest
obligation and opportunity When I have something to say or want to educate the public I am relentless in my pursuit to be heard on behalf of our children I write blogs letters to the editor guest columns and callemail the education editorial staff and staff-writers to pitch an idea for a story or pass along important news about legislative action and special education policy
Believe in your heart that your childrsquos school experience is a story waiting to be told The media is nothing to be intimidated by I am a recognized and reliable resource whether I am the writer or the source of information Write a letter to the editor or contact an education staff-writer with a story I promise the media is waiting for you
Marcie Lipsitt parent advocate Michigan
ThinkofthemediaasatoolGettingmediacoveragecanhelpyoudrawattentiontospecificissuesregardinglearningdisabilitieseducatethepublicandinfluencepolicymakersbydrawingatten-tiontotheiractionsThemediawieldsalotofpowerinsocietytodaybutbehindallthenewsprintandsoundwavesreportersarepeoplelikeyouwhowanttoinformthepublicWithagoodangleandtherighttimingyoucanbringalotofattentionto the needs and rights of children with learning disabilities
Working with the media can take a few different forms
u Writing letters to the editoruWritingop-edpiecesuApproachingeditorialboardsu Calling a radio showuPreparingpressreleases
Keepthesebasicprinciplesinmindwhenworkingwithyourlocalnewspaperradiostationorevenatelevisionprogram
bullKnowexactlywhatitisyouwanttosayandhowtosayitBeconciseandkeepyourmessagetotwoorthreestrongpointsthatyoucanexpressinafewdifferent ways
bullWheneveryoucontactanymediaoutletorspecificreporterbesureyoufindoutwhoisinchargeofeducationandordisabilityissuesandgetthatpersonrsquosdirectphonenumberfaxnumberandemailaddress
bullUsethesimplestplainestlanguagepossibleReportersmay or may not know as much as you do about learningdisabilitiesbutyourwordsareforthepublicthereporterisreachingwhomyoushouldassumearenot at all familiar with the issues you are discussing Ontheotherhanddonrsquotbecondescendingeither
bullBecomethoroughlyfamiliarwithanynewspaperradioshowortelevisionprogramwithwhichyouwillbecommunicatingBesurethatyouunderstandthe style and general angle of the outlet and that you arefamiliarwiththeworkofanyparticulareditorreporterorproducerwithwhomyoumightbeincontactThiswayyoursquollknowhowtoapproachthemorperhapstopushbackwhenheorshewritessomethingwithwhichyoudisagreeFrequentlyyouwillfindthatreportersaredrawntotheissueoflearningdisabilitiesbecauseofsomepersonal
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 15
connectionsuchasachildorrelativewhohasalearningdisabilitysuchasdyslexiaJustasoftenthereportermightaskaboutLDwheninfacttheyareseekinginformationaboutotherdisabilitiessuchasADHDorautismspectrumdisordersBepreparedtousethosekindsofconnectionstoyouradvantagemdashyoucanbuildarelationshipbyofferingyourself as a resource
bullNeverassumethatanythingisldquoofftherecordrdquoItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtotakewhatyousayandturnitintoastorythatsellspapersTheonlywayyoucanmakesuretheyaretellingyourstoryisbystickingtoitDonrsquotthrowinlittlecommentariesevenifyouthinkyoursquorejustlighteninguptheconversationunlessyouarepreparedtoseetheminprint
bullldquoNocommentrdquoisacommentItdoesnrsquotimplythatyoudonrsquotknowitimpliesyouknowbutdonrsquotwanttotalkaboutitbecauseitmightbeaweaknessinyourargumentorgoagainstyourpoint
bullItrsquosokaytosayldquoIdonrsquotknowrdquoThebestthingtosayisldquoIdonrsquotknowbutIcangetbacktoyouonthatrdquoThenfindoutquicklyandcontactthereporterpromptly
bullDonrsquotletareportergettoyouItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtoaskquestionsandsometimesevenplaydevilrsquosadvocateAlwaysbepolitecalmandcollectedandmakesureyoustayontopic
bullDonrsquotletreportersputwordsinyourmouthItrsquosdangeroustoagreewithastatementtheymakeforyou(ieldquoSowouldyousaythatrdquo)ThequotesshouldcomefromyounotthemIfyoursquorenotsureheorshegotitrightitrsquosokaytoaskareportertoreadbackwhatyoujustsaid
bullPreparationisthebestwaytoensurethatyoucomeawayfromanyone-on-onesituationhavingclearlyandeffectively communicated your message
bullAlwaysthankthepersonwithwhomyouaredealingandfollowuptomakesureyourmessagesarebeingused
bullAskwhenthestorywillrunandrequestnotificationwhenitgoeslive
Letters to the EditorTheLetterstotheEditorsectionisalwaysoneofthemostpopularsectionsofanypaperormagazineThissectionisaneasywayforyoutoletpolicymakersknowyouropinionsandtoeducatereadersaboutissuesthatconcernyouLetterscanbeusedtocorrectorrespondtothefactsinanarticletopraiseorcriticizeopinionsexpressedinthepublicationortosimplybringattentiontotheissueyouwanttoaddress
StudythepublicationyoursquorewritingtobeforeyoubeginKnowthenameoftheappropriateeditortowritetoandbecomefamiliarwiththeformatthatpublishedletterstakeSomenewspapershavewrittenguidelinesfortheirlettersFollowingtheseguidelinescloselyisthebestchanceyouhaveofgettingpublished
Hereareafewmoretipstohelpyougetyourmessageacrossinalettertotheeditor
bullTiming is everything Respondtoanarticleornewsitemrightafterithappensorevenbetterifyouknowabillispassingoranarticleisbeingprintedsendyourlettertotheeditorbeforereadersknowanythingaboutit
bullShort and sweet JustaswhenwritingtoalegislatorkeepyourletterclearandconciseMakeonestrongpointandleave it at that Itrsquos a good idea to write a draft of your letter take a break and then look at it again That way you can makesurethatyouaresayingexactlywhatyouintend
bullCheck your facts BothyourcredibilityandthatofthepublicationhangontheaccuracyofyourletterandcredibilityiseverythingIfitturnsoutyoudidnrsquothaveyourfactsstraightitrsquosunlikelyyourletterswillbepublishedagain
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 16
bullMake it relevant Ifyouarewritingtoasmalllocalpaperexplainhowyourissueaffectsthecommunity(ieldquoIfCouncilmanWhorsquosresolutionpassesoneineveryfourthirdgradersatWhovilleElementarySchoolwillberdquo)IfyouarewritingtoalargerpublicationadaptyourtoneandscopetoitsaudienceLocalconnectionsforpapersbasedinmetropolitanareasarestillimportantevenforlargepapers
bullName names DonrsquotbeafraidtomentionpolicymakerrsquosnamesmdashthisisaneasywaytomakealetterrelevanttoalocalareaIfyouareaddressingaspecificpersonrsquospoliciesorintentionsbesuretosendacopyofthelettertothatpersonPoliticiansneedtoknowyouarepayingattentiontowhattheyaredoingthatwillhaveanimpactonchildrenwith LD
bullLet them know who you are AnylettertotheeditorshouldincludeallyourcontactinformationThepublicationmaynotprintitbutaneditormayneedtogetintouchwithyoutoverifysomeinformationortoaskyouquestionsJustaswithpolicymakersoneofyourgoalsistobecomeasourceofinformationforthemAlsoifyouhaveanycredentialsthatmakeyoumoreofanauthoritymentionthemYourexpertisewillmakeitfarmorelikelythatyourletterwillgetprinted
bullFollow up CallthepublicationtomakesuretheyreceivedyourletterandoffertohelpthemwithanystoriestheyhaveplannedonlearningdisabilitiesTheymighthavefeedbackforyouonyourletterormighttaketheopportunitytoaskyouafewquestionsabouttheissue
bullKeep trying EvenifyourletterdoesnrsquotgetpublishedwriteanotheronethenexttimeitrsquosappropriateTherecanbemanyreasonswhyapublicationdoesnrsquotprintanyoneletterandeducatingtheeditorialstaffofthepublicationisanimportanttasktoo
bullContrary point of view Letterstotheeditorwhichproposeaviewcontrarytotheviewinanarticlearemorelikelytobepublishedthanletterswhichagreewiththepaperrsquospointofview
Writing an Op-Ed PieceOp-edsareliketheuppercrustofletterstotheeditorTheyarewrittenbyreadersjustlikeletterstotheeditorbuttendtocomefrompeopleofauthoritysuchaspresidentsCEOsandevenlegislatorsOp-edscarryabylinesoinawaytheyarearticlesbutopinionatedonesIfyouarepartofanadvocacyorganizationitrsquosagoodideatogivethebylinetotheexecutivedirectororamemberoftheboard(withtheirpermissionofcourse)Whenwritinganop-edusetheguidelinesforletterstotheeditorandalsokeepinmind
bullTheformatforanop-edisveryspecificUsuallytheyrangefrom300-750wordsMakesureyouknowwhatthepublicationrsquosguidelinesareOp-edsaregenerallyalsoexclusivesosubmittheop-edtothepublicationthathasthelargestcirculationandthegreatestlikelihoodofpublishingyourworkTargetpublicationsthatpublishop-edsonthetopicuponwhichyouarewriting
bullThestrongestop-edsaretheonesthatmakereadersunderstand(1)whyanissueisimportanttothempersonallyand(2) what they should do about it The tone should not suggest that the issue is about you and your agenda but rather that yours is of broad concern and you are offering a suitable call to action
bullMakeitsimpleYourmessageshouldbeloudandclearsoagoodruleofthumbistofirsttellthemwhatyouaregoingtosaysayitandthentellthemwhatyousaidYourlanguageshouldbejargon-freeandunemotional
Tolearnmoreabouthowtoeffectivelyplaceyourop-edinthemajorpapersacrossthecountryvisittheCommunicationConsortium Media Centerrsquos site at wwwccmcorgnode16170
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 17
Approaching Editorial BoardsEditorialboardsaretheeditorsandstaffofapublicationwhodeterminewhatgoesintothepublicationGoingtoaneditorialboardisthebehind-the-sceneswaytogetyourmessageoutYourfirstgoalistogetaneditorialmdashtheofficialopinionofthepublicationmdashwrittenaboutyourissue(Newspapereditorialshavebeenknowntoswaypublicopinionstronglymdashpoliticiansworkhardtogetapapertoendorsethemduringelections)ConvincinganeditorialboardisalotlikeconvincingalegislatorMeetingwithaneditorialboardcanalsohavetheaddedbenefitofbringingthefocusedattention of the editors to your issue so that learning disabilities may get more coverage in the future
Prepareforavisitwithaneditorialboardjustlikeyouwouldavisittoalegislator
bullGoingaspartofateamisagoodideaparticularlyifyoucanselectapersonofauthorityandinfluenceastheleader
bullEditorsarealwaysbusysobereadytopresenteverythinginlessthan15minutes
bullBrainstormstoryideasthatrelatetoyourtightlywordedmessagetopresenttotheboard
bullWhenyoursquoredoneaskwhetherthepublicationwillbeabletowriteaneditorialsupportingyourpositionorfeatureanarticleonyourcauseIfnotbepoliteandgraciousandoffertowriteanop-edpieceThentryagainnexttime
Calling a Radio ShowAdvocating for the rights of children with LD on the air is similar to all the other forms of advocacy with one exceptionmdashthesoundofyourvoiceThereisalotofpowerinhearinganindividualrsquosvoiceonairandbeingonaradioprogramcanbeagreatopportunityforyoutohumanizetheissueyouwanttobringattentiontobutyouhavetobeprepared
bullKnow the program yoursquoll be on WhenyouareontheairyouareonthespotandtherersquosnogoingbacktoeditwhatyousayBesuretolearnhowthehosttalkstopeopleandhowheorsherespondswhencallersgetflustered
bullKnow your message inside and out Again radio is live so having notes in front of you to make sure you have thewordsyouneedtoexpressyourselfclearlyandsimplyiskeyTalkaboutaparticularbilloraparticularlegislatorbynameandexplainpreciselywhatyouaretryingtoachieve
bullThink about your audience WhenyouaretalkingthinkaboutwhoislisteningBespecificabouthowthisissueaffectsyourcommunityandtalkaboutthelocallegislatorsandwhattheycandoThegoalistoexpressthatthisisanissueaboutpeoplepeoplelikeyouandpeoplelikeyourlistenersDonrsquotuselanguageyoursquorenotcomfortablewithandbepreparedtoansweranyquestionsWhateverthequestionsmaybebringtheanswerbacktoyourmessage
bullPracticeIfyoursquoveneverbeenontheairbeforeitrsquosagoodideatopracticewithataperecorderandanotherpersonaskingyouquestionsUsingataperecorderwillallowyoutolistentobothwhatyoursquovesaidandhowyoursquovesaiditLongpausestothinkmaycomeacrossasindecisivenessAnervouslaughmaysoundpatronizingandldquoummsrdquoandldquoahhsrdquocandetractfromyourpointConductafewrehearsalsandyoursquollfeelmuchmoreconfidentFeelingrelaxedwhencallingcanonlybenefityourmessage
Preparing Press ReleasesPressornewsreleasesareconciseannouncementsoftime-sensitiveinformationregardinganimportantsituationoreventGenerallypressreleasesareissuedbyorganizationsbutindividualadvocatescanbenefitfromknowinghowandwhenapressreleaseissenttothemedia
ThemosteffectivepressreleasesfollowastandardformatandprovidenewsworthyinterestinginformationtojournalistsinaconcisemannerAgoodpressreleasecanbethebackboneofanarticleandreportersaregratefulforcondensedcopytohelpthemmakeanewsitemmorerelevantOntheotherhandifanindividualororganizationsendsoutapressreleasefornobetterreasonthansendingoutanotherpressreleasetheyallbecomeirrelevantInthemediacredibilityisextremelyimportantandsendingoutirrelevantpressreleasesisalotlikecryingldquowolfrdquo
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 18
Using Social MediaTheexplosionofonlinemediatoolshascreatedawholenewwaytogetyourmessageoutBesuretotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglypopularavenuesofcommunicating
SetupablogtopromoteyourissuesUsingtoolssuchasWordpress(wwwwordpresscom)orMovableType (wwwmovabletypecom)youcanquicklycreateablogforfreeBlogsallowreaderstopostcommentsgeneratingmoreinterestandinteractionAlsobesuretovisitotherblogsaboutyourissuessuchaseducationspecialeducationanddisabilityblogswhereyoucanpostrelevantcommentsthatkeepyourissuesattheforefront
EstablishingapresenceonsocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook(wwwfacebookcom) is a great way to get out informationandmessagesthatsupportyouradvocacyeffortsThesesitesofferavarietyoftoolsthatallowyoutocreateblogsconductforumsandpollsaddphotosaudioandvideofeaturesandmore
Increasetheimpactofyourblogandsocialmediapresencebyusingareal-timeinformationnetworklikeTwitter(wwwtwittercom)tocommunicatequickupdatesaboutwhatrsquoshappeningwithyourissuesDonrsquotforgettousehashtagstoconnectyourtweetstoothersonthesametopicEncourageotherstostayinformedaboutyourworkbyusingReallySimpleSyndication(RSS)mdashapopularmeansofsharingcontentacrosstheInternet
Remembertokeepyouronlinepresenceuptodatewithnewandinterestinginformationopportunitiestogetinvolvedandwaysthosewhosupportyourissuescanhelp
Lastlyconsiderusingotheronlinecommunicationtoolssuchaswebinarspodcastsandvideostoprovideinformationabout your issues and tell others how to get involved and take action
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
Table of Contents
A Message from NCLD 3
Getting Started 4
Talking about LD 6
Working with Policymakers 10
Working with the Media 14
Glossary of Terms 19
Additional Resources 23
Appendices 25
National Center for Learning Disabilities Inc381 Park Avenue SouthSuite 1401New York NY 10016212-545-7510wwwLDorgwwwgetreadytoreadorgwwwRTInetworkorg
Public Policy Office1101 Vermont Avenue NW 400Washington DC 20005-3521703-476-4894wwwLDorg
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocate
effectively for their childrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomes
bull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
A Message from NCLD
Dear Fellow Advocates
WelcomeThefactthatyouareconnectingwithusheretellsmethatyouwanttotakeactioninsupportofindividuals with learning disabilities (LD) mdash and that you want to learn about ways to do so effectively Wersquore delighted to have you onboard and work with us
Nowmorethaneveritrsquosimperativethatparentsrsquovoicesareraisedandheardmdashthereissomuchatstake It all begins with advocacy to
bull Ensurethatallchildrenhavetheopportunitytoachievetheirpotentialbull IncreasethenumberofteachersandschoolleaderswhounderstandandarepreparedtoprovidetheinstructionalsupportandaccommodationsthatstudentswithLDmayrequire
bull IncreaseawarenessoftherealitiesandthechallengesofthosefacedwithLDandbull Buildthepublicwilltoinvestthetimeandmoneynecessarytomakesureallchildrenandadultsreceivetheeducationalandlifelongopportunitiestheydeserveandtowhichtheyareentitled
TohelpfurthertheseadvocacyeffortsNCLDhasdevelopedthisLDAdvocatesGuidetoexplainhowtoengagepolicymakersandthemediaonissuesaffectingfamiliesandindividualswithLD
Since1990NCLDhasmobilizedtensofthousandsofparentsteachersandindividualswithLDtospeakinapowerfulvoiceinWashingtonDCWiththissupportweareactivelyinvolvedinstrengtheningtheindividual rights of those with LD
TheeducationalopportunitiesandrightsthatachildwithlearningdisabilitiesenjoyshaveprimarilybeenshapedbyFederalpoliciesandlawssuchasthelandmarkIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)theElementaryandSecondaryEducationAct(ESEA)Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973andtheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(asamendedin2008)NCLDworkstoimprovetheseFederal laws with the overarching goal to ensure that all students with LD have the same access and necessarysupporttoachieveahighschooldiplomaandbepreparedtosuccessfullytransitiontopost-secondary education or career training
WepromoteaccountabilityforeducationaloutcomesforallstudentsearlieridentificationofLDmoreeffectiveearlyinterventionprogramsbetterteacherpreparationandincreasededucationfundingWithmoredecisionsforstudentachievementshiftingtothestatesourchildrenneedustostandupandspeakoutforthemWemustworktogethertoensurethathard-wonaccesstoeffectiveinstructionappropriateassessmentsupportservicesandaccesstoaccommodationsarenotlost
AgainwelcomeandmysincerethanksforjoiningwithNCLDinthisimportantwork
Sincerely
James H WendorfExecutiveDirectorNational Center for Learning DisabilitiesNew York New York
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 4
Getting Started
Do learning disabilities (LD) affect your life Whether you areaparentofachildwithLDanadultwithLDaneducatororanLDprofessionaltherersquosaplaceforyouintheworldofLDadvocacyTherearemanyaspectstoadvocacywhichyoucan learn about in this guide but all are intended to ensure that lawmakersandthegeneralpublicrespectandprotecttherightsof individuals with LD
AdvocacycanbehardworkfunexhilaratingandsometimesfrustratingbutitisessentialtoimprovingthelivesofpeoplewithLDSoletrsquosgetstarted
BeinganadvocatedoesnotmeanyouhavetoquityourjobwritebigcheckstopoliticiansorrushtoWashingtonDCIt also doesnrsquot mean you have to know everything there is to know about learning disabilities or every law ever written onthesubject
BeinganadvocatedoesrequirethatyouuseyourvoicetomakeadifferenceforchildrenandadultswithLDYouhaveanimportantstorytotellandexperiencestoshare
Under both education and civil rights law individuals with learning disabilities are entitled to rights and services It seemssimplebutasyouknowitiscomplexandoftenpeoplewithotheragendasarepushinglawmakerstomakedecisionsthatmaynottakepeoplewithLDintoproperconsiderationThatrsquoswhereyoucomeinYourvoiceiscritical mdashitrsquosthefoundationofdemocracyYoucan(andshould)tellyourelectedofficialshowtovoteforlawsbudgetsandpoliciesthatwork
BecominganLDadvocateisnotanewjoboraspecialtitlesavedforthechosenfewbutratheramindsetIfyouwanttheproblemsinyourschooldistrictstateoratthefederalleveltobefixedoratleastimprovedyoursquoregoingtohavetogetinvolvedParentshavebeensteppingintothisroleforyearsandyoucanmakeadifferencemdashnotonlyforyourchild mdash but for all children with LD
Evenifyouonlyhavefiveminutesperweektosparethesetipswillgetyoustartedontheroadtoeffectiveadvocacy
1 Become familiar with the state and federal laws that pertain to learning disabilities There is no need to go to law school because this information is available on wwwLDorgthroughyourstateofficeofeducationand your statersquos Parent Training and Information Center A directory of centers by state is available at wwwparentcenternetworkorg To get started also check the ldquoTalking about LDrdquo section of this guide
2 Get on the mailing lists of advocacy organizations NCLDrsquos own Legislative Action Center is a great way to becomefamiliarwithwhatrsquoshappeninginWashingtonDCrelatedtolearningdisabilitiesSignupatwwwLDorg
3 Call your legislators PoliticiansarepeoplewiththeirownexperiencesIfLDisnotapartoftheirlives theycanrsquotpossiblyunderstandtheimplicationsoftheirvotesthewayyoudoYourlocalstateandfederal legislatorsarelistedinthebluesectionofyourphonebookcanbefoundinaquickInternetsearchorat wwwcontactingthecongressorgTheywanttohearfromyoutheyhaveastaffforjustthatpurposeAndifthereis a bill you are interested in discussing theyrsquod rather receive your call before a big vote than get an angry call afterwardsMoretipsonworkingwithpolicymakersarepresentedlaterinthisguide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 5
4 Write a letter or an email to a policymaker YourelectedofficialswelcomehearingfromyouTellthemhowaparticularpieceoflegislationwillaffectyouandotherswhoareaffectedbyLDFirsthandandpersonalstoriesfromtheirconstituentsarealwayshelpfultopolicymakersInreturnyoucanusuallyexpecttogetareplyexplainingtheissue more fully and what they intend to do about it
5 Talk about what you know Tell your story talk about your LD concerns and offer ideas about what can be done aboutthemPoliticianswanttobeaskedtodosomethingsoseizethemomentandaskthemtobeproactiveontheissues that matter to you
6 Go public CallaradiostationblogonissuesyoucareaboutorwritealettertotheeditorofyourlocalnewspaperExplainwhydisabilitylegislationisanimportantissueandhowthingscanbechangedforthebetterEmailyourfriendsscheduleameetuporothermeetingtodiscussLDpoliciesAsanadvocateyoudonrsquothavetogoitaloneTothecontraryyoushouldtrytogetasmanypeopleexcitedandactiveaboutlearningdisabilitiesaspossible
7 Vote ItseemsbasicbutitisvitalthatyouexercisethisrightYoucanevengoonestepfurtherbyhelpingcandidateswhosupportlearningdisabilitiesissueswiththeircampaignsTheknowledgeyouhavecanhelpacandidateclarifyhisorherpositiononanissuethatisimportanttosomanypeople
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 6
Talking about LDThefirststeptobeinganeffectiveLDadvocateisunderstandingtheissueandhowtotalkaboutitYourpersonalexperiencesmaybemotivatingyoubutitisimportanttoeducateyourselfaboutthefactsandfiguresandbroadenyourunderstandingofLDbeyondwhatyoursquovelearnedthroughthoseexperiencesKnowingsomeofthe ldquohot buttonrdquo issues and how to deal with them is essential be-causeitconveysasenseofcredibilityandaddstoyourauthorityasaspokespersonforthecauseRegardlessofwhethertheseissuesareofinteresttoyouoneormoreislikelytocomeupindiscussionswithpolicymakersandthemedia
TherecontinuestobesubstantialmisconceptionsaboutlearningdisabilitiesandhowtobestsupportchildrenwhostruggletolearnLearninghowtoframemessagessothattheyhavethegreatestimpactshouldbeyourpriorityWhyBecauseunderstandingwhatyouaretalkingaboutandchoosingtherightwordscanhaveamajorimpactonyourworkMisconceptionscannotsimplybeoverturnedbyconfrontingthemwithstatisticsnomatterhowpowerfulthosestatisticsmaybeBothpolicymakersandthegeneralpublichavepreconceivedideasaboutwhatlearningdisabilitiesareanditisyourjobtospeakclearlyandeffectivelytothoseconcernswhilepersuasivelyexplainingthatitisineveryonersquosbestinteresttorespectandsupporttherightsofindividualswithLDsotheycanbecomesuccessfuladults
Describing Learning DisabilitiesFormanypeopleitisdifficulttounderstandthesecommonplacebuthiddendisabilitiesThisismademoredifficultbymisinformationandthedeliberatedistortionsofthosewhoclaimthatlearningdisabilitiesareanexcuseforpooracademicperformanceThetermldquolearningdisabilitiesrdquoisfrequentlyusedasanumbrellatermforalltypesofdisabilitieswhichonlyservestofurtherconfusethepublicandperpetuatemisunderstanding
ClearconsistentandconciselanguageshouldbeusedtodescribeLDWhenworkingwithpolicymakersusingalternativephrasesthatexcludethewordldquodisabilityrdquosuchasldquolearningdisorderrdquoorldquolearningdifferencerdquodoeslittle
tochangetheperceptionsIfanythingalternativedescriptionslikeldquolearningdifficultiesrdquoorldquolearningdifferencesrdquo can soften the intensity of concern and make theissueseeminsignificant
Becausethetermldquospecificlearningdisabilityrdquoisusedinthefederallawthatprovidesspecialeducationservices(IndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct)advocatesshould use this term in their communications with policymakersandthemedia
ThedefinitionofldquospecificlearningdisabilityrdquointheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isasfollows
For our family advocacy means sharing our personal experiences to educate and encourage other families teachers administrators care providers etc Sharing our stories has resulted in opportunities to provide assistance and
to participate in meaningful dialogue that leads to positive partnerships
Advocacy takes many forms but remember that sharing your own experiences and the facts about LD can change lives As Khalil Gibran once said ldquoA little bit of knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle rdquo
Esther Falcetta parent advocate Pennsylvania
bull Thetermlsquospecificlearningdisabilityrsquomeansadisor-derinoneormoreofthebasicpsychologicalprocess-es involved in understanding or in using language spokenorwrittenwhichdisordermaymanifestitselfinimperfectabilitytolistenthinkspeakreadwritespellordomathematicalcalculations
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 7
bullThetermincludessuchconditionsasperceptualdisabilitiesbraininjuryminimalbraindysfunctiondyslexiaanddevelopmentalaphasiaduetoLD
bullThetermdoesnotincludealearningproblemthatisprimarilytheresultofvisualhearingormotordisabilitiesof intellectual disabilities[formerly known as mental retardation] of emotional disturbance or of environmental cultural or economic disadvantage [34 CFR 3008(c)(10)]
Important points to remember when describing LDbullLearningdisabilitiesarerealScientistshaveproventheneurologicalbasisofLDthroughtheuseofbrainscansandothertechniquesTherealsoisproofthatlearningdisabilitiescanbegenetic
bullLearningdisabilitiesoccuroftenMostscientificexpertsagree(andschooldataconfirm)thatatleastfivepercent mdashandlikelymoremdashofourschool-agechildrenhavesevereproblemswithlearning
bullLearningdisabilitiesarenotthesameasautismintellectualdisabilities(previouslyknownasmentalretardation)orAttentionDeficitHyperactivityDisorderPeoplewithLDhaveaveragetoaboveaverageintelligencewhichisnotthecaseforpeoplewithintellectualdisabilitiesAndwhilethereareasignificantnumberofpeoplewithLDwhoalso have ADHD ADHD is not a learning disability (If ADHD and LD are confused during your conversations it canoftenhelptodistinguishbetweenthembystatingthatADHDisadisorderthatcausesinappropriateimpulsivityattentionandinsomecaseshyperactivityandcanoftenbetreatedwithmedicationLDisaneurologicaldisorderthataffectsthebrainrsquosabilitytoreceiveprocessstoreandrespondtoinformationandcannotbetreatedwithmedication)
bullLearningdisabilitiesarelifelongManychildrencanbetaughttocompensateforthemwithearlydiagnosisandappropriateinstruction
Legal ProtectionsPeoplewithlearningdisabilitieshavelegalprotectionsavailabletothemthroughseveralfederallawsBeingfamiliarwith these laws is essential to your success as an advocate
bullIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA2004) TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA2004)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforeligiblechildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparentsMoreinformationonIDEAisavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
bullSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelawMoreinformationonSection504isavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
bullAmericans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 is a civil rightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsMoreinformationontheADAisavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
NoteFormoreinformationontheselawsandtherightsofindividualswithLDpleasevisitwwwldorgforparentguides articles toolkits and other resources
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 8
Prevalence of LDTheprevalenceoflearningdisabilitiesisfrequentlyaddressedbythemediaandisoftenbroughtupindiscussionswithpolicymakersmdashsoitrsquosimportanttoknowthefactsonthisissueWhilethereisnotasure-firewaytocapturetheexactdata regarding the total number of Americans who have learning disabilities it is conservatively estimated that 3 - 5 ofthegeneralpopulationareaffected
FortunatelythereisreliabledataonthenumberofchildrenservedintheLDcategoryunderIDEAwhichisoftenthegroupsingledoutfordiscussionWhiletherehasbeensubstantialgrowthintheLDcategoryduringthe30yearssinceenactmentofIDEAthenumberofstudentsintheLDcategoryhasincreasedlessthanthetotalnumberofallstudentsservedunderIDEAfor15consecutiveyearsInfacttherehasbeenadeclineinthenumberofstudentsidentifiedashaving LD in each of the years between 2000 and 2010
Some important numbers
bull2415564students(ages6-21)arebeingservedintheLDcategoryofIDEAtodayaccordingtothemostrecentdataavailableThisis414ofthetotalnumberofstudentsservedunderIDEAand35oftheUSresidentpopulationofstudentsinthatagegroup
bull Whilethenumberofschool-agechildrenidentifiedwithLDgrewrapidlyduringthelate1980sand1990sthenumberofchildrenidentifiedwithLDhasdeclinedby19overthelastdecade(2001-2010)In2001studentsintheLDcategoryrepresented49ofallspecialeducationstudentswhilein2010thecategoryrepresented41
bullMalescomprisealmosttwo-thirdsofschool-agestudentswithLDwhoreceivespecialeducationservices
bullThepercentageofstudentsservedintheLDcategoryvariessignificantlyfromstatetostateTolearnaboutthespecificsforyourstateseeTheStateofLearningDisabilitiesatwwwLDorgstateofld
Over-IdentificationWithlessthan4oftheschool-agepopulationcurrentlyreceivingspecialeducationservicesintheLDcategorythereappearstobelittleevidencesupportingthepersistentclaimthatstudentsareover-identifiedasLDInfactCongressionaltestimonybyDrGReidLyonformerChiefoftheChildDevelopmentandBehaviorBranchoftheNationalInstituteofChildHealthandHumanDevelopmentattheNationalInstitutesofHealthindicatedthatapproximately6percentofschool-agechildrenwillexperiencelearningdifficultyparticularlyintheareaofreadingevenwhenprovidedwithearlyandintensiveinterventionsItisthesechildrenwhoshouldbeservedbyspecialeducation as students with LD
AnotherfrequentissueraisedbybothmediaandpolicymakersisthatofoverrepresentationofminoritypopulationsinspecialeducationWhilethereisreasonforconcernaboutover-identificationofminoritiesthedisabilitycategoriesandraceethnicgroupsofgreatestconcernarethoseofemotionaldisturbanceandintellectualdisability(previouslymentalretardation)asitrelatestoBlackandHispanicstudents
AswiththeoverallrateofidentificationofstudentsasLDthedisproportionalityofraceethnicgroupsvariesamongthestatesThedeterminationofdisproportionalityisgenerallymadebycomparingtheraceethnicdistributionofstudentsservedwithineachdisabilitycategoryofIDEAwiththedistributionofthosegroupswithintheresidentpopulationforastateorschooldistrictAdditionalinformationondisproportionalitybyraceanddisabilityisavailablefromyourstatersquosdepartmentofeducation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 9
Cost of Special EducationThecostofdeliveringspecialeducationservicestostudentswithdisabilitiesisafrequentareaofinterestforthemediaandpolicymakersalikeFederally-fundedstudieshavehelpedidentifythetruecostsassociatedwithIDEAservicesmostnotablytheSpecialEducationExpendituresProject(SEEP)(httpcsefairorg)
Report5oftheSEEPfoundthatperpupilexpendituresforstudentsinspecialeducationrangedfromalowof $10558forstudentswithlearningdisabilitiestoahighof$20095forstudentswithmultipledisabilitiesinthe1999-2000schoolyearTheaverageperpupilexpenditureforatypicalregulareducationstudentwhoreceivesnospecialeducationserviceswas$6556ThereforetheaverageexpenditureforstudentswithLDis16timestheexpenditurefora regular education student
TheseexpendituresincludedspendingonallregularandspecialeducationservicesusedtoeducatestudentswithLDThemajorityofstudentswithLDspendmorethan80percentoftheirinstructionaltimeingeneraleducation
Outcomes and ExpectationsThedifficultiesfacedbypeoplewithLDcanoftenbebestcommunicatedbyprovidingdataontheoutcomesbeingexperiencedbythoseservedbyspecialeducationWhilethereisfrequentreportingontheremarkableachievementsofafewnotableswithLDingeneralpeoplewithLDareexperiencingpooroutcomesinimportantareassuchashighschoolgraduationpostsecondaryeducationandaverageearningsOveralllearningdisabilitiescompromiseabilitiesandaspirationsandcanleadtoproblemssuchasunemploymentunderemploymentsubstanceabuseandpoormentalhealth
Graduation GraduationfromhighschoolwithastandarddiplomaforstudentswithLDcoveredunderIDEAin2009-2010was67Thiswasupfrom54adecadeearlier(2000-2001)
Dropout ThedropoutrateforstudentswithLDwas20inthe2009-2010schoolyearversus39in2000-2001Dropoutratesvarygreatlybyracialethnicgroupsforbothgeneralandspecialeducationpopulation
Postsecondary Education Amonghighschoolgraduateswhohadenrolledinpostsecondaryeducationwithin8yearsofleavinghighschooljust21hadenrolledina4-yearcollegeFiftypercenthadenrolledina2-yearorcommunitycollege and 36 had enrolled in a vocational business or training school
Parental Expectations Basedona2001survey59ofparentsexpecttheirstudentwithLDtograduatefromhighschoolwithastandarddiplomaRegardingpostsecondaryeducation14ofparentsexpecttheirstudentswithLDtograduatefromatwo-yearcollegewhilejust10expectgraduationfromafour-yearcollegeAmajorityofparentsmdash64mdashreportedthattheyexpecttheirstudentswithLDdefinitelyorprobablywonrsquotgraduatefroma4-yearcollege
Moreinformationonthesecondaryschoolandpost-highschoolexperiencesofstudentswithLDisavailableat wwwNLTS2org
Cost of Procedural Safeguards in Special EducationTherearemanyreportsaboutthehighcostoflitigationinspecialeducationhoweverthisisdifficulttosubstantiateRecentstudiesofdueprocesshearingssuchasthoseconductedbytheProjectForumattheNationalAssociationofStateDirectorsofSpecialEducationindicatethatthenumberofdueprocesshearingsheldintheUSisdecliningMuchofthiscanbeattributedtotherequirementthatallstatesmakemediationandotherdisputeresolutionstrategiesavailabletoschoolsandparentsinconflict
AreportbytheSpecialEducationExpenditureProject(Report4)indicatedthattotalexpendituresonspecialeducationmediationdueprocessandlitigationduringthe1999-2000schoolyearwasapproximately$1465millionforallK-12specialeducationstudentsinpublicschools(62millionstudents)Thisbreaksdowntoanexpenditureofapproximately$24perspecialeducationpupilandaccountsforonly3oftotalspecialeducationexpenditures
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 10
Working with Policymakers
Irsquove found that in order to implement effective policy our public officials must understand the priorities and challenges of individuals with learning disabilities They need to hear how our children are doing As Irsquove met
and talked with my representatives Irsquove always found someone sympathetic to my concerns mdash sometimes itrsquos a staff person or the Representative himherself Irsquove seen extraordinary partnerships with policymakers lead to improving outcomes for individuals with learning disabilities
Please remember that when you advocate
bull Itrsquosforthekids
bull Asparentswecanmakeadifference
bull ItrsquosnicetotraveltotheCapitolwithafriend
Bette Erickson parent advocate Minnesota
AllpoliticsarelocalmdasheverypieceoflegislationthatexistshaslocalimplicationsandisalsobasedonlocalneedsItseemsobviousbutitrsquosimportanttorememberItmeansthatlawsexistbecausepeoplelikeyouworkedtomakethemhappenMostofourcurrentlawsthatassistandprotectpeoplewithLDcamefromthegrassrootseffortsofadvocateslikeyouBoththeAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)andtheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)cametobebecauseadvocates(notSenatorsorhighlypaidlobbyists)tookactionandeducatedpolicymakersastowhytheselawsneededtoexist
YoutoocanmakelawshappenHowByunderstandinghowgovernmentworksandhowyoucanmosteffectivelygetinvolvedTherearelotsofdifferentwaystogettopolicymakersandcommunicateyourthoughtsonanissuebutbeforeyoupickupyourpenoryourphoneyouneedtokeepseveralthingsinmindinordertobemosteffective
Before you approach policymakers1 Familiarize yourself with what your elected officials have to say mdash both in the policies they support
and in the mediaKeeptrackofwhereyourlocalofficialsstandonlearningdisabilitieseducationandspecialeducationissuesStartingwiththelegislatorswhorepresentyoudirectly(yourSenatorsandCongressperson)isimportantbecausetheyaretheoneswithwhomyouwillhavethemostinfluenceYouareoneoftheirconstituentsYoucancontacttheirofficestoaskabouttheirparticipationonCongressionalcommitteesrequestaposition
statementorseeiftheyhavesponsoredlegislationimportanttopeoplewithLD
IfneitheryourSenatorsnorHouseRepresentativesitonthecommitteeswithjurisdictionovereducationandspecialeducationlawsthenlearnabout the legislators who do When you are readytogetintouchwithpolicymakersitwillbe useful to communicate with both your own representativesaswellasthosewhoareinthemoreinfluentialpositionsonLDissues
2 Become familiar with all the existing laws as well as bills that are pending that affect individuals with disabilities KnowtheirnamesandbillnumbersmdashitisimportanttobeabletorefertotheseexistinganddraftlawswhenyouarecommunicatingwithyourrepresentativesOurlegislatorscanrsquotbeexpertsoneveryissuesoitrsquosuptoyoutohelpthemunderstandintricateissuessuchasthelawsimpactingpeoplewithLDThisisnrsquot as daunting as it sounds NCLD and other organizationskeeptrackoftheselawsandevensend out email alerts to notify advocates about legislativenewsGotowwwLDorg to get the basicsandsignupforemailalertsaboutwaystoaddyourvoiceonimportantdecisionsonCapitolHill
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 11
3 Clarify your focus WhatexactlyareyoutryingtoaccomplishBeingasspecificaspossibleabouttheissueyouarepresentingtoapolicymakeriskeytobeingeffectiveldquoGettingchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesadecenteducationrdquoistoobroadldquoWorkingtogetIDEAreauthorizedandchangethelanguageinthelawtomakeitpossibleforchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiestobeidentifiedearlyandonapathtograduationwitharegulardiplomardquoarespecificgoalstobringtolegislators
4 Stay open-minded and respectful YouwillencounterpolicymakerswhodonrsquotagreewithwhatyouaretryingtoaccomplishtheymayhaveagendasthatcompletelyopposeyoursDonrsquotdismissthemUnderstandingopposingpointsofviewwillhelpyoucraftastrongpositionthattakesdiverseinterestsintoaccountAlsodonrsquotbehostiletowardsthemRemainingrespectfulcalmandpersonableevenwiththosewhoseviewsmightoffendyouisthekey to being an effective advocate
5 Be prepared to ldquodouble deckrdquoIfyouwanttobesurethatyouarereachingpolicymakersandhavinganimpactontheirpolicydecisionsyouaregoingtohavetousemanyoftheavailablemethodstocommunicateyourmessageJustsendinganemailisnrsquotenoughThesedaysinordertobeheardyouwillmostlikelyhavetopickupthephonesendafaxsendanemailandevenstopbytheofficeifyoucanMakeitimpossibleforthepeopleyouaretryingtoreach to ignore you
Who to ApproachConstituentshavethegreatestchanceofbeingheardbytheirlegislativerepresentativesOnthefederallevelCongressconsistsoftheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentativesEverystatehastwoSenatorsandatleastoneRepresentative(approximatelyoneRepresentativeforevery650000people)EachmemberofCongresshasalargestaffdedicatedtofindingoutwherevotersstandonimportantissuesOnthestatelevelthereisalsoaSenateandaHouseofRepresentativesLocallycountyandcitycouncilsrepresenttheircitizensandinsomestatestherearealsoregionallegislatures
EveryoneintheUnitesStatesisrepresentedbytwoUSSenatorsoneUSRepresentativeoneStateSenatoroneormoreStateRepresentatives(exceptforthosewhoresideintheDistrictofColumbia)aswellascountyandcitycouncilmembersYouelectthesepeoplesotheyareallveryinterestedinwhatyouhavetosay
When to Approach PolicymakersItrsquosnevertooearlytobeginestablishingrelationshipswithyourRepresentativesPolicymakersarepeoplelikeyoumdash theydonrsquotlikebeingapproachedonlywhenyouwantsomethingIfthereisabillupforconsiderationoravoteabouttotakeplacetheyhavealreadybeenworkingontheissueforsometimeTobeaneffectiveadvocateyoushouldcultivatearelationshipwithyourrepresentativesovertimesotheyknowtoturntoyouwhentheyneedguidanceonthetopicsyouknowandcareaboutAndtheywillturntoyouMakeityourbusinesstoestablishyourselfasanLDexpertintheeyesofyourelectedofficialsandtheirstaffmembersKeepinregularcontactwiththemmdashviaaletteroremailupdatingthemonlearningdisabilitiesissueseverymonthorsoregularphonecallsavisitnowandthenOvertimetheywillcometoknowandtrustyouasasourceofinformationtheycancountonIttakespersistencebutRepresentativeshavetomakedecisionswithorwithoutyouYourinputcanhelpthemmakegooddecisionsforpeoplewith LD
Writing Letters and EmailsPolicymakerspayattentiontolettersSinceSeptember112001regularmailcantakeupto30daystoreachalegislatorbecauseoftheinspectionprocessButifyouusemorethanonemethodofdelivery(regularmailfaxand email) your message will get through If you want to be sure your message lands in the right hands call your RepresentativersquosofficeandaskhowtheyprefertogetconstituentfeedbackPersonallettersandemailsfromconstituents are always the most effective and it doesnrsquot take hundreds of them to get a legislator to take notice Here areafewthingstokeepinmindwhenyouwrite
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 12
bullPersonalize your message Masscomputer-generatedmessagingiscommonthesedaysandpolicymakerswillpaymoreattentiontoaletteroremailtheyknowcomesfromarealpersonShareanypersonalexperiencesthatdirectlyillustratethepointyouaretryingtomake(ieldquoMysonJasonisabrightcuriouschildwhodoeswellinmathandsciencebutbecauseofhisreadingscoreshisschoolPS123wantshimtorepeatthirdgradeRetentionisnottheanswer rdquo)
bullInclude your name address and other contact information Legislators need to know that you are one of their constituents If you are sending an email be sure to use your real name not a username like ldquoLD momrdquo Anonymous mail will be ignored
bullBe brief specific and courteous KeepyourcommunicationsasshortaspossibleandbesuretopolitelystateyourspecificrequestinthefirstfewsentencesAvoidjargonthelanguageofyourmessageshouldbeassimpleaspossible
bullMention any affiliation you have with the policymaker IfyouknowsomeoneintheofficeorworkedontheRepresentativersquoselectioncampaignremindhimorherHavingapersonalassociationgivesyouevenmoreinfluencethan only being a constituent
bullEnclose any recent articles or reports that are relevant to your message NeverassumepolicymakersreadeverythingyoudoTheymightbutitisalwayshelpfultobringgoodinformationtotheirattention
bullIf your message is about a specific bill budget item or policy be sure to mention the name or number if you know it AlsostatewhetheryousupportoropposeitandaskforthepolicymakerrsquosviewsProvidefactsthatbackupyouropinionandshareanypersonalexperiencesthatpertaintotheissue
Using EmailMembers of Congress receive millions of emails each year To cut down on email volume most members of Congress arenowusingfilteringsystemsthatallowonlyemailsfromconstituentstoreachtheirinboxBesuretofollowtheinstructionsoftheWebformmdashtypicallyusedbymostMembersrsquositesmdashtoensurethatyourmessageisreceivedWheneverpossiblebesuretorefertoaspecificpieceoflegislationinthesubjectline(iereSupportEarlyInterventionforChildrenwithReadingDifficulties)andincludeyourmailingaddresssothereaderknowsyouareaconstituentIndividualizeyouremailbysharingthosepersonalexperiencesthatpertaintoyourargumentSomeemailcampaignsgeneratedbyLegislativeActionCenterssuchasthoseonwwwLDorgallowyoutoeditthetextyouaresendingsousethatoptiontomakeyouremailletterstandoutAgainthebestpolicyistouseallformsofcommunicationmdashwritealetterfaxitandalsosendanemail
Making Phone CallsPickingupthephoneisaneasywaytoreachouttopolicymakersanditisimmenselyeffectiveYourFederalRepresentativesshouldhavetheirphonenumberslistedontheirwebsiteinthebluepagesofthelocalphonebookoryoucanalwaysgetthisinformationthroughtheUSCapitolswitchboardat(202)224-3121orvisit wwwcontactingthecongressorgwhereyoucanenteryouraddressandgetcompletecontactinformationforyourelectedofficials
WhencallingasktospeaktotheaidewhoisresponsibleforeducationanddisabilityissuesSpeakingtoanaideisaseffectiveasspeakingtoanactuallegislatortheirstaffsexisttobetheirexpertsonwhatvoterscareaboutUsethesameguidelinesforaphonecallaswhenyouwriteBeforeyoudialbesureto
bullPrepare what you are going to say Writedownafewconcisetalkingpointssothatyoudonrsquothavetoremembereverything in the heat of the moment
bullMention your name and address so they know you are in their state or district
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 13
bullCall the office Whetheritrsquosvoicemailorareceptionistspelloutyournameandaddressandleaveashortmessageoutliningwhatyouarecallingabout(ldquoIrsquomcallingaboutthependingreauthorizationoftheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActandtheneedforearlyinterventionforstrugglingreadersrdquo)
bullFollow up any phone call with a written note sent via email or fax This way the legislator has a written recordofyourcallandyouhaveanotheropportunitytoreinforceyourmessageThenoteshouldclearlyincludeyournameaddressphonenumberandwhenyoucalledIfyouwereabletospeaktosomeonebesuretothankhimor her
Meeting with PolicymakersItmayseemdauntingbutthebestwaytoensurepolicymakersgetyourmessageistellingthemortheirstaffinpersonVisitingalegislatoriseasyAllyouhavetodoismakeanappointmentinadvanceYoucanvisitthemattheirdistrictofficeswhentheyarehome(typicallyonMondayandFriday)orgotoseethemonCapitolHill(iftheyarefederal legislators)
Beforeyougothinkaboutthefollowing
bullConsider bringing a delegation Itrsquoslessintimidatingforyouifyouarepartofagroup(ieagroupofparentsofchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesoradiversegroupofeducatorsparentsandpsychologists)andyourmessagewillbe even stronger because of your numbers If you are a team be sure there is a leader who will do most of the talking
bullWhy are you going You should rehearse what you are going to say and how you are going to say it before you go Beabletogivea90-secondversionofyourpresentationItshouldincludeyournamewhereyoulivewhatpertinentgroupsyouareapartofasynopsisoftheissueyouareaddressingandaclearrequest(pleasesupportbillxoropposethepassingofresolutiony)Yourappointmentwillprobablybeveryshort(10-15minutes)sostartwiththesummaryandthenexpandastimepermits
bullKnow where the policymaker stands YoursquollbeabletoprepareyourstrategyduringthemeetingifyouknowexactlywherethepersonyouaremeetingwithstandsontheissueyouareaddressingCalltheofficeorcheckoutProjectVoteSmartatwwwvote-smartorgYoucanalsocalltheofficebeforeyougoandaskwhathisorherpositionis
bullPrepare something in writing Whetheritisaone-pagesummaryofyourpresentationorafolderwitharticlesandstatisticssupportingyourrequestyoushouldalwayshavesomethingtohandthepersonyoumeetwithAlsobesurethatwhateveryouhandoverhasyournameaddressphonenumberandemailaddressonitGettingintouchwithyou should be effortless
bullFollow up with a thank-you note OncethestaffmembercanconnectafacewithyournamedonrsquotlethimorherforgetYournoteshouldbeshortandshouldbrieflysummarizewhatyoudiscussedatthemeetingincludeanyinformationyoupromisedtoprovideandasalwaysincludeallyourcontactinformation
Ifyoursquovestatedclearlyandconciselywhyyouarethereandtherersquossometimetospareexplainwhothisissuewillaffect and how If the legislator with whom you are meeting (or whose aide you are meeting) has done something you arepleasedaboutlethimorherknowthatPolicymakershearlotsofcriticismgenuinepraiseisalwayswelcomeYoumayspendalotoftimelisteningtowhatthepolicymakerrsquosviewsonyourissueareoryoumayhavetoeducatethemonsomebasicsmdashbepreparedforeitherscenarioAlsolethimorherknowthatyouwillsharewhathappensatthemeetingwithawideraudiencebackhome(suchasyourlocallearningdisabilitiesadvocacygroup)Thisisarelationshipyouarebuildingandevenifyoudonrsquotseeeyetoeyeitrsquosimportanttokeepthedooropentocontinuedcommunications
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 14
Working with the Media
photo
If you are a parent advocate you are also an activist Working with the media is a powerful and enduring tool in my special education toolbox Remember the media is there to tell the news or a story My voice and pen are my greatest
obligation and opportunity When I have something to say or want to educate the public I am relentless in my pursuit to be heard on behalf of our children I write blogs letters to the editor guest columns and callemail the education editorial staff and staff-writers to pitch an idea for a story or pass along important news about legislative action and special education policy
Believe in your heart that your childrsquos school experience is a story waiting to be told The media is nothing to be intimidated by I am a recognized and reliable resource whether I am the writer or the source of information Write a letter to the editor or contact an education staff-writer with a story I promise the media is waiting for you
Marcie Lipsitt parent advocate Michigan
ThinkofthemediaasatoolGettingmediacoveragecanhelpyoudrawattentiontospecificissuesregardinglearningdisabilitieseducatethepublicandinfluencepolicymakersbydrawingatten-tiontotheiractionsThemediawieldsalotofpowerinsocietytodaybutbehindallthenewsprintandsoundwavesreportersarepeoplelikeyouwhowanttoinformthepublicWithagoodangleandtherighttimingyoucanbringalotofattentionto the needs and rights of children with learning disabilities
Working with the media can take a few different forms
u Writing letters to the editoruWritingop-edpiecesuApproachingeditorialboardsu Calling a radio showuPreparingpressreleases
Keepthesebasicprinciplesinmindwhenworkingwithyourlocalnewspaperradiostationorevenatelevisionprogram
bullKnowexactlywhatitisyouwanttosayandhowtosayitBeconciseandkeepyourmessagetotwoorthreestrongpointsthatyoucanexpressinafewdifferent ways
bullWheneveryoucontactanymediaoutletorspecificreporterbesureyoufindoutwhoisinchargeofeducationandordisabilityissuesandgetthatpersonrsquosdirectphonenumberfaxnumberandemailaddress
bullUsethesimplestplainestlanguagepossibleReportersmay or may not know as much as you do about learningdisabilitiesbutyourwordsareforthepublicthereporterisreachingwhomyoushouldassumearenot at all familiar with the issues you are discussing Ontheotherhanddonrsquotbecondescendingeither
bullBecomethoroughlyfamiliarwithanynewspaperradioshowortelevisionprogramwithwhichyouwillbecommunicatingBesurethatyouunderstandthe style and general angle of the outlet and that you arefamiliarwiththeworkofanyparticulareditorreporterorproducerwithwhomyoumightbeincontactThiswayyoursquollknowhowtoapproachthemorperhapstopushbackwhenheorshewritessomethingwithwhichyoudisagreeFrequentlyyouwillfindthatreportersaredrawntotheissueoflearningdisabilitiesbecauseofsomepersonal
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 15
connectionsuchasachildorrelativewhohasalearningdisabilitysuchasdyslexiaJustasoftenthereportermightaskaboutLDwheninfacttheyareseekinginformationaboutotherdisabilitiessuchasADHDorautismspectrumdisordersBepreparedtousethosekindsofconnectionstoyouradvantagemdashyoucanbuildarelationshipbyofferingyourself as a resource
bullNeverassumethatanythingisldquoofftherecordrdquoItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtotakewhatyousayandturnitintoastorythatsellspapersTheonlywayyoucanmakesuretheyaretellingyourstoryisbystickingtoitDonrsquotthrowinlittlecommentariesevenifyouthinkyoursquorejustlighteninguptheconversationunlessyouarepreparedtoseetheminprint
bullldquoNocommentrdquoisacommentItdoesnrsquotimplythatyoudonrsquotknowitimpliesyouknowbutdonrsquotwanttotalkaboutitbecauseitmightbeaweaknessinyourargumentorgoagainstyourpoint
bullItrsquosokaytosayldquoIdonrsquotknowrdquoThebestthingtosayisldquoIdonrsquotknowbutIcangetbacktoyouonthatrdquoThenfindoutquicklyandcontactthereporterpromptly
bullDonrsquotletareportergettoyouItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtoaskquestionsandsometimesevenplaydevilrsquosadvocateAlwaysbepolitecalmandcollectedandmakesureyoustayontopic
bullDonrsquotletreportersputwordsinyourmouthItrsquosdangeroustoagreewithastatementtheymakeforyou(ieldquoSowouldyousaythatrdquo)ThequotesshouldcomefromyounotthemIfyoursquorenotsureheorshegotitrightitrsquosokaytoaskareportertoreadbackwhatyoujustsaid
bullPreparationisthebestwaytoensurethatyoucomeawayfromanyone-on-onesituationhavingclearlyandeffectively communicated your message
bullAlwaysthankthepersonwithwhomyouaredealingandfollowuptomakesureyourmessagesarebeingused
bullAskwhenthestorywillrunandrequestnotificationwhenitgoeslive
Letters to the EditorTheLetterstotheEditorsectionisalwaysoneofthemostpopularsectionsofanypaperormagazineThissectionisaneasywayforyoutoletpolicymakersknowyouropinionsandtoeducatereadersaboutissuesthatconcernyouLetterscanbeusedtocorrectorrespondtothefactsinanarticletopraiseorcriticizeopinionsexpressedinthepublicationortosimplybringattentiontotheissueyouwanttoaddress
StudythepublicationyoursquorewritingtobeforeyoubeginKnowthenameoftheappropriateeditortowritetoandbecomefamiliarwiththeformatthatpublishedletterstakeSomenewspapershavewrittenguidelinesfortheirlettersFollowingtheseguidelinescloselyisthebestchanceyouhaveofgettingpublished
Hereareafewmoretipstohelpyougetyourmessageacrossinalettertotheeditor
bullTiming is everything Respondtoanarticleornewsitemrightafterithappensorevenbetterifyouknowabillispassingoranarticleisbeingprintedsendyourlettertotheeditorbeforereadersknowanythingaboutit
bullShort and sweet JustaswhenwritingtoalegislatorkeepyourletterclearandconciseMakeonestrongpointandleave it at that Itrsquos a good idea to write a draft of your letter take a break and then look at it again That way you can makesurethatyouaresayingexactlywhatyouintend
bullCheck your facts BothyourcredibilityandthatofthepublicationhangontheaccuracyofyourletterandcredibilityiseverythingIfitturnsoutyoudidnrsquothaveyourfactsstraightitrsquosunlikelyyourletterswillbepublishedagain
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 16
bullMake it relevant Ifyouarewritingtoasmalllocalpaperexplainhowyourissueaffectsthecommunity(ieldquoIfCouncilmanWhorsquosresolutionpassesoneineveryfourthirdgradersatWhovilleElementarySchoolwillberdquo)IfyouarewritingtoalargerpublicationadaptyourtoneandscopetoitsaudienceLocalconnectionsforpapersbasedinmetropolitanareasarestillimportantevenforlargepapers
bullName names DonrsquotbeafraidtomentionpolicymakerrsquosnamesmdashthisisaneasywaytomakealetterrelevanttoalocalareaIfyouareaddressingaspecificpersonrsquospoliciesorintentionsbesuretosendacopyofthelettertothatpersonPoliticiansneedtoknowyouarepayingattentiontowhattheyaredoingthatwillhaveanimpactonchildrenwith LD
bullLet them know who you are AnylettertotheeditorshouldincludeallyourcontactinformationThepublicationmaynotprintitbutaneditormayneedtogetintouchwithyoutoverifysomeinformationortoaskyouquestionsJustaswithpolicymakersoneofyourgoalsistobecomeasourceofinformationforthemAlsoifyouhaveanycredentialsthatmakeyoumoreofanauthoritymentionthemYourexpertisewillmakeitfarmorelikelythatyourletterwillgetprinted
bullFollow up CallthepublicationtomakesuretheyreceivedyourletterandoffertohelpthemwithanystoriestheyhaveplannedonlearningdisabilitiesTheymighthavefeedbackforyouonyourletterormighttaketheopportunitytoaskyouafewquestionsabouttheissue
bullKeep trying EvenifyourletterdoesnrsquotgetpublishedwriteanotheronethenexttimeitrsquosappropriateTherecanbemanyreasonswhyapublicationdoesnrsquotprintanyoneletterandeducatingtheeditorialstaffofthepublicationisanimportanttasktoo
bullContrary point of view Letterstotheeditorwhichproposeaviewcontrarytotheviewinanarticlearemorelikelytobepublishedthanletterswhichagreewiththepaperrsquospointofview
Writing an Op-Ed PieceOp-edsareliketheuppercrustofletterstotheeditorTheyarewrittenbyreadersjustlikeletterstotheeditorbuttendtocomefrompeopleofauthoritysuchaspresidentsCEOsandevenlegislatorsOp-edscarryabylinesoinawaytheyarearticlesbutopinionatedonesIfyouarepartofanadvocacyorganizationitrsquosagoodideatogivethebylinetotheexecutivedirectororamemberoftheboard(withtheirpermissionofcourse)Whenwritinganop-edusetheguidelinesforletterstotheeditorandalsokeepinmind
bullTheformatforanop-edisveryspecificUsuallytheyrangefrom300-750wordsMakesureyouknowwhatthepublicationrsquosguidelinesareOp-edsaregenerallyalsoexclusivesosubmittheop-edtothepublicationthathasthelargestcirculationandthegreatestlikelihoodofpublishingyourworkTargetpublicationsthatpublishop-edsonthetopicuponwhichyouarewriting
bullThestrongestop-edsaretheonesthatmakereadersunderstand(1)whyanissueisimportanttothempersonallyand(2) what they should do about it The tone should not suggest that the issue is about you and your agenda but rather that yours is of broad concern and you are offering a suitable call to action
bullMakeitsimpleYourmessageshouldbeloudandclearsoagoodruleofthumbistofirsttellthemwhatyouaregoingtosaysayitandthentellthemwhatyousaidYourlanguageshouldbejargon-freeandunemotional
Tolearnmoreabouthowtoeffectivelyplaceyourop-edinthemajorpapersacrossthecountryvisittheCommunicationConsortium Media Centerrsquos site at wwwccmcorgnode16170
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 17
Approaching Editorial BoardsEditorialboardsaretheeditorsandstaffofapublicationwhodeterminewhatgoesintothepublicationGoingtoaneditorialboardisthebehind-the-sceneswaytogetyourmessageoutYourfirstgoalistogetaneditorialmdashtheofficialopinionofthepublicationmdashwrittenaboutyourissue(Newspapereditorialshavebeenknowntoswaypublicopinionstronglymdashpoliticiansworkhardtogetapapertoendorsethemduringelections)ConvincinganeditorialboardisalotlikeconvincingalegislatorMeetingwithaneditorialboardcanalsohavetheaddedbenefitofbringingthefocusedattention of the editors to your issue so that learning disabilities may get more coverage in the future
Prepareforavisitwithaneditorialboardjustlikeyouwouldavisittoalegislator
bullGoingaspartofateamisagoodideaparticularlyifyoucanselectapersonofauthorityandinfluenceastheleader
bullEditorsarealwaysbusysobereadytopresenteverythinginlessthan15minutes
bullBrainstormstoryideasthatrelatetoyourtightlywordedmessagetopresenttotheboard
bullWhenyoursquoredoneaskwhetherthepublicationwillbeabletowriteaneditorialsupportingyourpositionorfeatureanarticleonyourcauseIfnotbepoliteandgraciousandoffertowriteanop-edpieceThentryagainnexttime
Calling a Radio ShowAdvocating for the rights of children with LD on the air is similar to all the other forms of advocacy with one exceptionmdashthesoundofyourvoiceThereisalotofpowerinhearinganindividualrsquosvoiceonairandbeingonaradioprogramcanbeagreatopportunityforyoutohumanizetheissueyouwanttobringattentiontobutyouhavetobeprepared
bullKnow the program yoursquoll be on WhenyouareontheairyouareonthespotandtherersquosnogoingbacktoeditwhatyousayBesuretolearnhowthehosttalkstopeopleandhowheorsherespondswhencallersgetflustered
bullKnow your message inside and out Again radio is live so having notes in front of you to make sure you have thewordsyouneedtoexpressyourselfclearlyandsimplyiskeyTalkaboutaparticularbilloraparticularlegislatorbynameandexplainpreciselywhatyouaretryingtoachieve
bullThink about your audience WhenyouaretalkingthinkaboutwhoislisteningBespecificabouthowthisissueaffectsyourcommunityandtalkaboutthelocallegislatorsandwhattheycandoThegoalistoexpressthatthisisanissueaboutpeoplepeoplelikeyouandpeoplelikeyourlistenersDonrsquotuselanguageyoursquorenotcomfortablewithandbepreparedtoansweranyquestionsWhateverthequestionsmaybebringtheanswerbacktoyourmessage
bullPracticeIfyoursquoveneverbeenontheairbeforeitrsquosagoodideatopracticewithataperecorderandanotherpersonaskingyouquestionsUsingataperecorderwillallowyoutolistentobothwhatyoursquovesaidandhowyoursquovesaiditLongpausestothinkmaycomeacrossasindecisivenessAnervouslaughmaysoundpatronizingandldquoummsrdquoandldquoahhsrdquocandetractfromyourpointConductafewrehearsalsandyoursquollfeelmuchmoreconfidentFeelingrelaxedwhencallingcanonlybenefityourmessage
Preparing Press ReleasesPressornewsreleasesareconciseannouncementsoftime-sensitiveinformationregardinganimportantsituationoreventGenerallypressreleasesareissuedbyorganizationsbutindividualadvocatescanbenefitfromknowinghowandwhenapressreleaseissenttothemedia
ThemosteffectivepressreleasesfollowastandardformatandprovidenewsworthyinterestinginformationtojournalistsinaconcisemannerAgoodpressreleasecanbethebackboneofanarticleandreportersaregratefulforcondensedcopytohelpthemmakeanewsitemmorerelevantOntheotherhandifanindividualororganizationsendsoutapressreleasefornobetterreasonthansendingoutanotherpressreleasetheyallbecomeirrelevantInthemediacredibilityisextremelyimportantandsendingoutirrelevantpressreleasesisalotlikecryingldquowolfrdquo
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 18
Using Social MediaTheexplosionofonlinemediatoolshascreatedawholenewwaytogetyourmessageoutBesuretotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglypopularavenuesofcommunicating
SetupablogtopromoteyourissuesUsingtoolssuchasWordpress(wwwwordpresscom)orMovableType (wwwmovabletypecom)youcanquicklycreateablogforfreeBlogsallowreaderstopostcommentsgeneratingmoreinterestandinteractionAlsobesuretovisitotherblogsaboutyourissuessuchaseducationspecialeducationanddisabilityblogswhereyoucanpostrelevantcommentsthatkeepyourissuesattheforefront
EstablishingapresenceonsocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook(wwwfacebookcom) is a great way to get out informationandmessagesthatsupportyouradvocacyeffortsThesesitesofferavarietyoftoolsthatallowyoutocreateblogsconductforumsandpollsaddphotosaudioandvideofeaturesandmore
Increasetheimpactofyourblogandsocialmediapresencebyusingareal-timeinformationnetworklikeTwitter(wwwtwittercom)tocommunicatequickupdatesaboutwhatrsquoshappeningwithyourissuesDonrsquotforgettousehashtagstoconnectyourtweetstoothersonthesametopicEncourageotherstostayinformedaboutyourworkbyusingReallySimpleSyndication(RSS)mdashapopularmeansofsharingcontentacrosstheInternet
Remembertokeepyouronlinepresenceuptodatewithnewandinterestinginformationopportunitiestogetinvolvedandwaysthosewhosupportyourissuescanhelp
Lastlyconsiderusingotheronlinecommunicationtoolssuchaswebinarspodcastsandvideostoprovideinformationabout your issues and tell others how to get involved and take action
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
A Message from NCLD
Dear Fellow Advocates
WelcomeThefactthatyouareconnectingwithusheretellsmethatyouwanttotakeactioninsupportofindividuals with learning disabilities (LD) mdash and that you want to learn about ways to do so effectively Wersquore delighted to have you onboard and work with us
Nowmorethaneveritrsquosimperativethatparentsrsquovoicesareraisedandheardmdashthereissomuchatstake It all begins with advocacy to
bull Ensurethatallchildrenhavetheopportunitytoachievetheirpotentialbull IncreasethenumberofteachersandschoolleaderswhounderstandandarepreparedtoprovidetheinstructionalsupportandaccommodationsthatstudentswithLDmayrequire
bull IncreaseawarenessoftherealitiesandthechallengesofthosefacedwithLDandbull Buildthepublicwilltoinvestthetimeandmoneynecessarytomakesureallchildrenandadultsreceivetheeducationalandlifelongopportunitiestheydeserveandtowhichtheyareentitled
TohelpfurthertheseadvocacyeffortsNCLDhasdevelopedthisLDAdvocatesGuidetoexplainhowtoengagepolicymakersandthemediaonissuesaffectingfamiliesandindividualswithLD
Since1990NCLDhasmobilizedtensofthousandsofparentsteachersandindividualswithLDtospeakinapowerfulvoiceinWashingtonDCWiththissupportweareactivelyinvolvedinstrengtheningtheindividual rights of those with LD
TheeducationalopportunitiesandrightsthatachildwithlearningdisabilitiesenjoyshaveprimarilybeenshapedbyFederalpoliciesandlawssuchasthelandmarkIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)theElementaryandSecondaryEducationAct(ESEA)Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973andtheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(asamendedin2008)NCLDworkstoimprovetheseFederal laws with the overarching goal to ensure that all students with LD have the same access and necessarysupporttoachieveahighschooldiplomaandbepreparedtosuccessfullytransitiontopost-secondary education or career training
WepromoteaccountabilityforeducationaloutcomesforallstudentsearlieridentificationofLDmoreeffectiveearlyinterventionprogramsbetterteacherpreparationandincreasededucationfundingWithmoredecisionsforstudentachievementshiftingtothestatesourchildrenneedustostandupandspeakoutforthemWemustworktogethertoensurethathard-wonaccesstoeffectiveinstructionappropriateassessmentsupportservicesandaccesstoaccommodationsarenotlost
AgainwelcomeandmysincerethanksforjoiningwithNCLDinthisimportantwork
Sincerely
James H WendorfExecutiveDirectorNational Center for Learning DisabilitiesNew York New York
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 4
Getting Started
Do learning disabilities (LD) affect your life Whether you areaparentofachildwithLDanadultwithLDaneducatororanLDprofessionaltherersquosaplaceforyouintheworldofLDadvocacyTherearemanyaspectstoadvocacywhichyoucan learn about in this guide but all are intended to ensure that lawmakersandthegeneralpublicrespectandprotecttherightsof individuals with LD
AdvocacycanbehardworkfunexhilaratingandsometimesfrustratingbutitisessentialtoimprovingthelivesofpeoplewithLDSoletrsquosgetstarted
BeinganadvocatedoesnotmeanyouhavetoquityourjobwritebigcheckstopoliticiansorrushtoWashingtonDCIt also doesnrsquot mean you have to know everything there is to know about learning disabilities or every law ever written onthesubject
BeinganadvocatedoesrequirethatyouuseyourvoicetomakeadifferenceforchildrenandadultswithLDYouhaveanimportantstorytotellandexperiencestoshare
Under both education and civil rights law individuals with learning disabilities are entitled to rights and services It seemssimplebutasyouknowitiscomplexandoftenpeoplewithotheragendasarepushinglawmakerstomakedecisionsthatmaynottakepeoplewithLDintoproperconsiderationThatrsquoswhereyoucomeinYourvoiceiscritical mdashitrsquosthefoundationofdemocracyYoucan(andshould)tellyourelectedofficialshowtovoteforlawsbudgetsandpoliciesthatwork
BecominganLDadvocateisnotanewjoboraspecialtitlesavedforthechosenfewbutratheramindsetIfyouwanttheproblemsinyourschooldistrictstateoratthefederalleveltobefixedoratleastimprovedyoursquoregoingtohavetogetinvolvedParentshavebeensteppingintothisroleforyearsandyoucanmakeadifferencemdashnotonlyforyourchild mdash but for all children with LD
Evenifyouonlyhavefiveminutesperweektosparethesetipswillgetyoustartedontheroadtoeffectiveadvocacy
1 Become familiar with the state and federal laws that pertain to learning disabilities There is no need to go to law school because this information is available on wwwLDorgthroughyourstateofficeofeducationand your statersquos Parent Training and Information Center A directory of centers by state is available at wwwparentcenternetworkorg To get started also check the ldquoTalking about LDrdquo section of this guide
2 Get on the mailing lists of advocacy organizations NCLDrsquos own Legislative Action Center is a great way to becomefamiliarwithwhatrsquoshappeninginWashingtonDCrelatedtolearningdisabilitiesSignupatwwwLDorg
3 Call your legislators PoliticiansarepeoplewiththeirownexperiencesIfLDisnotapartoftheirlives theycanrsquotpossiblyunderstandtheimplicationsoftheirvotesthewayyoudoYourlocalstateandfederal legislatorsarelistedinthebluesectionofyourphonebookcanbefoundinaquickInternetsearchorat wwwcontactingthecongressorgTheywanttohearfromyoutheyhaveastaffforjustthatpurposeAndifthereis a bill you are interested in discussing theyrsquod rather receive your call before a big vote than get an angry call afterwardsMoretipsonworkingwithpolicymakersarepresentedlaterinthisguide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 5
4 Write a letter or an email to a policymaker YourelectedofficialswelcomehearingfromyouTellthemhowaparticularpieceoflegislationwillaffectyouandotherswhoareaffectedbyLDFirsthandandpersonalstoriesfromtheirconstituentsarealwayshelpfultopolicymakersInreturnyoucanusuallyexpecttogetareplyexplainingtheissue more fully and what they intend to do about it
5 Talk about what you know Tell your story talk about your LD concerns and offer ideas about what can be done aboutthemPoliticianswanttobeaskedtodosomethingsoseizethemomentandaskthemtobeproactiveontheissues that matter to you
6 Go public CallaradiostationblogonissuesyoucareaboutorwritealettertotheeditorofyourlocalnewspaperExplainwhydisabilitylegislationisanimportantissueandhowthingscanbechangedforthebetterEmailyourfriendsscheduleameetuporothermeetingtodiscussLDpoliciesAsanadvocateyoudonrsquothavetogoitaloneTothecontraryyoushouldtrytogetasmanypeopleexcitedandactiveaboutlearningdisabilitiesaspossible
7 Vote ItseemsbasicbutitisvitalthatyouexercisethisrightYoucanevengoonestepfurtherbyhelpingcandidateswhosupportlearningdisabilitiesissueswiththeircampaignsTheknowledgeyouhavecanhelpacandidateclarifyhisorherpositiononanissuethatisimportanttosomanypeople
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 6
Talking about LDThefirststeptobeinganeffectiveLDadvocateisunderstandingtheissueandhowtotalkaboutitYourpersonalexperiencesmaybemotivatingyoubutitisimportanttoeducateyourselfaboutthefactsandfiguresandbroadenyourunderstandingofLDbeyondwhatyoursquovelearnedthroughthoseexperiencesKnowingsomeofthe ldquohot buttonrdquo issues and how to deal with them is essential be-causeitconveysasenseofcredibilityandaddstoyourauthorityasaspokespersonforthecauseRegardlessofwhethertheseissuesareofinteresttoyouoneormoreislikelytocomeupindiscussionswithpolicymakersandthemedia
TherecontinuestobesubstantialmisconceptionsaboutlearningdisabilitiesandhowtobestsupportchildrenwhostruggletolearnLearninghowtoframemessagessothattheyhavethegreatestimpactshouldbeyourpriorityWhyBecauseunderstandingwhatyouaretalkingaboutandchoosingtherightwordscanhaveamajorimpactonyourworkMisconceptionscannotsimplybeoverturnedbyconfrontingthemwithstatisticsnomatterhowpowerfulthosestatisticsmaybeBothpolicymakersandthegeneralpublichavepreconceivedideasaboutwhatlearningdisabilitiesareanditisyourjobtospeakclearlyandeffectivelytothoseconcernswhilepersuasivelyexplainingthatitisineveryonersquosbestinteresttorespectandsupporttherightsofindividualswithLDsotheycanbecomesuccessfuladults
Describing Learning DisabilitiesFormanypeopleitisdifficulttounderstandthesecommonplacebuthiddendisabilitiesThisismademoredifficultbymisinformationandthedeliberatedistortionsofthosewhoclaimthatlearningdisabilitiesareanexcuseforpooracademicperformanceThetermldquolearningdisabilitiesrdquoisfrequentlyusedasanumbrellatermforalltypesofdisabilitieswhichonlyservestofurtherconfusethepublicandperpetuatemisunderstanding
ClearconsistentandconciselanguageshouldbeusedtodescribeLDWhenworkingwithpolicymakersusingalternativephrasesthatexcludethewordldquodisabilityrdquosuchasldquolearningdisorderrdquoorldquolearningdifferencerdquodoeslittle
tochangetheperceptionsIfanythingalternativedescriptionslikeldquolearningdifficultiesrdquoorldquolearningdifferencesrdquo can soften the intensity of concern and make theissueseeminsignificant
Becausethetermldquospecificlearningdisabilityrdquoisusedinthefederallawthatprovidesspecialeducationservices(IndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct)advocatesshould use this term in their communications with policymakersandthemedia
ThedefinitionofldquospecificlearningdisabilityrdquointheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isasfollows
For our family advocacy means sharing our personal experiences to educate and encourage other families teachers administrators care providers etc Sharing our stories has resulted in opportunities to provide assistance and
to participate in meaningful dialogue that leads to positive partnerships
Advocacy takes many forms but remember that sharing your own experiences and the facts about LD can change lives As Khalil Gibran once said ldquoA little bit of knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle rdquo
Esther Falcetta parent advocate Pennsylvania
bull Thetermlsquospecificlearningdisabilityrsquomeansadisor-derinoneormoreofthebasicpsychologicalprocess-es involved in understanding or in using language spokenorwrittenwhichdisordermaymanifestitselfinimperfectabilitytolistenthinkspeakreadwritespellordomathematicalcalculations
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 7
bullThetermincludessuchconditionsasperceptualdisabilitiesbraininjuryminimalbraindysfunctiondyslexiaanddevelopmentalaphasiaduetoLD
bullThetermdoesnotincludealearningproblemthatisprimarilytheresultofvisualhearingormotordisabilitiesof intellectual disabilities[formerly known as mental retardation] of emotional disturbance or of environmental cultural or economic disadvantage [34 CFR 3008(c)(10)]
Important points to remember when describing LDbullLearningdisabilitiesarerealScientistshaveproventheneurologicalbasisofLDthroughtheuseofbrainscansandothertechniquesTherealsoisproofthatlearningdisabilitiescanbegenetic
bullLearningdisabilitiesoccuroftenMostscientificexpertsagree(andschooldataconfirm)thatatleastfivepercent mdashandlikelymoremdashofourschool-agechildrenhavesevereproblemswithlearning
bullLearningdisabilitiesarenotthesameasautismintellectualdisabilities(previouslyknownasmentalretardation)orAttentionDeficitHyperactivityDisorderPeoplewithLDhaveaveragetoaboveaverageintelligencewhichisnotthecaseforpeoplewithintellectualdisabilitiesAndwhilethereareasignificantnumberofpeoplewithLDwhoalso have ADHD ADHD is not a learning disability (If ADHD and LD are confused during your conversations it canoftenhelptodistinguishbetweenthembystatingthatADHDisadisorderthatcausesinappropriateimpulsivityattentionandinsomecaseshyperactivityandcanoftenbetreatedwithmedicationLDisaneurologicaldisorderthataffectsthebrainrsquosabilitytoreceiveprocessstoreandrespondtoinformationandcannotbetreatedwithmedication)
bullLearningdisabilitiesarelifelongManychildrencanbetaughttocompensateforthemwithearlydiagnosisandappropriateinstruction
Legal ProtectionsPeoplewithlearningdisabilitieshavelegalprotectionsavailabletothemthroughseveralfederallawsBeingfamiliarwith these laws is essential to your success as an advocate
bullIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA2004) TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA2004)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforeligiblechildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparentsMoreinformationonIDEAisavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
bullSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelawMoreinformationonSection504isavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
bullAmericans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 is a civil rightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsMoreinformationontheADAisavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
NoteFormoreinformationontheselawsandtherightsofindividualswithLDpleasevisitwwwldorgforparentguides articles toolkits and other resources
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 8
Prevalence of LDTheprevalenceoflearningdisabilitiesisfrequentlyaddressedbythemediaandisoftenbroughtupindiscussionswithpolicymakersmdashsoitrsquosimportanttoknowthefactsonthisissueWhilethereisnotasure-firewaytocapturetheexactdata regarding the total number of Americans who have learning disabilities it is conservatively estimated that 3 - 5 ofthegeneralpopulationareaffected
FortunatelythereisreliabledataonthenumberofchildrenservedintheLDcategoryunderIDEAwhichisoftenthegroupsingledoutfordiscussionWhiletherehasbeensubstantialgrowthintheLDcategoryduringthe30yearssinceenactmentofIDEAthenumberofstudentsintheLDcategoryhasincreasedlessthanthetotalnumberofallstudentsservedunderIDEAfor15consecutiveyearsInfacttherehasbeenadeclineinthenumberofstudentsidentifiedashaving LD in each of the years between 2000 and 2010
Some important numbers
bull2415564students(ages6-21)arebeingservedintheLDcategoryofIDEAtodayaccordingtothemostrecentdataavailableThisis414ofthetotalnumberofstudentsservedunderIDEAand35oftheUSresidentpopulationofstudentsinthatagegroup
bull Whilethenumberofschool-agechildrenidentifiedwithLDgrewrapidlyduringthelate1980sand1990sthenumberofchildrenidentifiedwithLDhasdeclinedby19overthelastdecade(2001-2010)In2001studentsintheLDcategoryrepresented49ofallspecialeducationstudentswhilein2010thecategoryrepresented41
bullMalescomprisealmosttwo-thirdsofschool-agestudentswithLDwhoreceivespecialeducationservices
bullThepercentageofstudentsservedintheLDcategoryvariessignificantlyfromstatetostateTolearnaboutthespecificsforyourstateseeTheStateofLearningDisabilitiesatwwwLDorgstateofld
Over-IdentificationWithlessthan4oftheschool-agepopulationcurrentlyreceivingspecialeducationservicesintheLDcategorythereappearstobelittleevidencesupportingthepersistentclaimthatstudentsareover-identifiedasLDInfactCongressionaltestimonybyDrGReidLyonformerChiefoftheChildDevelopmentandBehaviorBranchoftheNationalInstituteofChildHealthandHumanDevelopmentattheNationalInstitutesofHealthindicatedthatapproximately6percentofschool-agechildrenwillexperiencelearningdifficultyparticularlyintheareaofreadingevenwhenprovidedwithearlyandintensiveinterventionsItisthesechildrenwhoshouldbeservedbyspecialeducation as students with LD
AnotherfrequentissueraisedbybothmediaandpolicymakersisthatofoverrepresentationofminoritypopulationsinspecialeducationWhilethereisreasonforconcernaboutover-identificationofminoritiesthedisabilitycategoriesandraceethnicgroupsofgreatestconcernarethoseofemotionaldisturbanceandintellectualdisability(previouslymentalretardation)asitrelatestoBlackandHispanicstudents
AswiththeoverallrateofidentificationofstudentsasLDthedisproportionalityofraceethnicgroupsvariesamongthestatesThedeterminationofdisproportionalityisgenerallymadebycomparingtheraceethnicdistributionofstudentsservedwithineachdisabilitycategoryofIDEAwiththedistributionofthosegroupswithintheresidentpopulationforastateorschooldistrictAdditionalinformationondisproportionalitybyraceanddisabilityisavailablefromyourstatersquosdepartmentofeducation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 9
Cost of Special EducationThecostofdeliveringspecialeducationservicestostudentswithdisabilitiesisafrequentareaofinterestforthemediaandpolicymakersalikeFederally-fundedstudieshavehelpedidentifythetruecostsassociatedwithIDEAservicesmostnotablytheSpecialEducationExpendituresProject(SEEP)(httpcsefairorg)
Report5oftheSEEPfoundthatperpupilexpendituresforstudentsinspecialeducationrangedfromalowof $10558forstudentswithlearningdisabilitiestoahighof$20095forstudentswithmultipledisabilitiesinthe1999-2000schoolyearTheaverageperpupilexpenditureforatypicalregulareducationstudentwhoreceivesnospecialeducationserviceswas$6556ThereforetheaverageexpenditureforstudentswithLDis16timestheexpenditurefora regular education student
TheseexpendituresincludedspendingonallregularandspecialeducationservicesusedtoeducatestudentswithLDThemajorityofstudentswithLDspendmorethan80percentoftheirinstructionaltimeingeneraleducation
Outcomes and ExpectationsThedifficultiesfacedbypeoplewithLDcanoftenbebestcommunicatedbyprovidingdataontheoutcomesbeingexperiencedbythoseservedbyspecialeducationWhilethereisfrequentreportingontheremarkableachievementsofafewnotableswithLDingeneralpeoplewithLDareexperiencingpooroutcomesinimportantareassuchashighschoolgraduationpostsecondaryeducationandaverageearningsOveralllearningdisabilitiescompromiseabilitiesandaspirationsandcanleadtoproblemssuchasunemploymentunderemploymentsubstanceabuseandpoormentalhealth
Graduation GraduationfromhighschoolwithastandarddiplomaforstudentswithLDcoveredunderIDEAin2009-2010was67Thiswasupfrom54adecadeearlier(2000-2001)
Dropout ThedropoutrateforstudentswithLDwas20inthe2009-2010schoolyearversus39in2000-2001Dropoutratesvarygreatlybyracialethnicgroupsforbothgeneralandspecialeducationpopulation
Postsecondary Education Amonghighschoolgraduateswhohadenrolledinpostsecondaryeducationwithin8yearsofleavinghighschooljust21hadenrolledina4-yearcollegeFiftypercenthadenrolledina2-yearorcommunitycollege and 36 had enrolled in a vocational business or training school
Parental Expectations Basedona2001survey59ofparentsexpecttheirstudentwithLDtograduatefromhighschoolwithastandarddiplomaRegardingpostsecondaryeducation14ofparentsexpecttheirstudentswithLDtograduatefromatwo-yearcollegewhilejust10expectgraduationfromafour-yearcollegeAmajorityofparentsmdash64mdashreportedthattheyexpecttheirstudentswithLDdefinitelyorprobablywonrsquotgraduatefroma4-yearcollege
Moreinformationonthesecondaryschoolandpost-highschoolexperiencesofstudentswithLDisavailableat wwwNLTS2org
Cost of Procedural Safeguards in Special EducationTherearemanyreportsaboutthehighcostoflitigationinspecialeducationhoweverthisisdifficulttosubstantiateRecentstudiesofdueprocesshearingssuchasthoseconductedbytheProjectForumattheNationalAssociationofStateDirectorsofSpecialEducationindicatethatthenumberofdueprocesshearingsheldintheUSisdecliningMuchofthiscanbeattributedtotherequirementthatallstatesmakemediationandotherdisputeresolutionstrategiesavailabletoschoolsandparentsinconflict
AreportbytheSpecialEducationExpenditureProject(Report4)indicatedthattotalexpendituresonspecialeducationmediationdueprocessandlitigationduringthe1999-2000schoolyearwasapproximately$1465millionforallK-12specialeducationstudentsinpublicschools(62millionstudents)Thisbreaksdowntoanexpenditureofapproximately$24perspecialeducationpupilandaccountsforonly3oftotalspecialeducationexpenditures
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 10
Working with Policymakers
Irsquove found that in order to implement effective policy our public officials must understand the priorities and challenges of individuals with learning disabilities They need to hear how our children are doing As Irsquove met
and talked with my representatives Irsquove always found someone sympathetic to my concerns mdash sometimes itrsquos a staff person or the Representative himherself Irsquove seen extraordinary partnerships with policymakers lead to improving outcomes for individuals with learning disabilities
Please remember that when you advocate
bull Itrsquosforthekids
bull Asparentswecanmakeadifference
bull ItrsquosnicetotraveltotheCapitolwithafriend
Bette Erickson parent advocate Minnesota
AllpoliticsarelocalmdasheverypieceoflegislationthatexistshaslocalimplicationsandisalsobasedonlocalneedsItseemsobviousbutitrsquosimportanttorememberItmeansthatlawsexistbecausepeoplelikeyouworkedtomakethemhappenMostofourcurrentlawsthatassistandprotectpeoplewithLDcamefromthegrassrootseffortsofadvocateslikeyouBoththeAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)andtheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)cametobebecauseadvocates(notSenatorsorhighlypaidlobbyists)tookactionandeducatedpolicymakersastowhytheselawsneededtoexist
YoutoocanmakelawshappenHowByunderstandinghowgovernmentworksandhowyoucanmosteffectivelygetinvolvedTherearelotsofdifferentwaystogettopolicymakersandcommunicateyourthoughtsonanissuebutbeforeyoupickupyourpenoryourphoneyouneedtokeepseveralthingsinmindinordertobemosteffective
Before you approach policymakers1 Familiarize yourself with what your elected officials have to say mdash both in the policies they support
and in the mediaKeeptrackofwhereyourlocalofficialsstandonlearningdisabilitieseducationandspecialeducationissuesStartingwiththelegislatorswhorepresentyoudirectly(yourSenatorsandCongressperson)isimportantbecausetheyaretheoneswithwhomyouwillhavethemostinfluenceYouareoneoftheirconstituentsYoucancontacttheirofficestoaskabouttheirparticipationonCongressionalcommitteesrequestaposition
statementorseeiftheyhavesponsoredlegislationimportanttopeoplewithLD
IfneitheryourSenatorsnorHouseRepresentativesitonthecommitteeswithjurisdictionovereducationandspecialeducationlawsthenlearnabout the legislators who do When you are readytogetintouchwithpolicymakersitwillbe useful to communicate with both your own representativesaswellasthosewhoareinthemoreinfluentialpositionsonLDissues
2 Become familiar with all the existing laws as well as bills that are pending that affect individuals with disabilities KnowtheirnamesandbillnumbersmdashitisimportanttobeabletorefertotheseexistinganddraftlawswhenyouarecommunicatingwithyourrepresentativesOurlegislatorscanrsquotbeexpertsoneveryissuesoitrsquosuptoyoutohelpthemunderstandintricateissuessuchasthelawsimpactingpeoplewithLDThisisnrsquot as daunting as it sounds NCLD and other organizationskeeptrackoftheselawsandevensend out email alerts to notify advocates about legislativenewsGotowwwLDorg to get the basicsandsignupforemailalertsaboutwaystoaddyourvoiceonimportantdecisionsonCapitolHill
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 11
3 Clarify your focus WhatexactlyareyoutryingtoaccomplishBeingasspecificaspossibleabouttheissueyouarepresentingtoapolicymakeriskeytobeingeffectiveldquoGettingchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesadecenteducationrdquoistoobroadldquoWorkingtogetIDEAreauthorizedandchangethelanguageinthelawtomakeitpossibleforchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiestobeidentifiedearlyandonapathtograduationwitharegulardiplomardquoarespecificgoalstobringtolegislators
4 Stay open-minded and respectful YouwillencounterpolicymakerswhodonrsquotagreewithwhatyouaretryingtoaccomplishtheymayhaveagendasthatcompletelyopposeyoursDonrsquotdismissthemUnderstandingopposingpointsofviewwillhelpyoucraftastrongpositionthattakesdiverseinterestsintoaccountAlsodonrsquotbehostiletowardsthemRemainingrespectfulcalmandpersonableevenwiththosewhoseviewsmightoffendyouisthekey to being an effective advocate
5 Be prepared to ldquodouble deckrdquoIfyouwanttobesurethatyouarereachingpolicymakersandhavinganimpactontheirpolicydecisionsyouaregoingtohavetousemanyoftheavailablemethodstocommunicateyourmessageJustsendinganemailisnrsquotenoughThesedaysinordertobeheardyouwillmostlikelyhavetopickupthephonesendafaxsendanemailandevenstopbytheofficeifyoucanMakeitimpossibleforthepeopleyouaretryingtoreach to ignore you
Who to ApproachConstituentshavethegreatestchanceofbeingheardbytheirlegislativerepresentativesOnthefederallevelCongressconsistsoftheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentativesEverystatehastwoSenatorsandatleastoneRepresentative(approximatelyoneRepresentativeforevery650000people)EachmemberofCongresshasalargestaffdedicatedtofindingoutwherevotersstandonimportantissuesOnthestatelevelthereisalsoaSenateandaHouseofRepresentativesLocallycountyandcitycouncilsrepresenttheircitizensandinsomestatestherearealsoregionallegislatures
EveryoneintheUnitesStatesisrepresentedbytwoUSSenatorsoneUSRepresentativeoneStateSenatoroneormoreStateRepresentatives(exceptforthosewhoresideintheDistrictofColumbia)aswellascountyandcitycouncilmembersYouelectthesepeoplesotheyareallveryinterestedinwhatyouhavetosay
When to Approach PolicymakersItrsquosnevertooearlytobeginestablishingrelationshipswithyourRepresentativesPolicymakersarepeoplelikeyoumdash theydonrsquotlikebeingapproachedonlywhenyouwantsomethingIfthereisabillupforconsiderationoravoteabouttotakeplacetheyhavealreadybeenworkingontheissueforsometimeTobeaneffectiveadvocateyoushouldcultivatearelationshipwithyourrepresentativesovertimesotheyknowtoturntoyouwhentheyneedguidanceonthetopicsyouknowandcareaboutAndtheywillturntoyouMakeityourbusinesstoestablishyourselfasanLDexpertintheeyesofyourelectedofficialsandtheirstaffmembersKeepinregularcontactwiththemmdashviaaletteroremailupdatingthemonlearningdisabilitiesissueseverymonthorsoregularphonecallsavisitnowandthenOvertimetheywillcometoknowandtrustyouasasourceofinformationtheycancountonIttakespersistencebutRepresentativeshavetomakedecisionswithorwithoutyouYourinputcanhelpthemmakegooddecisionsforpeoplewith LD
Writing Letters and EmailsPolicymakerspayattentiontolettersSinceSeptember112001regularmailcantakeupto30daystoreachalegislatorbecauseoftheinspectionprocessButifyouusemorethanonemethodofdelivery(regularmailfaxand email) your message will get through If you want to be sure your message lands in the right hands call your RepresentativersquosofficeandaskhowtheyprefertogetconstituentfeedbackPersonallettersandemailsfromconstituents are always the most effective and it doesnrsquot take hundreds of them to get a legislator to take notice Here areafewthingstokeepinmindwhenyouwrite
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 12
bullPersonalize your message Masscomputer-generatedmessagingiscommonthesedaysandpolicymakerswillpaymoreattentiontoaletteroremailtheyknowcomesfromarealpersonShareanypersonalexperiencesthatdirectlyillustratethepointyouaretryingtomake(ieldquoMysonJasonisabrightcuriouschildwhodoeswellinmathandsciencebutbecauseofhisreadingscoreshisschoolPS123wantshimtorepeatthirdgradeRetentionisnottheanswer rdquo)
bullInclude your name address and other contact information Legislators need to know that you are one of their constituents If you are sending an email be sure to use your real name not a username like ldquoLD momrdquo Anonymous mail will be ignored
bullBe brief specific and courteous KeepyourcommunicationsasshortaspossibleandbesuretopolitelystateyourspecificrequestinthefirstfewsentencesAvoidjargonthelanguageofyourmessageshouldbeassimpleaspossible
bullMention any affiliation you have with the policymaker IfyouknowsomeoneintheofficeorworkedontheRepresentativersquoselectioncampaignremindhimorherHavingapersonalassociationgivesyouevenmoreinfluencethan only being a constituent
bullEnclose any recent articles or reports that are relevant to your message NeverassumepolicymakersreadeverythingyoudoTheymightbutitisalwayshelpfultobringgoodinformationtotheirattention
bullIf your message is about a specific bill budget item or policy be sure to mention the name or number if you know it AlsostatewhetheryousupportoropposeitandaskforthepolicymakerrsquosviewsProvidefactsthatbackupyouropinionandshareanypersonalexperiencesthatpertaintotheissue
Using EmailMembers of Congress receive millions of emails each year To cut down on email volume most members of Congress arenowusingfilteringsystemsthatallowonlyemailsfromconstituentstoreachtheirinboxBesuretofollowtheinstructionsoftheWebformmdashtypicallyusedbymostMembersrsquositesmdashtoensurethatyourmessageisreceivedWheneverpossiblebesuretorefertoaspecificpieceoflegislationinthesubjectline(iereSupportEarlyInterventionforChildrenwithReadingDifficulties)andincludeyourmailingaddresssothereaderknowsyouareaconstituentIndividualizeyouremailbysharingthosepersonalexperiencesthatpertaintoyourargumentSomeemailcampaignsgeneratedbyLegislativeActionCenterssuchasthoseonwwwLDorgallowyoutoeditthetextyouaresendingsousethatoptiontomakeyouremailletterstandoutAgainthebestpolicyistouseallformsofcommunicationmdashwritealetterfaxitandalsosendanemail
Making Phone CallsPickingupthephoneisaneasywaytoreachouttopolicymakersanditisimmenselyeffectiveYourFederalRepresentativesshouldhavetheirphonenumberslistedontheirwebsiteinthebluepagesofthelocalphonebookoryoucanalwaysgetthisinformationthroughtheUSCapitolswitchboardat(202)224-3121orvisit wwwcontactingthecongressorgwhereyoucanenteryouraddressandgetcompletecontactinformationforyourelectedofficials
WhencallingasktospeaktotheaidewhoisresponsibleforeducationanddisabilityissuesSpeakingtoanaideisaseffectiveasspeakingtoanactuallegislatortheirstaffsexisttobetheirexpertsonwhatvoterscareaboutUsethesameguidelinesforaphonecallaswhenyouwriteBeforeyoudialbesureto
bullPrepare what you are going to say Writedownafewconcisetalkingpointssothatyoudonrsquothavetoremembereverything in the heat of the moment
bullMention your name and address so they know you are in their state or district
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 13
bullCall the office Whetheritrsquosvoicemailorareceptionistspelloutyournameandaddressandleaveashortmessageoutliningwhatyouarecallingabout(ldquoIrsquomcallingaboutthependingreauthorizationoftheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActandtheneedforearlyinterventionforstrugglingreadersrdquo)
bullFollow up any phone call with a written note sent via email or fax This way the legislator has a written recordofyourcallandyouhaveanotheropportunitytoreinforceyourmessageThenoteshouldclearlyincludeyournameaddressphonenumberandwhenyoucalledIfyouwereabletospeaktosomeonebesuretothankhimor her
Meeting with PolicymakersItmayseemdauntingbutthebestwaytoensurepolicymakersgetyourmessageistellingthemortheirstaffinpersonVisitingalegislatoriseasyAllyouhavetodoismakeanappointmentinadvanceYoucanvisitthemattheirdistrictofficeswhentheyarehome(typicallyonMondayandFriday)orgotoseethemonCapitolHill(iftheyarefederal legislators)
Beforeyougothinkaboutthefollowing
bullConsider bringing a delegation Itrsquoslessintimidatingforyouifyouarepartofagroup(ieagroupofparentsofchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesoradiversegroupofeducatorsparentsandpsychologists)andyourmessagewillbe even stronger because of your numbers If you are a team be sure there is a leader who will do most of the talking
bullWhy are you going You should rehearse what you are going to say and how you are going to say it before you go Beabletogivea90-secondversionofyourpresentationItshouldincludeyournamewhereyoulivewhatpertinentgroupsyouareapartofasynopsisoftheissueyouareaddressingandaclearrequest(pleasesupportbillxoropposethepassingofresolutiony)Yourappointmentwillprobablybeveryshort(10-15minutes)sostartwiththesummaryandthenexpandastimepermits
bullKnow where the policymaker stands YoursquollbeabletoprepareyourstrategyduringthemeetingifyouknowexactlywherethepersonyouaremeetingwithstandsontheissueyouareaddressingCalltheofficeorcheckoutProjectVoteSmartatwwwvote-smartorgYoucanalsocalltheofficebeforeyougoandaskwhathisorherpositionis
bullPrepare something in writing Whetheritisaone-pagesummaryofyourpresentationorafolderwitharticlesandstatisticssupportingyourrequestyoushouldalwayshavesomethingtohandthepersonyoumeetwithAlsobesurethatwhateveryouhandoverhasyournameaddressphonenumberandemailaddressonitGettingintouchwithyou should be effortless
bullFollow up with a thank-you note OncethestaffmembercanconnectafacewithyournamedonrsquotlethimorherforgetYournoteshouldbeshortandshouldbrieflysummarizewhatyoudiscussedatthemeetingincludeanyinformationyoupromisedtoprovideandasalwaysincludeallyourcontactinformation
Ifyoursquovestatedclearlyandconciselywhyyouarethereandtherersquossometimetospareexplainwhothisissuewillaffect and how If the legislator with whom you are meeting (or whose aide you are meeting) has done something you arepleasedaboutlethimorherknowthatPolicymakershearlotsofcriticismgenuinepraiseisalwayswelcomeYoumayspendalotoftimelisteningtowhatthepolicymakerrsquosviewsonyourissueareoryoumayhavetoeducatethemonsomebasicsmdashbepreparedforeitherscenarioAlsolethimorherknowthatyouwillsharewhathappensatthemeetingwithawideraudiencebackhome(suchasyourlocallearningdisabilitiesadvocacygroup)Thisisarelationshipyouarebuildingandevenifyoudonrsquotseeeyetoeyeitrsquosimportanttokeepthedooropentocontinuedcommunications
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 14
Working with the Media
photo
If you are a parent advocate you are also an activist Working with the media is a powerful and enduring tool in my special education toolbox Remember the media is there to tell the news or a story My voice and pen are my greatest
obligation and opportunity When I have something to say or want to educate the public I am relentless in my pursuit to be heard on behalf of our children I write blogs letters to the editor guest columns and callemail the education editorial staff and staff-writers to pitch an idea for a story or pass along important news about legislative action and special education policy
Believe in your heart that your childrsquos school experience is a story waiting to be told The media is nothing to be intimidated by I am a recognized and reliable resource whether I am the writer or the source of information Write a letter to the editor or contact an education staff-writer with a story I promise the media is waiting for you
Marcie Lipsitt parent advocate Michigan
ThinkofthemediaasatoolGettingmediacoveragecanhelpyoudrawattentiontospecificissuesregardinglearningdisabilitieseducatethepublicandinfluencepolicymakersbydrawingatten-tiontotheiractionsThemediawieldsalotofpowerinsocietytodaybutbehindallthenewsprintandsoundwavesreportersarepeoplelikeyouwhowanttoinformthepublicWithagoodangleandtherighttimingyoucanbringalotofattentionto the needs and rights of children with learning disabilities
Working with the media can take a few different forms
u Writing letters to the editoruWritingop-edpiecesuApproachingeditorialboardsu Calling a radio showuPreparingpressreleases
Keepthesebasicprinciplesinmindwhenworkingwithyourlocalnewspaperradiostationorevenatelevisionprogram
bullKnowexactlywhatitisyouwanttosayandhowtosayitBeconciseandkeepyourmessagetotwoorthreestrongpointsthatyoucanexpressinafewdifferent ways
bullWheneveryoucontactanymediaoutletorspecificreporterbesureyoufindoutwhoisinchargeofeducationandordisabilityissuesandgetthatpersonrsquosdirectphonenumberfaxnumberandemailaddress
bullUsethesimplestplainestlanguagepossibleReportersmay or may not know as much as you do about learningdisabilitiesbutyourwordsareforthepublicthereporterisreachingwhomyoushouldassumearenot at all familiar with the issues you are discussing Ontheotherhanddonrsquotbecondescendingeither
bullBecomethoroughlyfamiliarwithanynewspaperradioshowortelevisionprogramwithwhichyouwillbecommunicatingBesurethatyouunderstandthe style and general angle of the outlet and that you arefamiliarwiththeworkofanyparticulareditorreporterorproducerwithwhomyoumightbeincontactThiswayyoursquollknowhowtoapproachthemorperhapstopushbackwhenheorshewritessomethingwithwhichyoudisagreeFrequentlyyouwillfindthatreportersaredrawntotheissueoflearningdisabilitiesbecauseofsomepersonal
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 15
connectionsuchasachildorrelativewhohasalearningdisabilitysuchasdyslexiaJustasoftenthereportermightaskaboutLDwheninfacttheyareseekinginformationaboutotherdisabilitiessuchasADHDorautismspectrumdisordersBepreparedtousethosekindsofconnectionstoyouradvantagemdashyoucanbuildarelationshipbyofferingyourself as a resource
bullNeverassumethatanythingisldquoofftherecordrdquoItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtotakewhatyousayandturnitintoastorythatsellspapersTheonlywayyoucanmakesuretheyaretellingyourstoryisbystickingtoitDonrsquotthrowinlittlecommentariesevenifyouthinkyoursquorejustlighteninguptheconversationunlessyouarepreparedtoseetheminprint
bullldquoNocommentrdquoisacommentItdoesnrsquotimplythatyoudonrsquotknowitimpliesyouknowbutdonrsquotwanttotalkaboutitbecauseitmightbeaweaknessinyourargumentorgoagainstyourpoint
bullItrsquosokaytosayldquoIdonrsquotknowrdquoThebestthingtosayisldquoIdonrsquotknowbutIcangetbacktoyouonthatrdquoThenfindoutquicklyandcontactthereporterpromptly
bullDonrsquotletareportergettoyouItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtoaskquestionsandsometimesevenplaydevilrsquosadvocateAlwaysbepolitecalmandcollectedandmakesureyoustayontopic
bullDonrsquotletreportersputwordsinyourmouthItrsquosdangeroustoagreewithastatementtheymakeforyou(ieldquoSowouldyousaythatrdquo)ThequotesshouldcomefromyounotthemIfyoursquorenotsureheorshegotitrightitrsquosokaytoaskareportertoreadbackwhatyoujustsaid
bullPreparationisthebestwaytoensurethatyoucomeawayfromanyone-on-onesituationhavingclearlyandeffectively communicated your message
bullAlwaysthankthepersonwithwhomyouaredealingandfollowuptomakesureyourmessagesarebeingused
bullAskwhenthestorywillrunandrequestnotificationwhenitgoeslive
Letters to the EditorTheLetterstotheEditorsectionisalwaysoneofthemostpopularsectionsofanypaperormagazineThissectionisaneasywayforyoutoletpolicymakersknowyouropinionsandtoeducatereadersaboutissuesthatconcernyouLetterscanbeusedtocorrectorrespondtothefactsinanarticletopraiseorcriticizeopinionsexpressedinthepublicationortosimplybringattentiontotheissueyouwanttoaddress
StudythepublicationyoursquorewritingtobeforeyoubeginKnowthenameoftheappropriateeditortowritetoandbecomefamiliarwiththeformatthatpublishedletterstakeSomenewspapershavewrittenguidelinesfortheirlettersFollowingtheseguidelinescloselyisthebestchanceyouhaveofgettingpublished
Hereareafewmoretipstohelpyougetyourmessageacrossinalettertotheeditor
bullTiming is everything Respondtoanarticleornewsitemrightafterithappensorevenbetterifyouknowabillispassingoranarticleisbeingprintedsendyourlettertotheeditorbeforereadersknowanythingaboutit
bullShort and sweet JustaswhenwritingtoalegislatorkeepyourletterclearandconciseMakeonestrongpointandleave it at that Itrsquos a good idea to write a draft of your letter take a break and then look at it again That way you can makesurethatyouaresayingexactlywhatyouintend
bullCheck your facts BothyourcredibilityandthatofthepublicationhangontheaccuracyofyourletterandcredibilityiseverythingIfitturnsoutyoudidnrsquothaveyourfactsstraightitrsquosunlikelyyourletterswillbepublishedagain
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 16
bullMake it relevant Ifyouarewritingtoasmalllocalpaperexplainhowyourissueaffectsthecommunity(ieldquoIfCouncilmanWhorsquosresolutionpassesoneineveryfourthirdgradersatWhovilleElementarySchoolwillberdquo)IfyouarewritingtoalargerpublicationadaptyourtoneandscopetoitsaudienceLocalconnectionsforpapersbasedinmetropolitanareasarestillimportantevenforlargepapers
bullName names DonrsquotbeafraidtomentionpolicymakerrsquosnamesmdashthisisaneasywaytomakealetterrelevanttoalocalareaIfyouareaddressingaspecificpersonrsquospoliciesorintentionsbesuretosendacopyofthelettertothatpersonPoliticiansneedtoknowyouarepayingattentiontowhattheyaredoingthatwillhaveanimpactonchildrenwith LD
bullLet them know who you are AnylettertotheeditorshouldincludeallyourcontactinformationThepublicationmaynotprintitbutaneditormayneedtogetintouchwithyoutoverifysomeinformationortoaskyouquestionsJustaswithpolicymakersoneofyourgoalsistobecomeasourceofinformationforthemAlsoifyouhaveanycredentialsthatmakeyoumoreofanauthoritymentionthemYourexpertisewillmakeitfarmorelikelythatyourletterwillgetprinted
bullFollow up CallthepublicationtomakesuretheyreceivedyourletterandoffertohelpthemwithanystoriestheyhaveplannedonlearningdisabilitiesTheymighthavefeedbackforyouonyourletterormighttaketheopportunitytoaskyouafewquestionsabouttheissue
bullKeep trying EvenifyourletterdoesnrsquotgetpublishedwriteanotheronethenexttimeitrsquosappropriateTherecanbemanyreasonswhyapublicationdoesnrsquotprintanyoneletterandeducatingtheeditorialstaffofthepublicationisanimportanttasktoo
bullContrary point of view Letterstotheeditorwhichproposeaviewcontrarytotheviewinanarticlearemorelikelytobepublishedthanletterswhichagreewiththepaperrsquospointofview
Writing an Op-Ed PieceOp-edsareliketheuppercrustofletterstotheeditorTheyarewrittenbyreadersjustlikeletterstotheeditorbuttendtocomefrompeopleofauthoritysuchaspresidentsCEOsandevenlegislatorsOp-edscarryabylinesoinawaytheyarearticlesbutopinionatedonesIfyouarepartofanadvocacyorganizationitrsquosagoodideatogivethebylinetotheexecutivedirectororamemberoftheboard(withtheirpermissionofcourse)Whenwritinganop-edusetheguidelinesforletterstotheeditorandalsokeepinmind
bullTheformatforanop-edisveryspecificUsuallytheyrangefrom300-750wordsMakesureyouknowwhatthepublicationrsquosguidelinesareOp-edsaregenerallyalsoexclusivesosubmittheop-edtothepublicationthathasthelargestcirculationandthegreatestlikelihoodofpublishingyourworkTargetpublicationsthatpublishop-edsonthetopicuponwhichyouarewriting
bullThestrongestop-edsaretheonesthatmakereadersunderstand(1)whyanissueisimportanttothempersonallyand(2) what they should do about it The tone should not suggest that the issue is about you and your agenda but rather that yours is of broad concern and you are offering a suitable call to action
bullMakeitsimpleYourmessageshouldbeloudandclearsoagoodruleofthumbistofirsttellthemwhatyouaregoingtosaysayitandthentellthemwhatyousaidYourlanguageshouldbejargon-freeandunemotional
Tolearnmoreabouthowtoeffectivelyplaceyourop-edinthemajorpapersacrossthecountryvisittheCommunicationConsortium Media Centerrsquos site at wwwccmcorgnode16170
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 17
Approaching Editorial BoardsEditorialboardsaretheeditorsandstaffofapublicationwhodeterminewhatgoesintothepublicationGoingtoaneditorialboardisthebehind-the-sceneswaytogetyourmessageoutYourfirstgoalistogetaneditorialmdashtheofficialopinionofthepublicationmdashwrittenaboutyourissue(Newspapereditorialshavebeenknowntoswaypublicopinionstronglymdashpoliticiansworkhardtogetapapertoendorsethemduringelections)ConvincinganeditorialboardisalotlikeconvincingalegislatorMeetingwithaneditorialboardcanalsohavetheaddedbenefitofbringingthefocusedattention of the editors to your issue so that learning disabilities may get more coverage in the future
Prepareforavisitwithaneditorialboardjustlikeyouwouldavisittoalegislator
bullGoingaspartofateamisagoodideaparticularlyifyoucanselectapersonofauthorityandinfluenceastheleader
bullEditorsarealwaysbusysobereadytopresenteverythinginlessthan15minutes
bullBrainstormstoryideasthatrelatetoyourtightlywordedmessagetopresenttotheboard
bullWhenyoursquoredoneaskwhetherthepublicationwillbeabletowriteaneditorialsupportingyourpositionorfeatureanarticleonyourcauseIfnotbepoliteandgraciousandoffertowriteanop-edpieceThentryagainnexttime
Calling a Radio ShowAdvocating for the rights of children with LD on the air is similar to all the other forms of advocacy with one exceptionmdashthesoundofyourvoiceThereisalotofpowerinhearinganindividualrsquosvoiceonairandbeingonaradioprogramcanbeagreatopportunityforyoutohumanizetheissueyouwanttobringattentiontobutyouhavetobeprepared
bullKnow the program yoursquoll be on WhenyouareontheairyouareonthespotandtherersquosnogoingbacktoeditwhatyousayBesuretolearnhowthehosttalkstopeopleandhowheorsherespondswhencallersgetflustered
bullKnow your message inside and out Again radio is live so having notes in front of you to make sure you have thewordsyouneedtoexpressyourselfclearlyandsimplyiskeyTalkaboutaparticularbilloraparticularlegislatorbynameandexplainpreciselywhatyouaretryingtoachieve
bullThink about your audience WhenyouaretalkingthinkaboutwhoislisteningBespecificabouthowthisissueaffectsyourcommunityandtalkaboutthelocallegislatorsandwhattheycandoThegoalistoexpressthatthisisanissueaboutpeoplepeoplelikeyouandpeoplelikeyourlistenersDonrsquotuselanguageyoursquorenotcomfortablewithandbepreparedtoansweranyquestionsWhateverthequestionsmaybebringtheanswerbacktoyourmessage
bullPracticeIfyoursquoveneverbeenontheairbeforeitrsquosagoodideatopracticewithataperecorderandanotherpersonaskingyouquestionsUsingataperecorderwillallowyoutolistentobothwhatyoursquovesaidandhowyoursquovesaiditLongpausestothinkmaycomeacrossasindecisivenessAnervouslaughmaysoundpatronizingandldquoummsrdquoandldquoahhsrdquocandetractfromyourpointConductafewrehearsalsandyoursquollfeelmuchmoreconfidentFeelingrelaxedwhencallingcanonlybenefityourmessage
Preparing Press ReleasesPressornewsreleasesareconciseannouncementsoftime-sensitiveinformationregardinganimportantsituationoreventGenerallypressreleasesareissuedbyorganizationsbutindividualadvocatescanbenefitfromknowinghowandwhenapressreleaseissenttothemedia
ThemosteffectivepressreleasesfollowastandardformatandprovidenewsworthyinterestinginformationtojournalistsinaconcisemannerAgoodpressreleasecanbethebackboneofanarticleandreportersaregratefulforcondensedcopytohelpthemmakeanewsitemmorerelevantOntheotherhandifanindividualororganizationsendsoutapressreleasefornobetterreasonthansendingoutanotherpressreleasetheyallbecomeirrelevantInthemediacredibilityisextremelyimportantandsendingoutirrelevantpressreleasesisalotlikecryingldquowolfrdquo
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 18
Using Social MediaTheexplosionofonlinemediatoolshascreatedawholenewwaytogetyourmessageoutBesuretotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglypopularavenuesofcommunicating
SetupablogtopromoteyourissuesUsingtoolssuchasWordpress(wwwwordpresscom)orMovableType (wwwmovabletypecom)youcanquicklycreateablogforfreeBlogsallowreaderstopostcommentsgeneratingmoreinterestandinteractionAlsobesuretovisitotherblogsaboutyourissuessuchaseducationspecialeducationanddisabilityblogswhereyoucanpostrelevantcommentsthatkeepyourissuesattheforefront
EstablishingapresenceonsocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook(wwwfacebookcom) is a great way to get out informationandmessagesthatsupportyouradvocacyeffortsThesesitesofferavarietyoftoolsthatallowyoutocreateblogsconductforumsandpollsaddphotosaudioandvideofeaturesandmore
Increasetheimpactofyourblogandsocialmediapresencebyusingareal-timeinformationnetworklikeTwitter(wwwtwittercom)tocommunicatequickupdatesaboutwhatrsquoshappeningwithyourissuesDonrsquotforgettousehashtagstoconnectyourtweetstoothersonthesametopicEncourageotherstostayinformedaboutyourworkbyusingReallySimpleSyndication(RSS)mdashapopularmeansofsharingcontentacrosstheInternet
Remembertokeepyouronlinepresenceuptodatewithnewandinterestinginformationopportunitiestogetinvolvedandwaysthosewhosupportyourissuescanhelp
Lastlyconsiderusingotheronlinecommunicationtoolssuchaswebinarspodcastsandvideostoprovideinformationabout your issues and tell others how to get involved and take action
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 4
Getting Started
Do learning disabilities (LD) affect your life Whether you areaparentofachildwithLDanadultwithLDaneducatororanLDprofessionaltherersquosaplaceforyouintheworldofLDadvocacyTherearemanyaspectstoadvocacywhichyoucan learn about in this guide but all are intended to ensure that lawmakersandthegeneralpublicrespectandprotecttherightsof individuals with LD
AdvocacycanbehardworkfunexhilaratingandsometimesfrustratingbutitisessentialtoimprovingthelivesofpeoplewithLDSoletrsquosgetstarted
BeinganadvocatedoesnotmeanyouhavetoquityourjobwritebigcheckstopoliticiansorrushtoWashingtonDCIt also doesnrsquot mean you have to know everything there is to know about learning disabilities or every law ever written onthesubject
BeinganadvocatedoesrequirethatyouuseyourvoicetomakeadifferenceforchildrenandadultswithLDYouhaveanimportantstorytotellandexperiencestoshare
Under both education and civil rights law individuals with learning disabilities are entitled to rights and services It seemssimplebutasyouknowitiscomplexandoftenpeoplewithotheragendasarepushinglawmakerstomakedecisionsthatmaynottakepeoplewithLDintoproperconsiderationThatrsquoswhereyoucomeinYourvoiceiscritical mdashitrsquosthefoundationofdemocracyYoucan(andshould)tellyourelectedofficialshowtovoteforlawsbudgetsandpoliciesthatwork
BecominganLDadvocateisnotanewjoboraspecialtitlesavedforthechosenfewbutratheramindsetIfyouwanttheproblemsinyourschooldistrictstateoratthefederalleveltobefixedoratleastimprovedyoursquoregoingtohavetogetinvolvedParentshavebeensteppingintothisroleforyearsandyoucanmakeadifferencemdashnotonlyforyourchild mdash but for all children with LD
Evenifyouonlyhavefiveminutesperweektosparethesetipswillgetyoustartedontheroadtoeffectiveadvocacy
1 Become familiar with the state and federal laws that pertain to learning disabilities There is no need to go to law school because this information is available on wwwLDorgthroughyourstateofficeofeducationand your statersquos Parent Training and Information Center A directory of centers by state is available at wwwparentcenternetworkorg To get started also check the ldquoTalking about LDrdquo section of this guide
2 Get on the mailing lists of advocacy organizations NCLDrsquos own Legislative Action Center is a great way to becomefamiliarwithwhatrsquoshappeninginWashingtonDCrelatedtolearningdisabilitiesSignupatwwwLDorg
3 Call your legislators PoliticiansarepeoplewiththeirownexperiencesIfLDisnotapartoftheirlives theycanrsquotpossiblyunderstandtheimplicationsoftheirvotesthewayyoudoYourlocalstateandfederal legislatorsarelistedinthebluesectionofyourphonebookcanbefoundinaquickInternetsearchorat wwwcontactingthecongressorgTheywanttohearfromyoutheyhaveastaffforjustthatpurposeAndifthereis a bill you are interested in discussing theyrsquod rather receive your call before a big vote than get an angry call afterwardsMoretipsonworkingwithpolicymakersarepresentedlaterinthisguide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 5
4 Write a letter or an email to a policymaker YourelectedofficialswelcomehearingfromyouTellthemhowaparticularpieceoflegislationwillaffectyouandotherswhoareaffectedbyLDFirsthandandpersonalstoriesfromtheirconstituentsarealwayshelpfultopolicymakersInreturnyoucanusuallyexpecttogetareplyexplainingtheissue more fully and what they intend to do about it
5 Talk about what you know Tell your story talk about your LD concerns and offer ideas about what can be done aboutthemPoliticianswanttobeaskedtodosomethingsoseizethemomentandaskthemtobeproactiveontheissues that matter to you
6 Go public CallaradiostationblogonissuesyoucareaboutorwritealettertotheeditorofyourlocalnewspaperExplainwhydisabilitylegislationisanimportantissueandhowthingscanbechangedforthebetterEmailyourfriendsscheduleameetuporothermeetingtodiscussLDpoliciesAsanadvocateyoudonrsquothavetogoitaloneTothecontraryyoushouldtrytogetasmanypeopleexcitedandactiveaboutlearningdisabilitiesaspossible
7 Vote ItseemsbasicbutitisvitalthatyouexercisethisrightYoucanevengoonestepfurtherbyhelpingcandidateswhosupportlearningdisabilitiesissueswiththeircampaignsTheknowledgeyouhavecanhelpacandidateclarifyhisorherpositiononanissuethatisimportanttosomanypeople
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 6
Talking about LDThefirststeptobeinganeffectiveLDadvocateisunderstandingtheissueandhowtotalkaboutitYourpersonalexperiencesmaybemotivatingyoubutitisimportanttoeducateyourselfaboutthefactsandfiguresandbroadenyourunderstandingofLDbeyondwhatyoursquovelearnedthroughthoseexperiencesKnowingsomeofthe ldquohot buttonrdquo issues and how to deal with them is essential be-causeitconveysasenseofcredibilityandaddstoyourauthorityasaspokespersonforthecauseRegardlessofwhethertheseissuesareofinteresttoyouoneormoreislikelytocomeupindiscussionswithpolicymakersandthemedia
TherecontinuestobesubstantialmisconceptionsaboutlearningdisabilitiesandhowtobestsupportchildrenwhostruggletolearnLearninghowtoframemessagessothattheyhavethegreatestimpactshouldbeyourpriorityWhyBecauseunderstandingwhatyouaretalkingaboutandchoosingtherightwordscanhaveamajorimpactonyourworkMisconceptionscannotsimplybeoverturnedbyconfrontingthemwithstatisticsnomatterhowpowerfulthosestatisticsmaybeBothpolicymakersandthegeneralpublichavepreconceivedideasaboutwhatlearningdisabilitiesareanditisyourjobtospeakclearlyandeffectivelytothoseconcernswhilepersuasivelyexplainingthatitisineveryonersquosbestinteresttorespectandsupporttherightsofindividualswithLDsotheycanbecomesuccessfuladults
Describing Learning DisabilitiesFormanypeopleitisdifficulttounderstandthesecommonplacebuthiddendisabilitiesThisismademoredifficultbymisinformationandthedeliberatedistortionsofthosewhoclaimthatlearningdisabilitiesareanexcuseforpooracademicperformanceThetermldquolearningdisabilitiesrdquoisfrequentlyusedasanumbrellatermforalltypesofdisabilitieswhichonlyservestofurtherconfusethepublicandperpetuatemisunderstanding
ClearconsistentandconciselanguageshouldbeusedtodescribeLDWhenworkingwithpolicymakersusingalternativephrasesthatexcludethewordldquodisabilityrdquosuchasldquolearningdisorderrdquoorldquolearningdifferencerdquodoeslittle
tochangetheperceptionsIfanythingalternativedescriptionslikeldquolearningdifficultiesrdquoorldquolearningdifferencesrdquo can soften the intensity of concern and make theissueseeminsignificant
Becausethetermldquospecificlearningdisabilityrdquoisusedinthefederallawthatprovidesspecialeducationservices(IndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct)advocatesshould use this term in their communications with policymakersandthemedia
ThedefinitionofldquospecificlearningdisabilityrdquointheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isasfollows
For our family advocacy means sharing our personal experiences to educate and encourage other families teachers administrators care providers etc Sharing our stories has resulted in opportunities to provide assistance and
to participate in meaningful dialogue that leads to positive partnerships
Advocacy takes many forms but remember that sharing your own experiences and the facts about LD can change lives As Khalil Gibran once said ldquoA little bit of knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle rdquo
Esther Falcetta parent advocate Pennsylvania
bull Thetermlsquospecificlearningdisabilityrsquomeansadisor-derinoneormoreofthebasicpsychologicalprocess-es involved in understanding or in using language spokenorwrittenwhichdisordermaymanifestitselfinimperfectabilitytolistenthinkspeakreadwritespellordomathematicalcalculations
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 7
bullThetermincludessuchconditionsasperceptualdisabilitiesbraininjuryminimalbraindysfunctiondyslexiaanddevelopmentalaphasiaduetoLD
bullThetermdoesnotincludealearningproblemthatisprimarilytheresultofvisualhearingormotordisabilitiesof intellectual disabilities[formerly known as mental retardation] of emotional disturbance or of environmental cultural or economic disadvantage [34 CFR 3008(c)(10)]
Important points to remember when describing LDbullLearningdisabilitiesarerealScientistshaveproventheneurologicalbasisofLDthroughtheuseofbrainscansandothertechniquesTherealsoisproofthatlearningdisabilitiescanbegenetic
bullLearningdisabilitiesoccuroftenMostscientificexpertsagree(andschooldataconfirm)thatatleastfivepercent mdashandlikelymoremdashofourschool-agechildrenhavesevereproblemswithlearning
bullLearningdisabilitiesarenotthesameasautismintellectualdisabilities(previouslyknownasmentalretardation)orAttentionDeficitHyperactivityDisorderPeoplewithLDhaveaveragetoaboveaverageintelligencewhichisnotthecaseforpeoplewithintellectualdisabilitiesAndwhilethereareasignificantnumberofpeoplewithLDwhoalso have ADHD ADHD is not a learning disability (If ADHD and LD are confused during your conversations it canoftenhelptodistinguishbetweenthembystatingthatADHDisadisorderthatcausesinappropriateimpulsivityattentionandinsomecaseshyperactivityandcanoftenbetreatedwithmedicationLDisaneurologicaldisorderthataffectsthebrainrsquosabilitytoreceiveprocessstoreandrespondtoinformationandcannotbetreatedwithmedication)
bullLearningdisabilitiesarelifelongManychildrencanbetaughttocompensateforthemwithearlydiagnosisandappropriateinstruction
Legal ProtectionsPeoplewithlearningdisabilitieshavelegalprotectionsavailabletothemthroughseveralfederallawsBeingfamiliarwith these laws is essential to your success as an advocate
bullIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA2004) TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA2004)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforeligiblechildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparentsMoreinformationonIDEAisavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
bullSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelawMoreinformationonSection504isavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
bullAmericans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 is a civil rightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsMoreinformationontheADAisavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
NoteFormoreinformationontheselawsandtherightsofindividualswithLDpleasevisitwwwldorgforparentguides articles toolkits and other resources
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 8
Prevalence of LDTheprevalenceoflearningdisabilitiesisfrequentlyaddressedbythemediaandisoftenbroughtupindiscussionswithpolicymakersmdashsoitrsquosimportanttoknowthefactsonthisissueWhilethereisnotasure-firewaytocapturetheexactdata regarding the total number of Americans who have learning disabilities it is conservatively estimated that 3 - 5 ofthegeneralpopulationareaffected
FortunatelythereisreliabledataonthenumberofchildrenservedintheLDcategoryunderIDEAwhichisoftenthegroupsingledoutfordiscussionWhiletherehasbeensubstantialgrowthintheLDcategoryduringthe30yearssinceenactmentofIDEAthenumberofstudentsintheLDcategoryhasincreasedlessthanthetotalnumberofallstudentsservedunderIDEAfor15consecutiveyearsInfacttherehasbeenadeclineinthenumberofstudentsidentifiedashaving LD in each of the years between 2000 and 2010
Some important numbers
bull2415564students(ages6-21)arebeingservedintheLDcategoryofIDEAtodayaccordingtothemostrecentdataavailableThisis414ofthetotalnumberofstudentsservedunderIDEAand35oftheUSresidentpopulationofstudentsinthatagegroup
bull Whilethenumberofschool-agechildrenidentifiedwithLDgrewrapidlyduringthelate1980sand1990sthenumberofchildrenidentifiedwithLDhasdeclinedby19overthelastdecade(2001-2010)In2001studentsintheLDcategoryrepresented49ofallspecialeducationstudentswhilein2010thecategoryrepresented41
bullMalescomprisealmosttwo-thirdsofschool-agestudentswithLDwhoreceivespecialeducationservices
bullThepercentageofstudentsservedintheLDcategoryvariessignificantlyfromstatetostateTolearnaboutthespecificsforyourstateseeTheStateofLearningDisabilitiesatwwwLDorgstateofld
Over-IdentificationWithlessthan4oftheschool-agepopulationcurrentlyreceivingspecialeducationservicesintheLDcategorythereappearstobelittleevidencesupportingthepersistentclaimthatstudentsareover-identifiedasLDInfactCongressionaltestimonybyDrGReidLyonformerChiefoftheChildDevelopmentandBehaviorBranchoftheNationalInstituteofChildHealthandHumanDevelopmentattheNationalInstitutesofHealthindicatedthatapproximately6percentofschool-agechildrenwillexperiencelearningdifficultyparticularlyintheareaofreadingevenwhenprovidedwithearlyandintensiveinterventionsItisthesechildrenwhoshouldbeservedbyspecialeducation as students with LD
AnotherfrequentissueraisedbybothmediaandpolicymakersisthatofoverrepresentationofminoritypopulationsinspecialeducationWhilethereisreasonforconcernaboutover-identificationofminoritiesthedisabilitycategoriesandraceethnicgroupsofgreatestconcernarethoseofemotionaldisturbanceandintellectualdisability(previouslymentalretardation)asitrelatestoBlackandHispanicstudents
AswiththeoverallrateofidentificationofstudentsasLDthedisproportionalityofraceethnicgroupsvariesamongthestatesThedeterminationofdisproportionalityisgenerallymadebycomparingtheraceethnicdistributionofstudentsservedwithineachdisabilitycategoryofIDEAwiththedistributionofthosegroupswithintheresidentpopulationforastateorschooldistrictAdditionalinformationondisproportionalitybyraceanddisabilityisavailablefromyourstatersquosdepartmentofeducation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 9
Cost of Special EducationThecostofdeliveringspecialeducationservicestostudentswithdisabilitiesisafrequentareaofinterestforthemediaandpolicymakersalikeFederally-fundedstudieshavehelpedidentifythetruecostsassociatedwithIDEAservicesmostnotablytheSpecialEducationExpendituresProject(SEEP)(httpcsefairorg)
Report5oftheSEEPfoundthatperpupilexpendituresforstudentsinspecialeducationrangedfromalowof $10558forstudentswithlearningdisabilitiestoahighof$20095forstudentswithmultipledisabilitiesinthe1999-2000schoolyearTheaverageperpupilexpenditureforatypicalregulareducationstudentwhoreceivesnospecialeducationserviceswas$6556ThereforetheaverageexpenditureforstudentswithLDis16timestheexpenditurefora regular education student
TheseexpendituresincludedspendingonallregularandspecialeducationservicesusedtoeducatestudentswithLDThemajorityofstudentswithLDspendmorethan80percentoftheirinstructionaltimeingeneraleducation
Outcomes and ExpectationsThedifficultiesfacedbypeoplewithLDcanoftenbebestcommunicatedbyprovidingdataontheoutcomesbeingexperiencedbythoseservedbyspecialeducationWhilethereisfrequentreportingontheremarkableachievementsofafewnotableswithLDingeneralpeoplewithLDareexperiencingpooroutcomesinimportantareassuchashighschoolgraduationpostsecondaryeducationandaverageearningsOveralllearningdisabilitiescompromiseabilitiesandaspirationsandcanleadtoproblemssuchasunemploymentunderemploymentsubstanceabuseandpoormentalhealth
Graduation GraduationfromhighschoolwithastandarddiplomaforstudentswithLDcoveredunderIDEAin2009-2010was67Thiswasupfrom54adecadeearlier(2000-2001)
Dropout ThedropoutrateforstudentswithLDwas20inthe2009-2010schoolyearversus39in2000-2001Dropoutratesvarygreatlybyracialethnicgroupsforbothgeneralandspecialeducationpopulation
Postsecondary Education Amonghighschoolgraduateswhohadenrolledinpostsecondaryeducationwithin8yearsofleavinghighschooljust21hadenrolledina4-yearcollegeFiftypercenthadenrolledina2-yearorcommunitycollege and 36 had enrolled in a vocational business or training school
Parental Expectations Basedona2001survey59ofparentsexpecttheirstudentwithLDtograduatefromhighschoolwithastandarddiplomaRegardingpostsecondaryeducation14ofparentsexpecttheirstudentswithLDtograduatefromatwo-yearcollegewhilejust10expectgraduationfromafour-yearcollegeAmajorityofparentsmdash64mdashreportedthattheyexpecttheirstudentswithLDdefinitelyorprobablywonrsquotgraduatefroma4-yearcollege
Moreinformationonthesecondaryschoolandpost-highschoolexperiencesofstudentswithLDisavailableat wwwNLTS2org
Cost of Procedural Safeguards in Special EducationTherearemanyreportsaboutthehighcostoflitigationinspecialeducationhoweverthisisdifficulttosubstantiateRecentstudiesofdueprocesshearingssuchasthoseconductedbytheProjectForumattheNationalAssociationofStateDirectorsofSpecialEducationindicatethatthenumberofdueprocesshearingsheldintheUSisdecliningMuchofthiscanbeattributedtotherequirementthatallstatesmakemediationandotherdisputeresolutionstrategiesavailabletoschoolsandparentsinconflict
AreportbytheSpecialEducationExpenditureProject(Report4)indicatedthattotalexpendituresonspecialeducationmediationdueprocessandlitigationduringthe1999-2000schoolyearwasapproximately$1465millionforallK-12specialeducationstudentsinpublicschools(62millionstudents)Thisbreaksdowntoanexpenditureofapproximately$24perspecialeducationpupilandaccountsforonly3oftotalspecialeducationexpenditures
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 10
Working with Policymakers
Irsquove found that in order to implement effective policy our public officials must understand the priorities and challenges of individuals with learning disabilities They need to hear how our children are doing As Irsquove met
and talked with my representatives Irsquove always found someone sympathetic to my concerns mdash sometimes itrsquos a staff person or the Representative himherself Irsquove seen extraordinary partnerships with policymakers lead to improving outcomes for individuals with learning disabilities
Please remember that when you advocate
bull Itrsquosforthekids
bull Asparentswecanmakeadifference
bull ItrsquosnicetotraveltotheCapitolwithafriend
Bette Erickson parent advocate Minnesota
AllpoliticsarelocalmdasheverypieceoflegislationthatexistshaslocalimplicationsandisalsobasedonlocalneedsItseemsobviousbutitrsquosimportanttorememberItmeansthatlawsexistbecausepeoplelikeyouworkedtomakethemhappenMostofourcurrentlawsthatassistandprotectpeoplewithLDcamefromthegrassrootseffortsofadvocateslikeyouBoththeAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)andtheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)cametobebecauseadvocates(notSenatorsorhighlypaidlobbyists)tookactionandeducatedpolicymakersastowhytheselawsneededtoexist
YoutoocanmakelawshappenHowByunderstandinghowgovernmentworksandhowyoucanmosteffectivelygetinvolvedTherearelotsofdifferentwaystogettopolicymakersandcommunicateyourthoughtsonanissuebutbeforeyoupickupyourpenoryourphoneyouneedtokeepseveralthingsinmindinordertobemosteffective
Before you approach policymakers1 Familiarize yourself with what your elected officials have to say mdash both in the policies they support
and in the mediaKeeptrackofwhereyourlocalofficialsstandonlearningdisabilitieseducationandspecialeducationissuesStartingwiththelegislatorswhorepresentyoudirectly(yourSenatorsandCongressperson)isimportantbecausetheyaretheoneswithwhomyouwillhavethemostinfluenceYouareoneoftheirconstituentsYoucancontacttheirofficestoaskabouttheirparticipationonCongressionalcommitteesrequestaposition
statementorseeiftheyhavesponsoredlegislationimportanttopeoplewithLD
IfneitheryourSenatorsnorHouseRepresentativesitonthecommitteeswithjurisdictionovereducationandspecialeducationlawsthenlearnabout the legislators who do When you are readytogetintouchwithpolicymakersitwillbe useful to communicate with both your own representativesaswellasthosewhoareinthemoreinfluentialpositionsonLDissues
2 Become familiar with all the existing laws as well as bills that are pending that affect individuals with disabilities KnowtheirnamesandbillnumbersmdashitisimportanttobeabletorefertotheseexistinganddraftlawswhenyouarecommunicatingwithyourrepresentativesOurlegislatorscanrsquotbeexpertsoneveryissuesoitrsquosuptoyoutohelpthemunderstandintricateissuessuchasthelawsimpactingpeoplewithLDThisisnrsquot as daunting as it sounds NCLD and other organizationskeeptrackoftheselawsandevensend out email alerts to notify advocates about legislativenewsGotowwwLDorg to get the basicsandsignupforemailalertsaboutwaystoaddyourvoiceonimportantdecisionsonCapitolHill
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 11
3 Clarify your focus WhatexactlyareyoutryingtoaccomplishBeingasspecificaspossibleabouttheissueyouarepresentingtoapolicymakeriskeytobeingeffectiveldquoGettingchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesadecenteducationrdquoistoobroadldquoWorkingtogetIDEAreauthorizedandchangethelanguageinthelawtomakeitpossibleforchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiestobeidentifiedearlyandonapathtograduationwitharegulardiplomardquoarespecificgoalstobringtolegislators
4 Stay open-minded and respectful YouwillencounterpolicymakerswhodonrsquotagreewithwhatyouaretryingtoaccomplishtheymayhaveagendasthatcompletelyopposeyoursDonrsquotdismissthemUnderstandingopposingpointsofviewwillhelpyoucraftastrongpositionthattakesdiverseinterestsintoaccountAlsodonrsquotbehostiletowardsthemRemainingrespectfulcalmandpersonableevenwiththosewhoseviewsmightoffendyouisthekey to being an effective advocate
5 Be prepared to ldquodouble deckrdquoIfyouwanttobesurethatyouarereachingpolicymakersandhavinganimpactontheirpolicydecisionsyouaregoingtohavetousemanyoftheavailablemethodstocommunicateyourmessageJustsendinganemailisnrsquotenoughThesedaysinordertobeheardyouwillmostlikelyhavetopickupthephonesendafaxsendanemailandevenstopbytheofficeifyoucanMakeitimpossibleforthepeopleyouaretryingtoreach to ignore you
Who to ApproachConstituentshavethegreatestchanceofbeingheardbytheirlegislativerepresentativesOnthefederallevelCongressconsistsoftheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentativesEverystatehastwoSenatorsandatleastoneRepresentative(approximatelyoneRepresentativeforevery650000people)EachmemberofCongresshasalargestaffdedicatedtofindingoutwherevotersstandonimportantissuesOnthestatelevelthereisalsoaSenateandaHouseofRepresentativesLocallycountyandcitycouncilsrepresenttheircitizensandinsomestatestherearealsoregionallegislatures
EveryoneintheUnitesStatesisrepresentedbytwoUSSenatorsoneUSRepresentativeoneStateSenatoroneormoreStateRepresentatives(exceptforthosewhoresideintheDistrictofColumbia)aswellascountyandcitycouncilmembersYouelectthesepeoplesotheyareallveryinterestedinwhatyouhavetosay
When to Approach PolicymakersItrsquosnevertooearlytobeginestablishingrelationshipswithyourRepresentativesPolicymakersarepeoplelikeyoumdash theydonrsquotlikebeingapproachedonlywhenyouwantsomethingIfthereisabillupforconsiderationoravoteabouttotakeplacetheyhavealreadybeenworkingontheissueforsometimeTobeaneffectiveadvocateyoushouldcultivatearelationshipwithyourrepresentativesovertimesotheyknowtoturntoyouwhentheyneedguidanceonthetopicsyouknowandcareaboutAndtheywillturntoyouMakeityourbusinesstoestablishyourselfasanLDexpertintheeyesofyourelectedofficialsandtheirstaffmembersKeepinregularcontactwiththemmdashviaaletteroremailupdatingthemonlearningdisabilitiesissueseverymonthorsoregularphonecallsavisitnowandthenOvertimetheywillcometoknowandtrustyouasasourceofinformationtheycancountonIttakespersistencebutRepresentativeshavetomakedecisionswithorwithoutyouYourinputcanhelpthemmakegooddecisionsforpeoplewith LD
Writing Letters and EmailsPolicymakerspayattentiontolettersSinceSeptember112001regularmailcantakeupto30daystoreachalegislatorbecauseoftheinspectionprocessButifyouusemorethanonemethodofdelivery(regularmailfaxand email) your message will get through If you want to be sure your message lands in the right hands call your RepresentativersquosofficeandaskhowtheyprefertogetconstituentfeedbackPersonallettersandemailsfromconstituents are always the most effective and it doesnrsquot take hundreds of them to get a legislator to take notice Here areafewthingstokeepinmindwhenyouwrite
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 12
bullPersonalize your message Masscomputer-generatedmessagingiscommonthesedaysandpolicymakerswillpaymoreattentiontoaletteroremailtheyknowcomesfromarealpersonShareanypersonalexperiencesthatdirectlyillustratethepointyouaretryingtomake(ieldquoMysonJasonisabrightcuriouschildwhodoeswellinmathandsciencebutbecauseofhisreadingscoreshisschoolPS123wantshimtorepeatthirdgradeRetentionisnottheanswer rdquo)
bullInclude your name address and other contact information Legislators need to know that you are one of their constituents If you are sending an email be sure to use your real name not a username like ldquoLD momrdquo Anonymous mail will be ignored
bullBe brief specific and courteous KeepyourcommunicationsasshortaspossibleandbesuretopolitelystateyourspecificrequestinthefirstfewsentencesAvoidjargonthelanguageofyourmessageshouldbeassimpleaspossible
bullMention any affiliation you have with the policymaker IfyouknowsomeoneintheofficeorworkedontheRepresentativersquoselectioncampaignremindhimorherHavingapersonalassociationgivesyouevenmoreinfluencethan only being a constituent
bullEnclose any recent articles or reports that are relevant to your message NeverassumepolicymakersreadeverythingyoudoTheymightbutitisalwayshelpfultobringgoodinformationtotheirattention
bullIf your message is about a specific bill budget item or policy be sure to mention the name or number if you know it AlsostatewhetheryousupportoropposeitandaskforthepolicymakerrsquosviewsProvidefactsthatbackupyouropinionandshareanypersonalexperiencesthatpertaintotheissue
Using EmailMembers of Congress receive millions of emails each year To cut down on email volume most members of Congress arenowusingfilteringsystemsthatallowonlyemailsfromconstituentstoreachtheirinboxBesuretofollowtheinstructionsoftheWebformmdashtypicallyusedbymostMembersrsquositesmdashtoensurethatyourmessageisreceivedWheneverpossiblebesuretorefertoaspecificpieceoflegislationinthesubjectline(iereSupportEarlyInterventionforChildrenwithReadingDifficulties)andincludeyourmailingaddresssothereaderknowsyouareaconstituentIndividualizeyouremailbysharingthosepersonalexperiencesthatpertaintoyourargumentSomeemailcampaignsgeneratedbyLegislativeActionCenterssuchasthoseonwwwLDorgallowyoutoeditthetextyouaresendingsousethatoptiontomakeyouremailletterstandoutAgainthebestpolicyistouseallformsofcommunicationmdashwritealetterfaxitandalsosendanemail
Making Phone CallsPickingupthephoneisaneasywaytoreachouttopolicymakersanditisimmenselyeffectiveYourFederalRepresentativesshouldhavetheirphonenumberslistedontheirwebsiteinthebluepagesofthelocalphonebookoryoucanalwaysgetthisinformationthroughtheUSCapitolswitchboardat(202)224-3121orvisit wwwcontactingthecongressorgwhereyoucanenteryouraddressandgetcompletecontactinformationforyourelectedofficials
WhencallingasktospeaktotheaidewhoisresponsibleforeducationanddisabilityissuesSpeakingtoanaideisaseffectiveasspeakingtoanactuallegislatortheirstaffsexisttobetheirexpertsonwhatvoterscareaboutUsethesameguidelinesforaphonecallaswhenyouwriteBeforeyoudialbesureto
bullPrepare what you are going to say Writedownafewconcisetalkingpointssothatyoudonrsquothavetoremembereverything in the heat of the moment
bullMention your name and address so they know you are in their state or district
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 13
bullCall the office Whetheritrsquosvoicemailorareceptionistspelloutyournameandaddressandleaveashortmessageoutliningwhatyouarecallingabout(ldquoIrsquomcallingaboutthependingreauthorizationoftheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActandtheneedforearlyinterventionforstrugglingreadersrdquo)
bullFollow up any phone call with a written note sent via email or fax This way the legislator has a written recordofyourcallandyouhaveanotheropportunitytoreinforceyourmessageThenoteshouldclearlyincludeyournameaddressphonenumberandwhenyoucalledIfyouwereabletospeaktosomeonebesuretothankhimor her
Meeting with PolicymakersItmayseemdauntingbutthebestwaytoensurepolicymakersgetyourmessageistellingthemortheirstaffinpersonVisitingalegislatoriseasyAllyouhavetodoismakeanappointmentinadvanceYoucanvisitthemattheirdistrictofficeswhentheyarehome(typicallyonMondayandFriday)orgotoseethemonCapitolHill(iftheyarefederal legislators)
Beforeyougothinkaboutthefollowing
bullConsider bringing a delegation Itrsquoslessintimidatingforyouifyouarepartofagroup(ieagroupofparentsofchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesoradiversegroupofeducatorsparentsandpsychologists)andyourmessagewillbe even stronger because of your numbers If you are a team be sure there is a leader who will do most of the talking
bullWhy are you going You should rehearse what you are going to say and how you are going to say it before you go Beabletogivea90-secondversionofyourpresentationItshouldincludeyournamewhereyoulivewhatpertinentgroupsyouareapartofasynopsisoftheissueyouareaddressingandaclearrequest(pleasesupportbillxoropposethepassingofresolutiony)Yourappointmentwillprobablybeveryshort(10-15minutes)sostartwiththesummaryandthenexpandastimepermits
bullKnow where the policymaker stands YoursquollbeabletoprepareyourstrategyduringthemeetingifyouknowexactlywherethepersonyouaremeetingwithstandsontheissueyouareaddressingCalltheofficeorcheckoutProjectVoteSmartatwwwvote-smartorgYoucanalsocalltheofficebeforeyougoandaskwhathisorherpositionis
bullPrepare something in writing Whetheritisaone-pagesummaryofyourpresentationorafolderwitharticlesandstatisticssupportingyourrequestyoushouldalwayshavesomethingtohandthepersonyoumeetwithAlsobesurethatwhateveryouhandoverhasyournameaddressphonenumberandemailaddressonitGettingintouchwithyou should be effortless
bullFollow up with a thank-you note OncethestaffmembercanconnectafacewithyournamedonrsquotlethimorherforgetYournoteshouldbeshortandshouldbrieflysummarizewhatyoudiscussedatthemeetingincludeanyinformationyoupromisedtoprovideandasalwaysincludeallyourcontactinformation
Ifyoursquovestatedclearlyandconciselywhyyouarethereandtherersquossometimetospareexplainwhothisissuewillaffect and how If the legislator with whom you are meeting (or whose aide you are meeting) has done something you arepleasedaboutlethimorherknowthatPolicymakershearlotsofcriticismgenuinepraiseisalwayswelcomeYoumayspendalotoftimelisteningtowhatthepolicymakerrsquosviewsonyourissueareoryoumayhavetoeducatethemonsomebasicsmdashbepreparedforeitherscenarioAlsolethimorherknowthatyouwillsharewhathappensatthemeetingwithawideraudiencebackhome(suchasyourlocallearningdisabilitiesadvocacygroup)Thisisarelationshipyouarebuildingandevenifyoudonrsquotseeeyetoeyeitrsquosimportanttokeepthedooropentocontinuedcommunications
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 14
Working with the Media
photo
If you are a parent advocate you are also an activist Working with the media is a powerful and enduring tool in my special education toolbox Remember the media is there to tell the news or a story My voice and pen are my greatest
obligation and opportunity When I have something to say or want to educate the public I am relentless in my pursuit to be heard on behalf of our children I write blogs letters to the editor guest columns and callemail the education editorial staff and staff-writers to pitch an idea for a story or pass along important news about legislative action and special education policy
Believe in your heart that your childrsquos school experience is a story waiting to be told The media is nothing to be intimidated by I am a recognized and reliable resource whether I am the writer or the source of information Write a letter to the editor or contact an education staff-writer with a story I promise the media is waiting for you
Marcie Lipsitt parent advocate Michigan
ThinkofthemediaasatoolGettingmediacoveragecanhelpyoudrawattentiontospecificissuesregardinglearningdisabilitieseducatethepublicandinfluencepolicymakersbydrawingatten-tiontotheiractionsThemediawieldsalotofpowerinsocietytodaybutbehindallthenewsprintandsoundwavesreportersarepeoplelikeyouwhowanttoinformthepublicWithagoodangleandtherighttimingyoucanbringalotofattentionto the needs and rights of children with learning disabilities
Working with the media can take a few different forms
u Writing letters to the editoruWritingop-edpiecesuApproachingeditorialboardsu Calling a radio showuPreparingpressreleases
Keepthesebasicprinciplesinmindwhenworkingwithyourlocalnewspaperradiostationorevenatelevisionprogram
bullKnowexactlywhatitisyouwanttosayandhowtosayitBeconciseandkeepyourmessagetotwoorthreestrongpointsthatyoucanexpressinafewdifferent ways
bullWheneveryoucontactanymediaoutletorspecificreporterbesureyoufindoutwhoisinchargeofeducationandordisabilityissuesandgetthatpersonrsquosdirectphonenumberfaxnumberandemailaddress
bullUsethesimplestplainestlanguagepossibleReportersmay or may not know as much as you do about learningdisabilitiesbutyourwordsareforthepublicthereporterisreachingwhomyoushouldassumearenot at all familiar with the issues you are discussing Ontheotherhanddonrsquotbecondescendingeither
bullBecomethoroughlyfamiliarwithanynewspaperradioshowortelevisionprogramwithwhichyouwillbecommunicatingBesurethatyouunderstandthe style and general angle of the outlet and that you arefamiliarwiththeworkofanyparticulareditorreporterorproducerwithwhomyoumightbeincontactThiswayyoursquollknowhowtoapproachthemorperhapstopushbackwhenheorshewritessomethingwithwhichyoudisagreeFrequentlyyouwillfindthatreportersaredrawntotheissueoflearningdisabilitiesbecauseofsomepersonal
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 15
connectionsuchasachildorrelativewhohasalearningdisabilitysuchasdyslexiaJustasoftenthereportermightaskaboutLDwheninfacttheyareseekinginformationaboutotherdisabilitiessuchasADHDorautismspectrumdisordersBepreparedtousethosekindsofconnectionstoyouradvantagemdashyoucanbuildarelationshipbyofferingyourself as a resource
bullNeverassumethatanythingisldquoofftherecordrdquoItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtotakewhatyousayandturnitintoastorythatsellspapersTheonlywayyoucanmakesuretheyaretellingyourstoryisbystickingtoitDonrsquotthrowinlittlecommentariesevenifyouthinkyoursquorejustlighteninguptheconversationunlessyouarepreparedtoseetheminprint
bullldquoNocommentrdquoisacommentItdoesnrsquotimplythatyoudonrsquotknowitimpliesyouknowbutdonrsquotwanttotalkaboutitbecauseitmightbeaweaknessinyourargumentorgoagainstyourpoint
bullItrsquosokaytosayldquoIdonrsquotknowrdquoThebestthingtosayisldquoIdonrsquotknowbutIcangetbacktoyouonthatrdquoThenfindoutquicklyandcontactthereporterpromptly
bullDonrsquotletareportergettoyouItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtoaskquestionsandsometimesevenplaydevilrsquosadvocateAlwaysbepolitecalmandcollectedandmakesureyoustayontopic
bullDonrsquotletreportersputwordsinyourmouthItrsquosdangeroustoagreewithastatementtheymakeforyou(ieldquoSowouldyousaythatrdquo)ThequotesshouldcomefromyounotthemIfyoursquorenotsureheorshegotitrightitrsquosokaytoaskareportertoreadbackwhatyoujustsaid
bullPreparationisthebestwaytoensurethatyoucomeawayfromanyone-on-onesituationhavingclearlyandeffectively communicated your message
bullAlwaysthankthepersonwithwhomyouaredealingandfollowuptomakesureyourmessagesarebeingused
bullAskwhenthestorywillrunandrequestnotificationwhenitgoeslive
Letters to the EditorTheLetterstotheEditorsectionisalwaysoneofthemostpopularsectionsofanypaperormagazineThissectionisaneasywayforyoutoletpolicymakersknowyouropinionsandtoeducatereadersaboutissuesthatconcernyouLetterscanbeusedtocorrectorrespondtothefactsinanarticletopraiseorcriticizeopinionsexpressedinthepublicationortosimplybringattentiontotheissueyouwanttoaddress
StudythepublicationyoursquorewritingtobeforeyoubeginKnowthenameoftheappropriateeditortowritetoandbecomefamiliarwiththeformatthatpublishedletterstakeSomenewspapershavewrittenguidelinesfortheirlettersFollowingtheseguidelinescloselyisthebestchanceyouhaveofgettingpublished
Hereareafewmoretipstohelpyougetyourmessageacrossinalettertotheeditor
bullTiming is everything Respondtoanarticleornewsitemrightafterithappensorevenbetterifyouknowabillispassingoranarticleisbeingprintedsendyourlettertotheeditorbeforereadersknowanythingaboutit
bullShort and sweet JustaswhenwritingtoalegislatorkeepyourletterclearandconciseMakeonestrongpointandleave it at that Itrsquos a good idea to write a draft of your letter take a break and then look at it again That way you can makesurethatyouaresayingexactlywhatyouintend
bullCheck your facts BothyourcredibilityandthatofthepublicationhangontheaccuracyofyourletterandcredibilityiseverythingIfitturnsoutyoudidnrsquothaveyourfactsstraightitrsquosunlikelyyourletterswillbepublishedagain
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 16
bullMake it relevant Ifyouarewritingtoasmalllocalpaperexplainhowyourissueaffectsthecommunity(ieldquoIfCouncilmanWhorsquosresolutionpassesoneineveryfourthirdgradersatWhovilleElementarySchoolwillberdquo)IfyouarewritingtoalargerpublicationadaptyourtoneandscopetoitsaudienceLocalconnectionsforpapersbasedinmetropolitanareasarestillimportantevenforlargepapers
bullName names DonrsquotbeafraidtomentionpolicymakerrsquosnamesmdashthisisaneasywaytomakealetterrelevanttoalocalareaIfyouareaddressingaspecificpersonrsquospoliciesorintentionsbesuretosendacopyofthelettertothatpersonPoliticiansneedtoknowyouarepayingattentiontowhattheyaredoingthatwillhaveanimpactonchildrenwith LD
bullLet them know who you are AnylettertotheeditorshouldincludeallyourcontactinformationThepublicationmaynotprintitbutaneditormayneedtogetintouchwithyoutoverifysomeinformationortoaskyouquestionsJustaswithpolicymakersoneofyourgoalsistobecomeasourceofinformationforthemAlsoifyouhaveanycredentialsthatmakeyoumoreofanauthoritymentionthemYourexpertisewillmakeitfarmorelikelythatyourletterwillgetprinted
bullFollow up CallthepublicationtomakesuretheyreceivedyourletterandoffertohelpthemwithanystoriestheyhaveplannedonlearningdisabilitiesTheymighthavefeedbackforyouonyourletterormighttaketheopportunitytoaskyouafewquestionsabouttheissue
bullKeep trying EvenifyourletterdoesnrsquotgetpublishedwriteanotheronethenexttimeitrsquosappropriateTherecanbemanyreasonswhyapublicationdoesnrsquotprintanyoneletterandeducatingtheeditorialstaffofthepublicationisanimportanttasktoo
bullContrary point of view Letterstotheeditorwhichproposeaviewcontrarytotheviewinanarticlearemorelikelytobepublishedthanletterswhichagreewiththepaperrsquospointofview
Writing an Op-Ed PieceOp-edsareliketheuppercrustofletterstotheeditorTheyarewrittenbyreadersjustlikeletterstotheeditorbuttendtocomefrompeopleofauthoritysuchaspresidentsCEOsandevenlegislatorsOp-edscarryabylinesoinawaytheyarearticlesbutopinionatedonesIfyouarepartofanadvocacyorganizationitrsquosagoodideatogivethebylinetotheexecutivedirectororamemberoftheboard(withtheirpermissionofcourse)Whenwritinganop-edusetheguidelinesforletterstotheeditorandalsokeepinmind
bullTheformatforanop-edisveryspecificUsuallytheyrangefrom300-750wordsMakesureyouknowwhatthepublicationrsquosguidelinesareOp-edsaregenerallyalsoexclusivesosubmittheop-edtothepublicationthathasthelargestcirculationandthegreatestlikelihoodofpublishingyourworkTargetpublicationsthatpublishop-edsonthetopicuponwhichyouarewriting
bullThestrongestop-edsaretheonesthatmakereadersunderstand(1)whyanissueisimportanttothempersonallyand(2) what they should do about it The tone should not suggest that the issue is about you and your agenda but rather that yours is of broad concern and you are offering a suitable call to action
bullMakeitsimpleYourmessageshouldbeloudandclearsoagoodruleofthumbistofirsttellthemwhatyouaregoingtosaysayitandthentellthemwhatyousaidYourlanguageshouldbejargon-freeandunemotional
Tolearnmoreabouthowtoeffectivelyplaceyourop-edinthemajorpapersacrossthecountryvisittheCommunicationConsortium Media Centerrsquos site at wwwccmcorgnode16170
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 17
Approaching Editorial BoardsEditorialboardsaretheeditorsandstaffofapublicationwhodeterminewhatgoesintothepublicationGoingtoaneditorialboardisthebehind-the-sceneswaytogetyourmessageoutYourfirstgoalistogetaneditorialmdashtheofficialopinionofthepublicationmdashwrittenaboutyourissue(Newspapereditorialshavebeenknowntoswaypublicopinionstronglymdashpoliticiansworkhardtogetapapertoendorsethemduringelections)ConvincinganeditorialboardisalotlikeconvincingalegislatorMeetingwithaneditorialboardcanalsohavetheaddedbenefitofbringingthefocusedattention of the editors to your issue so that learning disabilities may get more coverage in the future
Prepareforavisitwithaneditorialboardjustlikeyouwouldavisittoalegislator
bullGoingaspartofateamisagoodideaparticularlyifyoucanselectapersonofauthorityandinfluenceastheleader
bullEditorsarealwaysbusysobereadytopresenteverythinginlessthan15minutes
bullBrainstormstoryideasthatrelatetoyourtightlywordedmessagetopresenttotheboard
bullWhenyoursquoredoneaskwhetherthepublicationwillbeabletowriteaneditorialsupportingyourpositionorfeatureanarticleonyourcauseIfnotbepoliteandgraciousandoffertowriteanop-edpieceThentryagainnexttime
Calling a Radio ShowAdvocating for the rights of children with LD on the air is similar to all the other forms of advocacy with one exceptionmdashthesoundofyourvoiceThereisalotofpowerinhearinganindividualrsquosvoiceonairandbeingonaradioprogramcanbeagreatopportunityforyoutohumanizetheissueyouwanttobringattentiontobutyouhavetobeprepared
bullKnow the program yoursquoll be on WhenyouareontheairyouareonthespotandtherersquosnogoingbacktoeditwhatyousayBesuretolearnhowthehosttalkstopeopleandhowheorsherespondswhencallersgetflustered
bullKnow your message inside and out Again radio is live so having notes in front of you to make sure you have thewordsyouneedtoexpressyourselfclearlyandsimplyiskeyTalkaboutaparticularbilloraparticularlegislatorbynameandexplainpreciselywhatyouaretryingtoachieve
bullThink about your audience WhenyouaretalkingthinkaboutwhoislisteningBespecificabouthowthisissueaffectsyourcommunityandtalkaboutthelocallegislatorsandwhattheycandoThegoalistoexpressthatthisisanissueaboutpeoplepeoplelikeyouandpeoplelikeyourlistenersDonrsquotuselanguageyoursquorenotcomfortablewithandbepreparedtoansweranyquestionsWhateverthequestionsmaybebringtheanswerbacktoyourmessage
bullPracticeIfyoursquoveneverbeenontheairbeforeitrsquosagoodideatopracticewithataperecorderandanotherpersonaskingyouquestionsUsingataperecorderwillallowyoutolistentobothwhatyoursquovesaidandhowyoursquovesaiditLongpausestothinkmaycomeacrossasindecisivenessAnervouslaughmaysoundpatronizingandldquoummsrdquoandldquoahhsrdquocandetractfromyourpointConductafewrehearsalsandyoursquollfeelmuchmoreconfidentFeelingrelaxedwhencallingcanonlybenefityourmessage
Preparing Press ReleasesPressornewsreleasesareconciseannouncementsoftime-sensitiveinformationregardinganimportantsituationoreventGenerallypressreleasesareissuedbyorganizationsbutindividualadvocatescanbenefitfromknowinghowandwhenapressreleaseissenttothemedia
ThemosteffectivepressreleasesfollowastandardformatandprovidenewsworthyinterestinginformationtojournalistsinaconcisemannerAgoodpressreleasecanbethebackboneofanarticleandreportersaregratefulforcondensedcopytohelpthemmakeanewsitemmorerelevantOntheotherhandifanindividualororganizationsendsoutapressreleasefornobetterreasonthansendingoutanotherpressreleasetheyallbecomeirrelevantInthemediacredibilityisextremelyimportantandsendingoutirrelevantpressreleasesisalotlikecryingldquowolfrdquo
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 18
Using Social MediaTheexplosionofonlinemediatoolshascreatedawholenewwaytogetyourmessageoutBesuretotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglypopularavenuesofcommunicating
SetupablogtopromoteyourissuesUsingtoolssuchasWordpress(wwwwordpresscom)orMovableType (wwwmovabletypecom)youcanquicklycreateablogforfreeBlogsallowreaderstopostcommentsgeneratingmoreinterestandinteractionAlsobesuretovisitotherblogsaboutyourissuessuchaseducationspecialeducationanddisabilityblogswhereyoucanpostrelevantcommentsthatkeepyourissuesattheforefront
EstablishingapresenceonsocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook(wwwfacebookcom) is a great way to get out informationandmessagesthatsupportyouradvocacyeffortsThesesitesofferavarietyoftoolsthatallowyoutocreateblogsconductforumsandpollsaddphotosaudioandvideofeaturesandmore
Increasetheimpactofyourblogandsocialmediapresencebyusingareal-timeinformationnetworklikeTwitter(wwwtwittercom)tocommunicatequickupdatesaboutwhatrsquoshappeningwithyourissuesDonrsquotforgettousehashtagstoconnectyourtweetstoothersonthesametopicEncourageotherstostayinformedaboutyourworkbyusingReallySimpleSyndication(RSS)mdashapopularmeansofsharingcontentacrosstheInternet
Remembertokeepyouronlinepresenceuptodatewithnewandinterestinginformationopportunitiestogetinvolvedandwaysthosewhosupportyourissuescanhelp
Lastlyconsiderusingotheronlinecommunicationtoolssuchaswebinarspodcastsandvideostoprovideinformationabout your issues and tell others how to get involved and take action
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 5
4 Write a letter or an email to a policymaker YourelectedofficialswelcomehearingfromyouTellthemhowaparticularpieceoflegislationwillaffectyouandotherswhoareaffectedbyLDFirsthandandpersonalstoriesfromtheirconstituentsarealwayshelpfultopolicymakersInreturnyoucanusuallyexpecttogetareplyexplainingtheissue more fully and what they intend to do about it
5 Talk about what you know Tell your story talk about your LD concerns and offer ideas about what can be done aboutthemPoliticianswanttobeaskedtodosomethingsoseizethemomentandaskthemtobeproactiveontheissues that matter to you
6 Go public CallaradiostationblogonissuesyoucareaboutorwritealettertotheeditorofyourlocalnewspaperExplainwhydisabilitylegislationisanimportantissueandhowthingscanbechangedforthebetterEmailyourfriendsscheduleameetuporothermeetingtodiscussLDpoliciesAsanadvocateyoudonrsquothavetogoitaloneTothecontraryyoushouldtrytogetasmanypeopleexcitedandactiveaboutlearningdisabilitiesaspossible
7 Vote ItseemsbasicbutitisvitalthatyouexercisethisrightYoucanevengoonestepfurtherbyhelpingcandidateswhosupportlearningdisabilitiesissueswiththeircampaignsTheknowledgeyouhavecanhelpacandidateclarifyhisorherpositiononanissuethatisimportanttosomanypeople
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 6
Talking about LDThefirststeptobeinganeffectiveLDadvocateisunderstandingtheissueandhowtotalkaboutitYourpersonalexperiencesmaybemotivatingyoubutitisimportanttoeducateyourselfaboutthefactsandfiguresandbroadenyourunderstandingofLDbeyondwhatyoursquovelearnedthroughthoseexperiencesKnowingsomeofthe ldquohot buttonrdquo issues and how to deal with them is essential be-causeitconveysasenseofcredibilityandaddstoyourauthorityasaspokespersonforthecauseRegardlessofwhethertheseissuesareofinteresttoyouoneormoreislikelytocomeupindiscussionswithpolicymakersandthemedia
TherecontinuestobesubstantialmisconceptionsaboutlearningdisabilitiesandhowtobestsupportchildrenwhostruggletolearnLearninghowtoframemessagessothattheyhavethegreatestimpactshouldbeyourpriorityWhyBecauseunderstandingwhatyouaretalkingaboutandchoosingtherightwordscanhaveamajorimpactonyourworkMisconceptionscannotsimplybeoverturnedbyconfrontingthemwithstatisticsnomatterhowpowerfulthosestatisticsmaybeBothpolicymakersandthegeneralpublichavepreconceivedideasaboutwhatlearningdisabilitiesareanditisyourjobtospeakclearlyandeffectivelytothoseconcernswhilepersuasivelyexplainingthatitisineveryonersquosbestinteresttorespectandsupporttherightsofindividualswithLDsotheycanbecomesuccessfuladults
Describing Learning DisabilitiesFormanypeopleitisdifficulttounderstandthesecommonplacebuthiddendisabilitiesThisismademoredifficultbymisinformationandthedeliberatedistortionsofthosewhoclaimthatlearningdisabilitiesareanexcuseforpooracademicperformanceThetermldquolearningdisabilitiesrdquoisfrequentlyusedasanumbrellatermforalltypesofdisabilitieswhichonlyservestofurtherconfusethepublicandperpetuatemisunderstanding
ClearconsistentandconciselanguageshouldbeusedtodescribeLDWhenworkingwithpolicymakersusingalternativephrasesthatexcludethewordldquodisabilityrdquosuchasldquolearningdisorderrdquoorldquolearningdifferencerdquodoeslittle
tochangetheperceptionsIfanythingalternativedescriptionslikeldquolearningdifficultiesrdquoorldquolearningdifferencesrdquo can soften the intensity of concern and make theissueseeminsignificant
Becausethetermldquospecificlearningdisabilityrdquoisusedinthefederallawthatprovidesspecialeducationservices(IndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct)advocatesshould use this term in their communications with policymakersandthemedia
ThedefinitionofldquospecificlearningdisabilityrdquointheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isasfollows
For our family advocacy means sharing our personal experiences to educate and encourage other families teachers administrators care providers etc Sharing our stories has resulted in opportunities to provide assistance and
to participate in meaningful dialogue that leads to positive partnerships
Advocacy takes many forms but remember that sharing your own experiences and the facts about LD can change lives As Khalil Gibran once said ldquoA little bit of knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle rdquo
Esther Falcetta parent advocate Pennsylvania
bull Thetermlsquospecificlearningdisabilityrsquomeansadisor-derinoneormoreofthebasicpsychologicalprocess-es involved in understanding or in using language spokenorwrittenwhichdisordermaymanifestitselfinimperfectabilitytolistenthinkspeakreadwritespellordomathematicalcalculations
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 7
bullThetermincludessuchconditionsasperceptualdisabilitiesbraininjuryminimalbraindysfunctiondyslexiaanddevelopmentalaphasiaduetoLD
bullThetermdoesnotincludealearningproblemthatisprimarilytheresultofvisualhearingormotordisabilitiesof intellectual disabilities[formerly known as mental retardation] of emotional disturbance or of environmental cultural or economic disadvantage [34 CFR 3008(c)(10)]
Important points to remember when describing LDbullLearningdisabilitiesarerealScientistshaveproventheneurologicalbasisofLDthroughtheuseofbrainscansandothertechniquesTherealsoisproofthatlearningdisabilitiescanbegenetic
bullLearningdisabilitiesoccuroftenMostscientificexpertsagree(andschooldataconfirm)thatatleastfivepercent mdashandlikelymoremdashofourschool-agechildrenhavesevereproblemswithlearning
bullLearningdisabilitiesarenotthesameasautismintellectualdisabilities(previouslyknownasmentalretardation)orAttentionDeficitHyperactivityDisorderPeoplewithLDhaveaveragetoaboveaverageintelligencewhichisnotthecaseforpeoplewithintellectualdisabilitiesAndwhilethereareasignificantnumberofpeoplewithLDwhoalso have ADHD ADHD is not a learning disability (If ADHD and LD are confused during your conversations it canoftenhelptodistinguishbetweenthembystatingthatADHDisadisorderthatcausesinappropriateimpulsivityattentionandinsomecaseshyperactivityandcanoftenbetreatedwithmedicationLDisaneurologicaldisorderthataffectsthebrainrsquosabilitytoreceiveprocessstoreandrespondtoinformationandcannotbetreatedwithmedication)
bullLearningdisabilitiesarelifelongManychildrencanbetaughttocompensateforthemwithearlydiagnosisandappropriateinstruction
Legal ProtectionsPeoplewithlearningdisabilitieshavelegalprotectionsavailabletothemthroughseveralfederallawsBeingfamiliarwith these laws is essential to your success as an advocate
bullIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA2004) TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA2004)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforeligiblechildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparentsMoreinformationonIDEAisavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
bullSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelawMoreinformationonSection504isavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
bullAmericans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 is a civil rightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsMoreinformationontheADAisavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
NoteFormoreinformationontheselawsandtherightsofindividualswithLDpleasevisitwwwldorgforparentguides articles toolkits and other resources
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 8
Prevalence of LDTheprevalenceoflearningdisabilitiesisfrequentlyaddressedbythemediaandisoftenbroughtupindiscussionswithpolicymakersmdashsoitrsquosimportanttoknowthefactsonthisissueWhilethereisnotasure-firewaytocapturetheexactdata regarding the total number of Americans who have learning disabilities it is conservatively estimated that 3 - 5 ofthegeneralpopulationareaffected
FortunatelythereisreliabledataonthenumberofchildrenservedintheLDcategoryunderIDEAwhichisoftenthegroupsingledoutfordiscussionWhiletherehasbeensubstantialgrowthintheLDcategoryduringthe30yearssinceenactmentofIDEAthenumberofstudentsintheLDcategoryhasincreasedlessthanthetotalnumberofallstudentsservedunderIDEAfor15consecutiveyearsInfacttherehasbeenadeclineinthenumberofstudentsidentifiedashaving LD in each of the years between 2000 and 2010
Some important numbers
bull2415564students(ages6-21)arebeingservedintheLDcategoryofIDEAtodayaccordingtothemostrecentdataavailableThisis414ofthetotalnumberofstudentsservedunderIDEAand35oftheUSresidentpopulationofstudentsinthatagegroup
bull Whilethenumberofschool-agechildrenidentifiedwithLDgrewrapidlyduringthelate1980sand1990sthenumberofchildrenidentifiedwithLDhasdeclinedby19overthelastdecade(2001-2010)In2001studentsintheLDcategoryrepresented49ofallspecialeducationstudentswhilein2010thecategoryrepresented41
bullMalescomprisealmosttwo-thirdsofschool-agestudentswithLDwhoreceivespecialeducationservices
bullThepercentageofstudentsservedintheLDcategoryvariessignificantlyfromstatetostateTolearnaboutthespecificsforyourstateseeTheStateofLearningDisabilitiesatwwwLDorgstateofld
Over-IdentificationWithlessthan4oftheschool-agepopulationcurrentlyreceivingspecialeducationservicesintheLDcategorythereappearstobelittleevidencesupportingthepersistentclaimthatstudentsareover-identifiedasLDInfactCongressionaltestimonybyDrGReidLyonformerChiefoftheChildDevelopmentandBehaviorBranchoftheNationalInstituteofChildHealthandHumanDevelopmentattheNationalInstitutesofHealthindicatedthatapproximately6percentofschool-agechildrenwillexperiencelearningdifficultyparticularlyintheareaofreadingevenwhenprovidedwithearlyandintensiveinterventionsItisthesechildrenwhoshouldbeservedbyspecialeducation as students with LD
AnotherfrequentissueraisedbybothmediaandpolicymakersisthatofoverrepresentationofminoritypopulationsinspecialeducationWhilethereisreasonforconcernaboutover-identificationofminoritiesthedisabilitycategoriesandraceethnicgroupsofgreatestconcernarethoseofemotionaldisturbanceandintellectualdisability(previouslymentalretardation)asitrelatestoBlackandHispanicstudents
AswiththeoverallrateofidentificationofstudentsasLDthedisproportionalityofraceethnicgroupsvariesamongthestatesThedeterminationofdisproportionalityisgenerallymadebycomparingtheraceethnicdistributionofstudentsservedwithineachdisabilitycategoryofIDEAwiththedistributionofthosegroupswithintheresidentpopulationforastateorschooldistrictAdditionalinformationondisproportionalitybyraceanddisabilityisavailablefromyourstatersquosdepartmentofeducation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 9
Cost of Special EducationThecostofdeliveringspecialeducationservicestostudentswithdisabilitiesisafrequentareaofinterestforthemediaandpolicymakersalikeFederally-fundedstudieshavehelpedidentifythetruecostsassociatedwithIDEAservicesmostnotablytheSpecialEducationExpendituresProject(SEEP)(httpcsefairorg)
Report5oftheSEEPfoundthatperpupilexpendituresforstudentsinspecialeducationrangedfromalowof $10558forstudentswithlearningdisabilitiestoahighof$20095forstudentswithmultipledisabilitiesinthe1999-2000schoolyearTheaverageperpupilexpenditureforatypicalregulareducationstudentwhoreceivesnospecialeducationserviceswas$6556ThereforetheaverageexpenditureforstudentswithLDis16timestheexpenditurefora regular education student
TheseexpendituresincludedspendingonallregularandspecialeducationservicesusedtoeducatestudentswithLDThemajorityofstudentswithLDspendmorethan80percentoftheirinstructionaltimeingeneraleducation
Outcomes and ExpectationsThedifficultiesfacedbypeoplewithLDcanoftenbebestcommunicatedbyprovidingdataontheoutcomesbeingexperiencedbythoseservedbyspecialeducationWhilethereisfrequentreportingontheremarkableachievementsofafewnotableswithLDingeneralpeoplewithLDareexperiencingpooroutcomesinimportantareassuchashighschoolgraduationpostsecondaryeducationandaverageearningsOveralllearningdisabilitiescompromiseabilitiesandaspirationsandcanleadtoproblemssuchasunemploymentunderemploymentsubstanceabuseandpoormentalhealth
Graduation GraduationfromhighschoolwithastandarddiplomaforstudentswithLDcoveredunderIDEAin2009-2010was67Thiswasupfrom54adecadeearlier(2000-2001)
Dropout ThedropoutrateforstudentswithLDwas20inthe2009-2010schoolyearversus39in2000-2001Dropoutratesvarygreatlybyracialethnicgroupsforbothgeneralandspecialeducationpopulation
Postsecondary Education Amonghighschoolgraduateswhohadenrolledinpostsecondaryeducationwithin8yearsofleavinghighschooljust21hadenrolledina4-yearcollegeFiftypercenthadenrolledina2-yearorcommunitycollege and 36 had enrolled in a vocational business or training school
Parental Expectations Basedona2001survey59ofparentsexpecttheirstudentwithLDtograduatefromhighschoolwithastandarddiplomaRegardingpostsecondaryeducation14ofparentsexpecttheirstudentswithLDtograduatefromatwo-yearcollegewhilejust10expectgraduationfromafour-yearcollegeAmajorityofparentsmdash64mdashreportedthattheyexpecttheirstudentswithLDdefinitelyorprobablywonrsquotgraduatefroma4-yearcollege
Moreinformationonthesecondaryschoolandpost-highschoolexperiencesofstudentswithLDisavailableat wwwNLTS2org
Cost of Procedural Safeguards in Special EducationTherearemanyreportsaboutthehighcostoflitigationinspecialeducationhoweverthisisdifficulttosubstantiateRecentstudiesofdueprocesshearingssuchasthoseconductedbytheProjectForumattheNationalAssociationofStateDirectorsofSpecialEducationindicatethatthenumberofdueprocesshearingsheldintheUSisdecliningMuchofthiscanbeattributedtotherequirementthatallstatesmakemediationandotherdisputeresolutionstrategiesavailabletoschoolsandparentsinconflict
AreportbytheSpecialEducationExpenditureProject(Report4)indicatedthattotalexpendituresonspecialeducationmediationdueprocessandlitigationduringthe1999-2000schoolyearwasapproximately$1465millionforallK-12specialeducationstudentsinpublicschools(62millionstudents)Thisbreaksdowntoanexpenditureofapproximately$24perspecialeducationpupilandaccountsforonly3oftotalspecialeducationexpenditures
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 10
Working with Policymakers
Irsquove found that in order to implement effective policy our public officials must understand the priorities and challenges of individuals with learning disabilities They need to hear how our children are doing As Irsquove met
and talked with my representatives Irsquove always found someone sympathetic to my concerns mdash sometimes itrsquos a staff person or the Representative himherself Irsquove seen extraordinary partnerships with policymakers lead to improving outcomes for individuals with learning disabilities
Please remember that when you advocate
bull Itrsquosforthekids
bull Asparentswecanmakeadifference
bull ItrsquosnicetotraveltotheCapitolwithafriend
Bette Erickson parent advocate Minnesota
AllpoliticsarelocalmdasheverypieceoflegislationthatexistshaslocalimplicationsandisalsobasedonlocalneedsItseemsobviousbutitrsquosimportanttorememberItmeansthatlawsexistbecausepeoplelikeyouworkedtomakethemhappenMostofourcurrentlawsthatassistandprotectpeoplewithLDcamefromthegrassrootseffortsofadvocateslikeyouBoththeAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)andtheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)cametobebecauseadvocates(notSenatorsorhighlypaidlobbyists)tookactionandeducatedpolicymakersastowhytheselawsneededtoexist
YoutoocanmakelawshappenHowByunderstandinghowgovernmentworksandhowyoucanmosteffectivelygetinvolvedTherearelotsofdifferentwaystogettopolicymakersandcommunicateyourthoughtsonanissuebutbeforeyoupickupyourpenoryourphoneyouneedtokeepseveralthingsinmindinordertobemosteffective
Before you approach policymakers1 Familiarize yourself with what your elected officials have to say mdash both in the policies they support
and in the mediaKeeptrackofwhereyourlocalofficialsstandonlearningdisabilitieseducationandspecialeducationissuesStartingwiththelegislatorswhorepresentyoudirectly(yourSenatorsandCongressperson)isimportantbecausetheyaretheoneswithwhomyouwillhavethemostinfluenceYouareoneoftheirconstituentsYoucancontacttheirofficestoaskabouttheirparticipationonCongressionalcommitteesrequestaposition
statementorseeiftheyhavesponsoredlegislationimportanttopeoplewithLD
IfneitheryourSenatorsnorHouseRepresentativesitonthecommitteeswithjurisdictionovereducationandspecialeducationlawsthenlearnabout the legislators who do When you are readytogetintouchwithpolicymakersitwillbe useful to communicate with both your own representativesaswellasthosewhoareinthemoreinfluentialpositionsonLDissues
2 Become familiar with all the existing laws as well as bills that are pending that affect individuals with disabilities KnowtheirnamesandbillnumbersmdashitisimportanttobeabletorefertotheseexistinganddraftlawswhenyouarecommunicatingwithyourrepresentativesOurlegislatorscanrsquotbeexpertsoneveryissuesoitrsquosuptoyoutohelpthemunderstandintricateissuessuchasthelawsimpactingpeoplewithLDThisisnrsquot as daunting as it sounds NCLD and other organizationskeeptrackoftheselawsandevensend out email alerts to notify advocates about legislativenewsGotowwwLDorg to get the basicsandsignupforemailalertsaboutwaystoaddyourvoiceonimportantdecisionsonCapitolHill
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 11
3 Clarify your focus WhatexactlyareyoutryingtoaccomplishBeingasspecificaspossibleabouttheissueyouarepresentingtoapolicymakeriskeytobeingeffectiveldquoGettingchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesadecenteducationrdquoistoobroadldquoWorkingtogetIDEAreauthorizedandchangethelanguageinthelawtomakeitpossibleforchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiestobeidentifiedearlyandonapathtograduationwitharegulardiplomardquoarespecificgoalstobringtolegislators
4 Stay open-minded and respectful YouwillencounterpolicymakerswhodonrsquotagreewithwhatyouaretryingtoaccomplishtheymayhaveagendasthatcompletelyopposeyoursDonrsquotdismissthemUnderstandingopposingpointsofviewwillhelpyoucraftastrongpositionthattakesdiverseinterestsintoaccountAlsodonrsquotbehostiletowardsthemRemainingrespectfulcalmandpersonableevenwiththosewhoseviewsmightoffendyouisthekey to being an effective advocate
5 Be prepared to ldquodouble deckrdquoIfyouwanttobesurethatyouarereachingpolicymakersandhavinganimpactontheirpolicydecisionsyouaregoingtohavetousemanyoftheavailablemethodstocommunicateyourmessageJustsendinganemailisnrsquotenoughThesedaysinordertobeheardyouwillmostlikelyhavetopickupthephonesendafaxsendanemailandevenstopbytheofficeifyoucanMakeitimpossibleforthepeopleyouaretryingtoreach to ignore you
Who to ApproachConstituentshavethegreatestchanceofbeingheardbytheirlegislativerepresentativesOnthefederallevelCongressconsistsoftheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentativesEverystatehastwoSenatorsandatleastoneRepresentative(approximatelyoneRepresentativeforevery650000people)EachmemberofCongresshasalargestaffdedicatedtofindingoutwherevotersstandonimportantissuesOnthestatelevelthereisalsoaSenateandaHouseofRepresentativesLocallycountyandcitycouncilsrepresenttheircitizensandinsomestatestherearealsoregionallegislatures
EveryoneintheUnitesStatesisrepresentedbytwoUSSenatorsoneUSRepresentativeoneStateSenatoroneormoreStateRepresentatives(exceptforthosewhoresideintheDistrictofColumbia)aswellascountyandcitycouncilmembersYouelectthesepeoplesotheyareallveryinterestedinwhatyouhavetosay
When to Approach PolicymakersItrsquosnevertooearlytobeginestablishingrelationshipswithyourRepresentativesPolicymakersarepeoplelikeyoumdash theydonrsquotlikebeingapproachedonlywhenyouwantsomethingIfthereisabillupforconsiderationoravoteabouttotakeplacetheyhavealreadybeenworkingontheissueforsometimeTobeaneffectiveadvocateyoushouldcultivatearelationshipwithyourrepresentativesovertimesotheyknowtoturntoyouwhentheyneedguidanceonthetopicsyouknowandcareaboutAndtheywillturntoyouMakeityourbusinesstoestablishyourselfasanLDexpertintheeyesofyourelectedofficialsandtheirstaffmembersKeepinregularcontactwiththemmdashviaaletteroremailupdatingthemonlearningdisabilitiesissueseverymonthorsoregularphonecallsavisitnowandthenOvertimetheywillcometoknowandtrustyouasasourceofinformationtheycancountonIttakespersistencebutRepresentativeshavetomakedecisionswithorwithoutyouYourinputcanhelpthemmakegooddecisionsforpeoplewith LD
Writing Letters and EmailsPolicymakerspayattentiontolettersSinceSeptember112001regularmailcantakeupto30daystoreachalegislatorbecauseoftheinspectionprocessButifyouusemorethanonemethodofdelivery(regularmailfaxand email) your message will get through If you want to be sure your message lands in the right hands call your RepresentativersquosofficeandaskhowtheyprefertogetconstituentfeedbackPersonallettersandemailsfromconstituents are always the most effective and it doesnrsquot take hundreds of them to get a legislator to take notice Here areafewthingstokeepinmindwhenyouwrite
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 12
bullPersonalize your message Masscomputer-generatedmessagingiscommonthesedaysandpolicymakerswillpaymoreattentiontoaletteroremailtheyknowcomesfromarealpersonShareanypersonalexperiencesthatdirectlyillustratethepointyouaretryingtomake(ieldquoMysonJasonisabrightcuriouschildwhodoeswellinmathandsciencebutbecauseofhisreadingscoreshisschoolPS123wantshimtorepeatthirdgradeRetentionisnottheanswer rdquo)
bullInclude your name address and other contact information Legislators need to know that you are one of their constituents If you are sending an email be sure to use your real name not a username like ldquoLD momrdquo Anonymous mail will be ignored
bullBe brief specific and courteous KeepyourcommunicationsasshortaspossibleandbesuretopolitelystateyourspecificrequestinthefirstfewsentencesAvoidjargonthelanguageofyourmessageshouldbeassimpleaspossible
bullMention any affiliation you have with the policymaker IfyouknowsomeoneintheofficeorworkedontheRepresentativersquoselectioncampaignremindhimorherHavingapersonalassociationgivesyouevenmoreinfluencethan only being a constituent
bullEnclose any recent articles or reports that are relevant to your message NeverassumepolicymakersreadeverythingyoudoTheymightbutitisalwayshelpfultobringgoodinformationtotheirattention
bullIf your message is about a specific bill budget item or policy be sure to mention the name or number if you know it AlsostatewhetheryousupportoropposeitandaskforthepolicymakerrsquosviewsProvidefactsthatbackupyouropinionandshareanypersonalexperiencesthatpertaintotheissue
Using EmailMembers of Congress receive millions of emails each year To cut down on email volume most members of Congress arenowusingfilteringsystemsthatallowonlyemailsfromconstituentstoreachtheirinboxBesuretofollowtheinstructionsoftheWebformmdashtypicallyusedbymostMembersrsquositesmdashtoensurethatyourmessageisreceivedWheneverpossiblebesuretorefertoaspecificpieceoflegislationinthesubjectline(iereSupportEarlyInterventionforChildrenwithReadingDifficulties)andincludeyourmailingaddresssothereaderknowsyouareaconstituentIndividualizeyouremailbysharingthosepersonalexperiencesthatpertaintoyourargumentSomeemailcampaignsgeneratedbyLegislativeActionCenterssuchasthoseonwwwLDorgallowyoutoeditthetextyouaresendingsousethatoptiontomakeyouremailletterstandoutAgainthebestpolicyistouseallformsofcommunicationmdashwritealetterfaxitandalsosendanemail
Making Phone CallsPickingupthephoneisaneasywaytoreachouttopolicymakersanditisimmenselyeffectiveYourFederalRepresentativesshouldhavetheirphonenumberslistedontheirwebsiteinthebluepagesofthelocalphonebookoryoucanalwaysgetthisinformationthroughtheUSCapitolswitchboardat(202)224-3121orvisit wwwcontactingthecongressorgwhereyoucanenteryouraddressandgetcompletecontactinformationforyourelectedofficials
WhencallingasktospeaktotheaidewhoisresponsibleforeducationanddisabilityissuesSpeakingtoanaideisaseffectiveasspeakingtoanactuallegislatortheirstaffsexisttobetheirexpertsonwhatvoterscareaboutUsethesameguidelinesforaphonecallaswhenyouwriteBeforeyoudialbesureto
bullPrepare what you are going to say Writedownafewconcisetalkingpointssothatyoudonrsquothavetoremembereverything in the heat of the moment
bullMention your name and address so they know you are in their state or district
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 13
bullCall the office Whetheritrsquosvoicemailorareceptionistspelloutyournameandaddressandleaveashortmessageoutliningwhatyouarecallingabout(ldquoIrsquomcallingaboutthependingreauthorizationoftheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActandtheneedforearlyinterventionforstrugglingreadersrdquo)
bullFollow up any phone call with a written note sent via email or fax This way the legislator has a written recordofyourcallandyouhaveanotheropportunitytoreinforceyourmessageThenoteshouldclearlyincludeyournameaddressphonenumberandwhenyoucalledIfyouwereabletospeaktosomeonebesuretothankhimor her
Meeting with PolicymakersItmayseemdauntingbutthebestwaytoensurepolicymakersgetyourmessageistellingthemortheirstaffinpersonVisitingalegislatoriseasyAllyouhavetodoismakeanappointmentinadvanceYoucanvisitthemattheirdistrictofficeswhentheyarehome(typicallyonMondayandFriday)orgotoseethemonCapitolHill(iftheyarefederal legislators)
Beforeyougothinkaboutthefollowing
bullConsider bringing a delegation Itrsquoslessintimidatingforyouifyouarepartofagroup(ieagroupofparentsofchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesoradiversegroupofeducatorsparentsandpsychologists)andyourmessagewillbe even stronger because of your numbers If you are a team be sure there is a leader who will do most of the talking
bullWhy are you going You should rehearse what you are going to say and how you are going to say it before you go Beabletogivea90-secondversionofyourpresentationItshouldincludeyournamewhereyoulivewhatpertinentgroupsyouareapartofasynopsisoftheissueyouareaddressingandaclearrequest(pleasesupportbillxoropposethepassingofresolutiony)Yourappointmentwillprobablybeveryshort(10-15minutes)sostartwiththesummaryandthenexpandastimepermits
bullKnow where the policymaker stands YoursquollbeabletoprepareyourstrategyduringthemeetingifyouknowexactlywherethepersonyouaremeetingwithstandsontheissueyouareaddressingCalltheofficeorcheckoutProjectVoteSmartatwwwvote-smartorgYoucanalsocalltheofficebeforeyougoandaskwhathisorherpositionis
bullPrepare something in writing Whetheritisaone-pagesummaryofyourpresentationorafolderwitharticlesandstatisticssupportingyourrequestyoushouldalwayshavesomethingtohandthepersonyoumeetwithAlsobesurethatwhateveryouhandoverhasyournameaddressphonenumberandemailaddressonitGettingintouchwithyou should be effortless
bullFollow up with a thank-you note OncethestaffmembercanconnectafacewithyournamedonrsquotlethimorherforgetYournoteshouldbeshortandshouldbrieflysummarizewhatyoudiscussedatthemeetingincludeanyinformationyoupromisedtoprovideandasalwaysincludeallyourcontactinformation
Ifyoursquovestatedclearlyandconciselywhyyouarethereandtherersquossometimetospareexplainwhothisissuewillaffect and how If the legislator with whom you are meeting (or whose aide you are meeting) has done something you arepleasedaboutlethimorherknowthatPolicymakershearlotsofcriticismgenuinepraiseisalwayswelcomeYoumayspendalotoftimelisteningtowhatthepolicymakerrsquosviewsonyourissueareoryoumayhavetoeducatethemonsomebasicsmdashbepreparedforeitherscenarioAlsolethimorherknowthatyouwillsharewhathappensatthemeetingwithawideraudiencebackhome(suchasyourlocallearningdisabilitiesadvocacygroup)Thisisarelationshipyouarebuildingandevenifyoudonrsquotseeeyetoeyeitrsquosimportanttokeepthedooropentocontinuedcommunications
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 14
Working with the Media
photo
If you are a parent advocate you are also an activist Working with the media is a powerful and enduring tool in my special education toolbox Remember the media is there to tell the news or a story My voice and pen are my greatest
obligation and opportunity When I have something to say or want to educate the public I am relentless in my pursuit to be heard on behalf of our children I write blogs letters to the editor guest columns and callemail the education editorial staff and staff-writers to pitch an idea for a story or pass along important news about legislative action and special education policy
Believe in your heart that your childrsquos school experience is a story waiting to be told The media is nothing to be intimidated by I am a recognized and reliable resource whether I am the writer or the source of information Write a letter to the editor or contact an education staff-writer with a story I promise the media is waiting for you
Marcie Lipsitt parent advocate Michigan
ThinkofthemediaasatoolGettingmediacoveragecanhelpyoudrawattentiontospecificissuesregardinglearningdisabilitieseducatethepublicandinfluencepolicymakersbydrawingatten-tiontotheiractionsThemediawieldsalotofpowerinsocietytodaybutbehindallthenewsprintandsoundwavesreportersarepeoplelikeyouwhowanttoinformthepublicWithagoodangleandtherighttimingyoucanbringalotofattentionto the needs and rights of children with learning disabilities
Working with the media can take a few different forms
u Writing letters to the editoruWritingop-edpiecesuApproachingeditorialboardsu Calling a radio showuPreparingpressreleases
Keepthesebasicprinciplesinmindwhenworkingwithyourlocalnewspaperradiostationorevenatelevisionprogram
bullKnowexactlywhatitisyouwanttosayandhowtosayitBeconciseandkeepyourmessagetotwoorthreestrongpointsthatyoucanexpressinafewdifferent ways
bullWheneveryoucontactanymediaoutletorspecificreporterbesureyoufindoutwhoisinchargeofeducationandordisabilityissuesandgetthatpersonrsquosdirectphonenumberfaxnumberandemailaddress
bullUsethesimplestplainestlanguagepossibleReportersmay or may not know as much as you do about learningdisabilitiesbutyourwordsareforthepublicthereporterisreachingwhomyoushouldassumearenot at all familiar with the issues you are discussing Ontheotherhanddonrsquotbecondescendingeither
bullBecomethoroughlyfamiliarwithanynewspaperradioshowortelevisionprogramwithwhichyouwillbecommunicatingBesurethatyouunderstandthe style and general angle of the outlet and that you arefamiliarwiththeworkofanyparticulareditorreporterorproducerwithwhomyoumightbeincontactThiswayyoursquollknowhowtoapproachthemorperhapstopushbackwhenheorshewritessomethingwithwhichyoudisagreeFrequentlyyouwillfindthatreportersaredrawntotheissueoflearningdisabilitiesbecauseofsomepersonal
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 15
connectionsuchasachildorrelativewhohasalearningdisabilitysuchasdyslexiaJustasoftenthereportermightaskaboutLDwheninfacttheyareseekinginformationaboutotherdisabilitiessuchasADHDorautismspectrumdisordersBepreparedtousethosekindsofconnectionstoyouradvantagemdashyoucanbuildarelationshipbyofferingyourself as a resource
bullNeverassumethatanythingisldquoofftherecordrdquoItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtotakewhatyousayandturnitintoastorythatsellspapersTheonlywayyoucanmakesuretheyaretellingyourstoryisbystickingtoitDonrsquotthrowinlittlecommentariesevenifyouthinkyoursquorejustlighteninguptheconversationunlessyouarepreparedtoseetheminprint
bullldquoNocommentrdquoisacommentItdoesnrsquotimplythatyoudonrsquotknowitimpliesyouknowbutdonrsquotwanttotalkaboutitbecauseitmightbeaweaknessinyourargumentorgoagainstyourpoint
bullItrsquosokaytosayldquoIdonrsquotknowrdquoThebestthingtosayisldquoIdonrsquotknowbutIcangetbacktoyouonthatrdquoThenfindoutquicklyandcontactthereporterpromptly
bullDonrsquotletareportergettoyouItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtoaskquestionsandsometimesevenplaydevilrsquosadvocateAlwaysbepolitecalmandcollectedandmakesureyoustayontopic
bullDonrsquotletreportersputwordsinyourmouthItrsquosdangeroustoagreewithastatementtheymakeforyou(ieldquoSowouldyousaythatrdquo)ThequotesshouldcomefromyounotthemIfyoursquorenotsureheorshegotitrightitrsquosokaytoaskareportertoreadbackwhatyoujustsaid
bullPreparationisthebestwaytoensurethatyoucomeawayfromanyone-on-onesituationhavingclearlyandeffectively communicated your message
bullAlwaysthankthepersonwithwhomyouaredealingandfollowuptomakesureyourmessagesarebeingused
bullAskwhenthestorywillrunandrequestnotificationwhenitgoeslive
Letters to the EditorTheLetterstotheEditorsectionisalwaysoneofthemostpopularsectionsofanypaperormagazineThissectionisaneasywayforyoutoletpolicymakersknowyouropinionsandtoeducatereadersaboutissuesthatconcernyouLetterscanbeusedtocorrectorrespondtothefactsinanarticletopraiseorcriticizeopinionsexpressedinthepublicationortosimplybringattentiontotheissueyouwanttoaddress
StudythepublicationyoursquorewritingtobeforeyoubeginKnowthenameoftheappropriateeditortowritetoandbecomefamiliarwiththeformatthatpublishedletterstakeSomenewspapershavewrittenguidelinesfortheirlettersFollowingtheseguidelinescloselyisthebestchanceyouhaveofgettingpublished
Hereareafewmoretipstohelpyougetyourmessageacrossinalettertotheeditor
bullTiming is everything Respondtoanarticleornewsitemrightafterithappensorevenbetterifyouknowabillispassingoranarticleisbeingprintedsendyourlettertotheeditorbeforereadersknowanythingaboutit
bullShort and sweet JustaswhenwritingtoalegislatorkeepyourletterclearandconciseMakeonestrongpointandleave it at that Itrsquos a good idea to write a draft of your letter take a break and then look at it again That way you can makesurethatyouaresayingexactlywhatyouintend
bullCheck your facts BothyourcredibilityandthatofthepublicationhangontheaccuracyofyourletterandcredibilityiseverythingIfitturnsoutyoudidnrsquothaveyourfactsstraightitrsquosunlikelyyourletterswillbepublishedagain
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 16
bullMake it relevant Ifyouarewritingtoasmalllocalpaperexplainhowyourissueaffectsthecommunity(ieldquoIfCouncilmanWhorsquosresolutionpassesoneineveryfourthirdgradersatWhovilleElementarySchoolwillberdquo)IfyouarewritingtoalargerpublicationadaptyourtoneandscopetoitsaudienceLocalconnectionsforpapersbasedinmetropolitanareasarestillimportantevenforlargepapers
bullName names DonrsquotbeafraidtomentionpolicymakerrsquosnamesmdashthisisaneasywaytomakealetterrelevanttoalocalareaIfyouareaddressingaspecificpersonrsquospoliciesorintentionsbesuretosendacopyofthelettertothatpersonPoliticiansneedtoknowyouarepayingattentiontowhattheyaredoingthatwillhaveanimpactonchildrenwith LD
bullLet them know who you are AnylettertotheeditorshouldincludeallyourcontactinformationThepublicationmaynotprintitbutaneditormayneedtogetintouchwithyoutoverifysomeinformationortoaskyouquestionsJustaswithpolicymakersoneofyourgoalsistobecomeasourceofinformationforthemAlsoifyouhaveanycredentialsthatmakeyoumoreofanauthoritymentionthemYourexpertisewillmakeitfarmorelikelythatyourletterwillgetprinted
bullFollow up CallthepublicationtomakesuretheyreceivedyourletterandoffertohelpthemwithanystoriestheyhaveplannedonlearningdisabilitiesTheymighthavefeedbackforyouonyourletterormighttaketheopportunitytoaskyouafewquestionsabouttheissue
bullKeep trying EvenifyourletterdoesnrsquotgetpublishedwriteanotheronethenexttimeitrsquosappropriateTherecanbemanyreasonswhyapublicationdoesnrsquotprintanyoneletterandeducatingtheeditorialstaffofthepublicationisanimportanttasktoo
bullContrary point of view Letterstotheeditorwhichproposeaviewcontrarytotheviewinanarticlearemorelikelytobepublishedthanletterswhichagreewiththepaperrsquospointofview
Writing an Op-Ed PieceOp-edsareliketheuppercrustofletterstotheeditorTheyarewrittenbyreadersjustlikeletterstotheeditorbuttendtocomefrompeopleofauthoritysuchaspresidentsCEOsandevenlegislatorsOp-edscarryabylinesoinawaytheyarearticlesbutopinionatedonesIfyouarepartofanadvocacyorganizationitrsquosagoodideatogivethebylinetotheexecutivedirectororamemberoftheboard(withtheirpermissionofcourse)Whenwritinganop-edusetheguidelinesforletterstotheeditorandalsokeepinmind
bullTheformatforanop-edisveryspecificUsuallytheyrangefrom300-750wordsMakesureyouknowwhatthepublicationrsquosguidelinesareOp-edsaregenerallyalsoexclusivesosubmittheop-edtothepublicationthathasthelargestcirculationandthegreatestlikelihoodofpublishingyourworkTargetpublicationsthatpublishop-edsonthetopicuponwhichyouarewriting
bullThestrongestop-edsaretheonesthatmakereadersunderstand(1)whyanissueisimportanttothempersonallyand(2) what they should do about it The tone should not suggest that the issue is about you and your agenda but rather that yours is of broad concern and you are offering a suitable call to action
bullMakeitsimpleYourmessageshouldbeloudandclearsoagoodruleofthumbistofirsttellthemwhatyouaregoingtosaysayitandthentellthemwhatyousaidYourlanguageshouldbejargon-freeandunemotional
Tolearnmoreabouthowtoeffectivelyplaceyourop-edinthemajorpapersacrossthecountryvisittheCommunicationConsortium Media Centerrsquos site at wwwccmcorgnode16170
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 17
Approaching Editorial BoardsEditorialboardsaretheeditorsandstaffofapublicationwhodeterminewhatgoesintothepublicationGoingtoaneditorialboardisthebehind-the-sceneswaytogetyourmessageoutYourfirstgoalistogetaneditorialmdashtheofficialopinionofthepublicationmdashwrittenaboutyourissue(Newspapereditorialshavebeenknowntoswaypublicopinionstronglymdashpoliticiansworkhardtogetapapertoendorsethemduringelections)ConvincinganeditorialboardisalotlikeconvincingalegislatorMeetingwithaneditorialboardcanalsohavetheaddedbenefitofbringingthefocusedattention of the editors to your issue so that learning disabilities may get more coverage in the future
Prepareforavisitwithaneditorialboardjustlikeyouwouldavisittoalegislator
bullGoingaspartofateamisagoodideaparticularlyifyoucanselectapersonofauthorityandinfluenceastheleader
bullEditorsarealwaysbusysobereadytopresenteverythinginlessthan15minutes
bullBrainstormstoryideasthatrelatetoyourtightlywordedmessagetopresenttotheboard
bullWhenyoursquoredoneaskwhetherthepublicationwillbeabletowriteaneditorialsupportingyourpositionorfeatureanarticleonyourcauseIfnotbepoliteandgraciousandoffertowriteanop-edpieceThentryagainnexttime
Calling a Radio ShowAdvocating for the rights of children with LD on the air is similar to all the other forms of advocacy with one exceptionmdashthesoundofyourvoiceThereisalotofpowerinhearinganindividualrsquosvoiceonairandbeingonaradioprogramcanbeagreatopportunityforyoutohumanizetheissueyouwanttobringattentiontobutyouhavetobeprepared
bullKnow the program yoursquoll be on WhenyouareontheairyouareonthespotandtherersquosnogoingbacktoeditwhatyousayBesuretolearnhowthehosttalkstopeopleandhowheorsherespondswhencallersgetflustered
bullKnow your message inside and out Again radio is live so having notes in front of you to make sure you have thewordsyouneedtoexpressyourselfclearlyandsimplyiskeyTalkaboutaparticularbilloraparticularlegislatorbynameandexplainpreciselywhatyouaretryingtoachieve
bullThink about your audience WhenyouaretalkingthinkaboutwhoislisteningBespecificabouthowthisissueaffectsyourcommunityandtalkaboutthelocallegislatorsandwhattheycandoThegoalistoexpressthatthisisanissueaboutpeoplepeoplelikeyouandpeoplelikeyourlistenersDonrsquotuselanguageyoursquorenotcomfortablewithandbepreparedtoansweranyquestionsWhateverthequestionsmaybebringtheanswerbacktoyourmessage
bullPracticeIfyoursquoveneverbeenontheairbeforeitrsquosagoodideatopracticewithataperecorderandanotherpersonaskingyouquestionsUsingataperecorderwillallowyoutolistentobothwhatyoursquovesaidandhowyoursquovesaiditLongpausestothinkmaycomeacrossasindecisivenessAnervouslaughmaysoundpatronizingandldquoummsrdquoandldquoahhsrdquocandetractfromyourpointConductafewrehearsalsandyoursquollfeelmuchmoreconfidentFeelingrelaxedwhencallingcanonlybenefityourmessage
Preparing Press ReleasesPressornewsreleasesareconciseannouncementsoftime-sensitiveinformationregardinganimportantsituationoreventGenerallypressreleasesareissuedbyorganizationsbutindividualadvocatescanbenefitfromknowinghowandwhenapressreleaseissenttothemedia
ThemosteffectivepressreleasesfollowastandardformatandprovidenewsworthyinterestinginformationtojournalistsinaconcisemannerAgoodpressreleasecanbethebackboneofanarticleandreportersaregratefulforcondensedcopytohelpthemmakeanewsitemmorerelevantOntheotherhandifanindividualororganizationsendsoutapressreleasefornobetterreasonthansendingoutanotherpressreleasetheyallbecomeirrelevantInthemediacredibilityisextremelyimportantandsendingoutirrelevantpressreleasesisalotlikecryingldquowolfrdquo
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 18
Using Social MediaTheexplosionofonlinemediatoolshascreatedawholenewwaytogetyourmessageoutBesuretotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglypopularavenuesofcommunicating
SetupablogtopromoteyourissuesUsingtoolssuchasWordpress(wwwwordpresscom)orMovableType (wwwmovabletypecom)youcanquicklycreateablogforfreeBlogsallowreaderstopostcommentsgeneratingmoreinterestandinteractionAlsobesuretovisitotherblogsaboutyourissuessuchaseducationspecialeducationanddisabilityblogswhereyoucanpostrelevantcommentsthatkeepyourissuesattheforefront
EstablishingapresenceonsocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook(wwwfacebookcom) is a great way to get out informationandmessagesthatsupportyouradvocacyeffortsThesesitesofferavarietyoftoolsthatallowyoutocreateblogsconductforumsandpollsaddphotosaudioandvideofeaturesandmore
Increasetheimpactofyourblogandsocialmediapresencebyusingareal-timeinformationnetworklikeTwitter(wwwtwittercom)tocommunicatequickupdatesaboutwhatrsquoshappeningwithyourissuesDonrsquotforgettousehashtagstoconnectyourtweetstoothersonthesametopicEncourageotherstostayinformedaboutyourworkbyusingReallySimpleSyndication(RSS)mdashapopularmeansofsharingcontentacrosstheInternet
Remembertokeepyouronlinepresenceuptodatewithnewandinterestinginformationopportunitiestogetinvolvedandwaysthosewhosupportyourissuescanhelp
Lastlyconsiderusingotheronlinecommunicationtoolssuchaswebinarspodcastsandvideostoprovideinformationabout your issues and tell others how to get involved and take action
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 6
Talking about LDThefirststeptobeinganeffectiveLDadvocateisunderstandingtheissueandhowtotalkaboutitYourpersonalexperiencesmaybemotivatingyoubutitisimportanttoeducateyourselfaboutthefactsandfiguresandbroadenyourunderstandingofLDbeyondwhatyoursquovelearnedthroughthoseexperiencesKnowingsomeofthe ldquohot buttonrdquo issues and how to deal with them is essential be-causeitconveysasenseofcredibilityandaddstoyourauthorityasaspokespersonforthecauseRegardlessofwhethertheseissuesareofinteresttoyouoneormoreislikelytocomeupindiscussionswithpolicymakersandthemedia
TherecontinuestobesubstantialmisconceptionsaboutlearningdisabilitiesandhowtobestsupportchildrenwhostruggletolearnLearninghowtoframemessagessothattheyhavethegreatestimpactshouldbeyourpriorityWhyBecauseunderstandingwhatyouaretalkingaboutandchoosingtherightwordscanhaveamajorimpactonyourworkMisconceptionscannotsimplybeoverturnedbyconfrontingthemwithstatisticsnomatterhowpowerfulthosestatisticsmaybeBothpolicymakersandthegeneralpublichavepreconceivedideasaboutwhatlearningdisabilitiesareanditisyourjobtospeakclearlyandeffectivelytothoseconcernswhilepersuasivelyexplainingthatitisineveryonersquosbestinteresttorespectandsupporttherightsofindividualswithLDsotheycanbecomesuccessfuladults
Describing Learning DisabilitiesFormanypeopleitisdifficulttounderstandthesecommonplacebuthiddendisabilitiesThisismademoredifficultbymisinformationandthedeliberatedistortionsofthosewhoclaimthatlearningdisabilitiesareanexcuseforpooracademicperformanceThetermldquolearningdisabilitiesrdquoisfrequentlyusedasanumbrellatermforalltypesofdisabilitieswhichonlyservestofurtherconfusethepublicandperpetuatemisunderstanding
ClearconsistentandconciselanguageshouldbeusedtodescribeLDWhenworkingwithpolicymakersusingalternativephrasesthatexcludethewordldquodisabilityrdquosuchasldquolearningdisorderrdquoorldquolearningdifferencerdquodoeslittle
tochangetheperceptionsIfanythingalternativedescriptionslikeldquolearningdifficultiesrdquoorldquolearningdifferencesrdquo can soften the intensity of concern and make theissueseeminsignificant
Becausethetermldquospecificlearningdisabilityrdquoisusedinthefederallawthatprovidesspecialeducationservices(IndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct)advocatesshould use this term in their communications with policymakersandthemedia
ThedefinitionofldquospecificlearningdisabilityrdquointheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isasfollows
For our family advocacy means sharing our personal experiences to educate and encourage other families teachers administrators care providers etc Sharing our stories has resulted in opportunities to provide assistance and
to participate in meaningful dialogue that leads to positive partnerships
Advocacy takes many forms but remember that sharing your own experiences and the facts about LD can change lives As Khalil Gibran once said ldquoA little bit of knowledge that acts is worth infinitely more than much knowledge that is idle rdquo
Esther Falcetta parent advocate Pennsylvania
bull Thetermlsquospecificlearningdisabilityrsquomeansadisor-derinoneormoreofthebasicpsychologicalprocess-es involved in understanding or in using language spokenorwrittenwhichdisordermaymanifestitselfinimperfectabilitytolistenthinkspeakreadwritespellordomathematicalcalculations
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 7
bullThetermincludessuchconditionsasperceptualdisabilitiesbraininjuryminimalbraindysfunctiondyslexiaanddevelopmentalaphasiaduetoLD
bullThetermdoesnotincludealearningproblemthatisprimarilytheresultofvisualhearingormotordisabilitiesof intellectual disabilities[formerly known as mental retardation] of emotional disturbance or of environmental cultural or economic disadvantage [34 CFR 3008(c)(10)]
Important points to remember when describing LDbullLearningdisabilitiesarerealScientistshaveproventheneurologicalbasisofLDthroughtheuseofbrainscansandothertechniquesTherealsoisproofthatlearningdisabilitiescanbegenetic
bullLearningdisabilitiesoccuroftenMostscientificexpertsagree(andschooldataconfirm)thatatleastfivepercent mdashandlikelymoremdashofourschool-agechildrenhavesevereproblemswithlearning
bullLearningdisabilitiesarenotthesameasautismintellectualdisabilities(previouslyknownasmentalretardation)orAttentionDeficitHyperactivityDisorderPeoplewithLDhaveaveragetoaboveaverageintelligencewhichisnotthecaseforpeoplewithintellectualdisabilitiesAndwhilethereareasignificantnumberofpeoplewithLDwhoalso have ADHD ADHD is not a learning disability (If ADHD and LD are confused during your conversations it canoftenhelptodistinguishbetweenthembystatingthatADHDisadisorderthatcausesinappropriateimpulsivityattentionandinsomecaseshyperactivityandcanoftenbetreatedwithmedicationLDisaneurologicaldisorderthataffectsthebrainrsquosabilitytoreceiveprocessstoreandrespondtoinformationandcannotbetreatedwithmedication)
bullLearningdisabilitiesarelifelongManychildrencanbetaughttocompensateforthemwithearlydiagnosisandappropriateinstruction
Legal ProtectionsPeoplewithlearningdisabilitieshavelegalprotectionsavailabletothemthroughseveralfederallawsBeingfamiliarwith these laws is essential to your success as an advocate
bullIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA2004) TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA2004)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforeligiblechildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparentsMoreinformationonIDEAisavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
bullSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelawMoreinformationonSection504isavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
bullAmericans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 is a civil rightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsMoreinformationontheADAisavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
NoteFormoreinformationontheselawsandtherightsofindividualswithLDpleasevisitwwwldorgforparentguides articles toolkits and other resources
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 8
Prevalence of LDTheprevalenceoflearningdisabilitiesisfrequentlyaddressedbythemediaandisoftenbroughtupindiscussionswithpolicymakersmdashsoitrsquosimportanttoknowthefactsonthisissueWhilethereisnotasure-firewaytocapturetheexactdata regarding the total number of Americans who have learning disabilities it is conservatively estimated that 3 - 5 ofthegeneralpopulationareaffected
FortunatelythereisreliabledataonthenumberofchildrenservedintheLDcategoryunderIDEAwhichisoftenthegroupsingledoutfordiscussionWhiletherehasbeensubstantialgrowthintheLDcategoryduringthe30yearssinceenactmentofIDEAthenumberofstudentsintheLDcategoryhasincreasedlessthanthetotalnumberofallstudentsservedunderIDEAfor15consecutiveyearsInfacttherehasbeenadeclineinthenumberofstudentsidentifiedashaving LD in each of the years between 2000 and 2010
Some important numbers
bull2415564students(ages6-21)arebeingservedintheLDcategoryofIDEAtodayaccordingtothemostrecentdataavailableThisis414ofthetotalnumberofstudentsservedunderIDEAand35oftheUSresidentpopulationofstudentsinthatagegroup
bull Whilethenumberofschool-agechildrenidentifiedwithLDgrewrapidlyduringthelate1980sand1990sthenumberofchildrenidentifiedwithLDhasdeclinedby19overthelastdecade(2001-2010)In2001studentsintheLDcategoryrepresented49ofallspecialeducationstudentswhilein2010thecategoryrepresented41
bullMalescomprisealmosttwo-thirdsofschool-agestudentswithLDwhoreceivespecialeducationservices
bullThepercentageofstudentsservedintheLDcategoryvariessignificantlyfromstatetostateTolearnaboutthespecificsforyourstateseeTheStateofLearningDisabilitiesatwwwLDorgstateofld
Over-IdentificationWithlessthan4oftheschool-agepopulationcurrentlyreceivingspecialeducationservicesintheLDcategorythereappearstobelittleevidencesupportingthepersistentclaimthatstudentsareover-identifiedasLDInfactCongressionaltestimonybyDrGReidLyonformerChiefoftheChildDevelopmentandBehaviorBranchoftheNationalInstituteofChildHealthandHumanDevelopmentattheNationalInstitutesofHealthindicatedthatapproximately6percentofschool-agechildrenwillexperiencelearningdifficultyparticularlyintheareaofreadingevenwhenprovidedwithearlyandintensiveinterventionsItisthesechildrenwhoshouldbeservedbyspecialeducation as students with LD
AnotherfrequentissueraisedbybothmediaandpolicymakersisthatofoverrepresentationofminoritypopulationsinspecialeducationWhilethereisreasonforconcernaboutover-identificationofminoritiesthedisabilitycategoriesandraceethnicgroupsofgreatestconcernarethoseofemotionaldisturbanceandintellectualdisability(previouslymentalretardation)asitrelatestoBlackandHispanicstudents
AswiththeoverallrateofidentificationofstudentsasLDthedisproportionalityofraceethnicgroupsvariesamongthestatesThedeterminationofdisproportionalityisgenerallymadebycomparingtheraceethnicdistributionofstudentsservedwithineachdisabilitycategoryofIDEAwiththedistributionofthosegroupswithintheresidentpopulationforastateorschooldistrictAdditionalinformationondisproportionalitybyraceanddisabilityisavailablefromyourstatersquosdepartmentofeducation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 9
Cost of Special EducationThecostofdeliveringspecialeducationservicestostudentswithdisabilitiesisafrequentareaofinterestforthemediaandpolicymakersalikeFederally-fundedstudieshavehelpedidentifythetruecostsassociatedwithIDEAservicesmostnotablytheSpecialEducationExpendituresProject(SEEP)(httpcsefairorg)
Report5oftheSEEPfoundthatperpupilexpendituresforstudentsinspecialeducationrangedfromalowof $10558forstudentswithlearningdisabilitiestoahighof$20095forstudentswithmultipledisabilitiesinthe1999-2000schoolyearTheaverageperpupilexpenditureforatypicalregulareducationstudentwhoreceivesnospecialeducationserviceswas$6556ThereforetheaverageexpenditureforstudentswithLDis16timestheexpenditurefora regular education student
TheseexpendituresincludedspendingonallregularandspecialeducationservicesusedtoeducatestudentswithLDThemajorityofstudentswithLDspendmorethan80percentoftheirinstructionaltimeingeneraleducation
Outcomes and ExpectationsThedifficultiesfacedbypeoplewithLDcanoftenbebestcommunicatedbyprovidingdataontheoutcomesbeingexperiencedbythoseservedbyspecialeducationWhilethereisfrequentreportingontheremarkableachievementsofafewnotableswithLDingeneralpeoplewithLDareexperiencingpooroutcomesinimportantareassuchashighschoolgraduationpostsecondaryeducationandaverageearningsOveralllearningdisabilitiescompromiseabilitiesandaspirationsandcanleadtoproblemssuchasunemploymentunderemploymentsubstanceabuseandpoormentalhealth
Graduation GraduationfromhighschoolwithastandarddiplomaforstudentswithLDcoveredunderIDEAin2009-2010was67Thiswasupfrom54adecadeearlier(2000-2001)
Dropout ThedropoutrateforstudentswithLDwas20inthe2009-2010schoolyearversus39in2000-2001Dropoutratesvarygreatlybyracialethnicgroupsforbothgeneralandspecialeducationpopulation
Postsecondary Education Amonghighschoolgraduateswhohadenrolledinpostsecondaryeducationwithin8yearsofleavinghighschooljust21hadenrolledina4-yearcollegeFiftypercenthadenrolledina2-yearorcommunitycollege and 36 had enrolled in a vocational business or training school
Parental Expectations Basedona2001survey59ofparentsexpecttheirstudentwithLDtograduatefromhighschoolwithastandarddiplomaRegardingpostsecondaryeducation14ofparentsexpecttheirstudentswithLDtograduatefromatwo-yearcollegewhilejust10expectgraduationfromafour-yearcollegeAmajorityofparentsmdash64mdashreportedthattheyexpecttheirstudentswithLDdefinitelyorprobablywonrsquotgraduatefroma4-yearcollege
Moreinformationonthesecondaryschoolandpost-highschoolexperiencesofstudentswithLDisavailableat wwwNLTS2org
Cost of Procedural Safeguards in Special EducationTherearemanyreportsaboutthehighcostoflitigationinspecialeducationhoweverthisisdifficulttosubstantiateRecentstudiesofdueprocesshearingssuchasthoseconductedbytheProjectForumattheNationalAssociationofStateDirectorsofSpecialEducationindicatethatthenumberofdueprocesshearingsheldintheUSisdecliningMuchofthiscanbeattributedtotherequirementthatallstatesmakemediationandotherdisputeresolutionstrategiesavailabletoschoolsandparentsinconflict
AreportbytheSpecialEducationExpenditureProject(Report4)indicatedthattotalexpendituresonspecialeducationmediationdueprocessandlitigationduringthe1999-2000schoolyearwasapproximately$1465millionforallK-12specialeducationstudentsinpublicschools(62millionstudents)Thisbreaksdowntoanexpenditureofapproximately$24perspecialeducationpupilandaccountsforonly3oftotalspecialeducationexpenditures
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 10
Working with Policymakers
Irsquove found that in order to implement effective policy our public officials must understand the priorities and challenges of individuals with learning disabilities They need to hear how our children are doing As Irsquove met
and talked with my representatives Irsquove always found someone sympathetic to my concerns mdash sometimes itrsquos a staff person or the Representative himherself Irsquove seen extraordinary partnerships with policymakers lead to improving outcomes for individuals with learning disabilities
Please remember that when you advocate
bull Itrsquosforthekids
bull Asparentswecanmakeadifference
bull ItrsquosnicetotraveltotheCapitolwithafriend
Bette Erickson parent advocate Minnesota
AllpoliticsarelocalmdasheverypieceoflegislationthatexistshaslocalimplicationsandisalsobasedonlocalneedsItseemsobviousbutitrsquosimportanttorememberItmeansthatlawsexistbecausepeoplelikeyouworkedtomakethemhappenMostofourcurrentlawsthatassistandprotectpeoplewithLDcamefromthegrassrootseffortsofadvocateslikeyouBoththeAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)andtheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)cametobebecauseadvocates(notSenatorsorhighlypaidlobbyists)tookactionandeducatedpolicymakersastowhytheselawsneededtoexist
YoutoocanmakelawshappenHowByunderstandinghowgovernmentworksandhowyoucanmosteffectivelygetinvolvedTherearelotsofdifferentwaystogettopolicymakersandcommunicateyourthoughtsonanissuebutbeforeyoupickupyourpenoryourphoneyouneedtokeepseveralthingsinmindinordertobemosteffective
Before you approach policymakers1 Familiarize yourself with what your elected officials have to say mdash both in the policies they support
and in the mediaKeeptrackofwhereyourlocalofficialsstandonlearningdisabilitieseducationandspecialeducationissuesStartingwiththelegislatorswhorepresentyoudirectly(yourSenatorsandCongressperson)isimportantbecausetheyaretheoneswithwhomyouwillhavethemostinfluenceYouareoneoftheirconstituentsYoucancontacttheirofficestoaskabouttheirparticipationonCongressionalcommitteesrequestaposition
statementorseeiftheyhavesponsoredlegislationimportanttopeoplewithLD
IfneitheryourSenatorsnorHouseRepresentativesitonthecommitteeswithjurisdictionovereducationandspecialeducationlawsthenlearnabout the legislators who do When you are readytogetintouchwithpolicymakersitwillbe useful to communicate with both your own representativesaswellasthosewhoareinthemoreinfluentialpositionsonLDissues
2 Become familiar with all the existing laws as well as bills that are pending that affect individuals with disabilities KnowtheirnamesandbillnumbersmdashitisimportanttobeabletorefertotheseexistinganddraftlawswhenyouarecommunicatingwithyourrepresentativesOurlegislatorscanrsquotbeexpertsoneveryissuesoitrsquosuptoyoutohelpthemunderstandintricateissuessuchasthelawsimpactingpeoplewithLDThisisnrsquot as daunting as it sounds NCLD and other organizationskeeptrackoftheselawsandevensend out email alerts to notify advocates about legislativenewsGotowwwLDorg to get the basicsandsignupforemailalertsaboutwaystoaddyourvoiceonimportantdecisionsonCapitolHill
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 11
3 Clarify your focus WhatexactlyareyoutryingtoaccomplishBeingasspecificaspossibleabouttheissueyouarepresentingtoapolicymakeriskeytobeingeffectiveldquoGettingchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesadecenteducationrdquoistoobroadldquoWorkingtogetIDEAreauthorizedandchangethelanguageinthelawtomakeitpossibleforchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiestobeidentifiedearlyandonapathtograduationwitharegulardiplomardquoarespecificgoalstobringtolegislators
4 Stay open-minded and respectful YouwillencounterpolicymakerswhodonrsquotagreewithwhatyouaretryingtoaccomplishtheymayhaveagendasthatcompletelyopposeyoursDonrsquotdismissthemUnderstandingopposingpointsofviewwillhelpyoucraftastrongpositionthattakesdiverseinterestsintoaccountAlsodonrsquotbehostiletowardsthemRemainingrespectfulcalmandpersonableevenwiththosewhoseviewsmightoffendyouisthekey to being an effective advocate
5 Be prepared to ldquodouble deckrdquoIfyouwanttobesurethatyouarereachingpolicymakersandhavinganimpactontheirpolicydecisionsyouaregoingtohavetousemanyoftheavailablemethodstocommunicateyourmessageJustsendinganemailisnrsquotenoughThesedaysinordertobeheardyouwillmostlikelyhavetopickupthephonesendafaxsendanemailandevenstopbytheofficeifyoucanMakeitimpossibleforthepeopleyouaretryingtoreach to ignore you
Who to ApproachConstituentshavethegreatestchanceofbeingheardbytheirlegislativerepresentativesOnthefederallevelCongressconsistsoftheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentativesEverystatehastwoSenatorsandatleastoneRepresentative(approximatelyoneRepresentativeforevery650000people)EachmemberofCongresshasalargestaffdedicatedtofindingoutwherevotersstandonimportantissuesOnthestatelevelthereisalsoaSenateandaHouseofRepresentativesLocallycountyandcitycouncilsrepresenttheircitizensandinsomestatestherearealsoregionallegislatures
EveryoneintheUnitesStatesisrepresentedbytwoUSSenatorsoneUSRepresentativeoneStateSenatoroneormoreStateRepresentatives(exceptforthosewhoresideintheDistrictofColumbia)aswellascountyandcitycouncilmembersYouelectthesepeoplesotheyareallveryinterestedinwhatyouhavetosay
When to Approach PolicymakersItrsquosnevertooearlytobeginestablishingrelationshipswithyourRepresentativesPolicymakersarepeoplelikeyoumdash theydonrsquotlikebeingapproachedonlywhenyouwantsomethingIfthereisabillupforconsiderationoravoteabouttotakeplacetheyhavealreadybeenworkingontheissueforsometimeTobeaneffectiveadvocateyoushouldcultivatearelationshipwithyourrepresentativesovertimesotheyknowtoturntoyouwhentheyneedguidanceonthetopicsyouknowandcareaboutAndtheywillturntoyouMakeityourbusinesstoestablishyourselfasanLDexpertintheeyesofyourelectedofficialsandtheirstaffmembersKeepinregularcontactwiththemmdashviaaletteroremailupdatingthemonlearningdisabilitiesissueseverymonthorsoregularphonecallsavisitnowandthenOvertimetheywillcometoknowandtrustyouasasourceofinformationtheycancountonIttakespersistencebutRepresentativeshavetomakedecisionswithorwithoutyouYourinputcanhelpthemmakegooddecisionsforpeoplewith LD
Writing Letters and EmailsPolicymakerspayattentiontolettersSinceSeptember112001regularmailcantakeupto30daystoreachalegislatorbecauseoftheinspectionprocessButifyouusemorethanonemethodofdelivery(regularmailfaxand email) your message will get through If you want to be sure your message lands in the right hands call your RepresentativersquosofficeandaskhowtheyprefertogetconstituentfeedbackPersonallettersandemailsfromconstituents are always the most effective and it doesnrsquot take hundreds of them to get a legislator to take notice Here areafewthingstokeepinmindwhenyouwrite
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 12
bullPersonalize your message Masscomputer-generatedmessagingiscommonthesedaysandpolicymakerswillpaymoreattentiontoaletteroremailtheyknowcomesfromarealpersonShareanypersonalexperiencesthatdirectlyillustratethepointyouaretryingtomake(ieldquoMysonJasonisabrightcuriouschildwhodoeswellinmathandsciencebutbecauseofhisreadingscoreshisschoolPS123wantshimtorepeatthirdgradeRetentionisnottheanswer rdquo)
bullInclude your name address and other contact information Legislators need to know that you are one of their constituents If you are sending an email be sure to use your real name not a username like ldquoLD momrdquo Anonymous mail will be ignored
bullBe brief specific and courteous KeepyourcommunicationsasshortaspossibleandbesuretopolitelystateyourspecificrequestinthefirstfewsentencesAvoidjargonthelanguageofyourmessageshouldbeassimpleaspossible
bullMention any affiliation you have with the policymaker IfyouknowsomeoneintheofficeorworkedontheRepresentativersquoselectioncampaignremindhimorherHavingapersonalassociationgivesyouevenmoreinfluencethan only being a constituent
bullEnclose any recent articles or reports that are relevant to your message NeverassumepolicymakersreadeverythingyoudoTheymightbutitisalwayshelpfultobringgoodinformationtotheirattention
bullIf your message is about a specific bill budget item or policy be sure to mention the name or number if you know it AlsostatewhetheryousupportoropposeitandaskforthepolicymakerrsquosviewsProvidefactsthatbackupyouropinionandshareanypersonalexperiencesthatpertaintotheissue
Using EmailMembers of Congress receive millions of emails each year To cut down on email volume most members of Congress arenowusingfilteringsystemsthatallowonlyemailsfromconstituentstoreachtheirinboxBesuretofollowtheinstructionsoftheWebformmdashtypicallyusedbymostMembersrsquositesmdashtoensurethatyourmessageisreceivedWheneverpossiblebesuretorefertoaspecificpieceoflegislationinthesubjectline(iereSupportEarlyInterventionforChildrenwithReadingDifficulties)andincludeyourmailingaddresssothereaderknowsyouareaconstituentIndividualizeyouremailbysharingthosepersonalexperiencesthatpertaintoyourargumentSomeemailcampaignsgeneratedbyLegislativeActionCenterssuchasthoseonwwwLDorgallowyoutoeditthetextyouaresendingsousethatoptiontomakeyouremailletterstandoutAgainthebestpolicyistouseallformsofcommunicationmdashwritealetterfaxitandalsosendanemail
Making Phone CallsPickingupthephoneisaneasywaytoreachouttopolicymakersanditisimmenselyeffectiveYourFederalRepresentativesshouldhavetheirphonenumberslistedontheirwebsiteinthebluepagesofthelocalphonebookoryoucanalwaysgetthisinformationthroughtheUSCapitolswitchboardat(202)224-3121orvisit wwwcontactingthecongressorgwhereyoucanenteryouraddressandgetcompletecontactinformationforyourelectedofficials
WhencallingasktospeaktotheaidewhoisresponsibleforeducationanddisabilityissuesSpeakingtoanaideisaseffectiveasspeakingtoanactuallegislatortheirstaffsexisttobetheirexpertsonwhatvoterscareaboutUsethesameguidelinesforaphonecallaswhenyouwriteBeforeyoudialbesureto
bullPrepare what you are going to say Writedownafewconcisetalkingpointssothatyoudonrsquothavetoremembereverything in the heat of the moment
bullMention your name and address so they know you are in their state or district
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 13
bullCall the office Whetheritrsquosvoicemailorareceptionistspelloutyournameandaddressandleaveashortmessageoutliningwhatyouarecallingabout(ldquoIrsquomcallingaboutthependingreauthorizationoftheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActandtheneedforearlyinterventionforstrugglingreadersrdquo)
bullFollow up any phone call with a written note sent via email or fax This way the legislator has a written recordofyourcallandyouhaveanotheropportunitytoreinforceyourmessageThenoteshouldclearlyincludeyournameaddressphonenumberandwhenyoucalledIfyouwereabletospeaktosomeonebesuretothankhimor her
Meeting with PolicymakersItmayseemdauntingbutthebestwaytoensurepolicymakersgetyourmessageistellingthemortheirstaffinpersonVisitingalegislatoriseasyAllyouhavetodoismakeanappointmentinadvanceYoucanvisitthemattheirdistrictofficeswhentheyarehome(typicallyonMondayandFriday)orgotoseethemonCapitolHill(iftheyarefederal legislators)
Beforeyougothinkaboutthefollowing
bullConsider bringing a delegation Itrsquoslessintimidatingforyouifyouarepartofagroup(ieagroupofparentsofchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesoradiversegroupofeducatorsparentsandpsychologists)andyourmessagewillbe even stronger because of your numbers If you are a team be sure there is a leader who will do most of the talking
bullWhy are you going You should rehearse what you are going to say and how you are going to say it before you go Beabletogivea90-secondversionofyourpresentationItshouldincludeyournamewhereyoulivewhatpertinentgroupsyouareapartofasynopsisoftheissueyouareaddressingandaclearrequest(pleasesupportbillxoropposethepassingofresolutiony)Yourappointmentwillprobablybeveryshort(10-15minutes)sostartwiththesummaryandthenexpandastimepermits
bullKnow where the policymaker stands YoursquollbeabletoprepareyourstrategyduringthemeetingifyouknowexactlywherethepersonyouaremeetingwithstandsontheissueyouareaddressingCalltheofficeorcheckoutProjectVoteSmartatwwwvote-smartorgYoucanalsocalltheofficebeforeyougoandaskwhathisorherpositionis
bullPrepare something in writing Whetheritisaone-pagesummaryofyourpresentationorafolderwitharticlesandstatisticssupportingyourrequestyoushouldalwayshavesomethingtohandthepersonyoumeetwithAlsobesurethatwhateveryouhandoverhasyournameaddressphonenumberandemailaddressonitGettingintouchwithyou should be effortless
bullFollow up with a thank-you note OncethestaffmembercanconnectafacewithyournamedonrsquotlethimorherforgetYournoteshouldbeshortandshouldbrieflysummarizewhatyoudiscussedatthemeetingincludeanyinformationyoupromisedtoprovideandasalwaysincludeallyourcontactinformation
Ifyoursquovestatedclearlyandconciselywhyyouarethereandtherersquossometimetospareexplainwhothisissuewillaffect and how If the legislator with whom you are meeting (or whose aide you are meeting) has done something you arepleasedaboutlethimorherknowthatPolicymakershearlotsofcriticismgenuinepraiseisalwayswelcomeYoumayspendalotoftimelisteningtowhatthepolicymakerrsquosviewsonyourissueareoryoumayhavetoeducatethemonsomebasicsmdashbepreparedforeitherscenarioAlsolethimorherknowthatyouwillsharewhathappensatthemeetingwithawideraudiencebackhome(suchasyourlocallearningdisabilitiesadvocacygroup)Thisisarelationshipyouarebuildingandevenifyoudonrsquotseeeyetoeyeitrsquosimportanttokeepthedooropentocontinuedcommunications
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 14
Working with the Media
photo
If you are a parent advocate you are also an activist Working with the media is a powerful and enduring tool in my special education toolbox Remember the media is there to tell the news or a story My voice and pen are my greatest
obligation and opportunity When I have something to say or want to educate the public I am relentless in my pursuit to be heard on behalf of our children I write blogs letters to the editor guest columns and callemail the education editorial staff and staff-writers to pitch an idea for a story or pass along important news about legislative action and special education policy
Believe in your heart that your childrsquos school experience is a story waiting to be told The media is nothing to be intimidated by I am a recognized and reliable resource whether I am the writer or the source of information Write a letter to the editor or contact an education staff-writer with a story I promise the media is waiting for you
Marcie Lipsitt parent advocate Michigan
ThinkofthemediaasatoolGettingmediacoveragecanhelpyoudrawattentiontospecificissuesregardinglearningdisabilitieseducatethepublicandinfluencepolicymakersbydrawingatten-tiontotheiractionsThemediawieldsalotofpowerinsocietytodaybutbehindallthenewsprintandsoundwavesreportersarepeoplelikeyouwhowanttoinformthepublicWithagoodangleandtherighttimingyoucanbringalotofattentionto the needs and rights of children with learning disabilities
Working with the media can take a few different forms
u Writing letters to the editoruWritingop-edpiecesuApproachingeditorialboardsu Calling a radio showuPreparingpressreleases
Keepthesebasicprinciplesinmindwhenworkingwithyourlocalnewspaperradiostationorevenatelevisionprogram
bullKnowexactlywhatitisyouwanttosayandhowtosayitBeconciseandkeepyourmessagetotwoorthreestrongpointsthatyoucanexpressinafewdifferent ways
bullWheneveryoucontactanymediaoutletorspecificreporterbesureyoufindoutwhoisinchargeofeducationandordisabilityissuesandgetthatpersonrsquosdirectphonenumberfaxnumberandemailaddress
bullUsethesimplestplainestlanguagepossibleReportersmay or may not know as much as you do about learningdisabilitiesbutyourwordsareforthepublicthereporterisreachingwhomyoushouldassumearenot at all familiar with the issues you are discussing Ontheotherhanddonrsquotbecondescendingeither
bullBecomethoroughlyfamiliarwithanynewspaperradioshowortelevisionprogramwithwhichyouwillbecommunicatingBesurethatyouunderstandthe style and general angle of the outlet and that you arefamiliarwiththeworkofanyparticulareditorreporterorproducerwithwhomyoumightbeincontactThiswayyoursquollknowhowtoapproachthemorperhapstopushbackwhenheorshewritessomethingwithwhichyoudisagreeFrequentlyyouwillfindthatreportersaredrawntotheissueoflearningdisabilitiesbecauseofsomepersonal
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 15
connectionsuchasachildorrelativewhohasalearningdisabilitysuchasdyslexiaJustasoftenthereportermightaskaboutLDwheninfacttheyareseekinginformationaboutotherdisabilitiessuchasADHDorautismspectrumdisordersBepreparedtousethosekindsofconnectionstoyouradvantagemdashyoucanbuildarelationshipbyofferingyourself as a resource
bullNeverassumethatanythingisldquoofftherecordrdquoItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtotakewhatyousayandturnitintoastorythatsellspapersTheonlywayyoucanmakesuretheyaretellingyourstoryisbystickingtoitDonrsquotthrowinlittlecommentariesevenifyouthinkyoursquorejustlighteninguptheconversationunlessyouarepreparedtoseetheminprint
bullldquoNocommentrdquoisacommentItdoesnrsquotimplythatyoudonrsquotknowitimpliesyouknowbutdonrsquotwanttotalkaboutitbecauseitmightbeaweaknessinyourargumentorgoagainstyourpoint
bullItrsquosokaytosayldquoIdonrsquotknowrdquoThebestthingtosayisldquoIdonrsquotknowbutIcangetbacktoyouonthatrdquoThenfindoutquicklyandcontactthereporterpromptly
bullDonrsquotletareportergettoyouItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtoaskquestionsandsometimesevenplaydevilrsquosadvocateAlwaysbepolitecalmandcollectedandmakesureyoustayontopic
bullDonrsquotletreportersputwordsinyourmouthItrsquosdangeroustoagreewithastatementtheymakeforyou(ieldquoSowouldyousaythatrdquo)ThequotesshouldcomefromyounotthemIfyoursquorenotsureheorshegotitrightitrsquosokaytoaskareportertoreadbackwhatyoujustsaid
bullPreparationisthebestwaytoensurethatyoucomeawayfromanyone-on-onesituationhavingclearlyandeffectively communicated your message
bullAlwaysthankthepersonwithwhomyouaredealingandfollowuptomakesureyourmessagesarebeingused
bullAskwhenthestorywillrunandrequestnotificationwhenitgoeslive
Letters to the EditorTheLetterstotheEditorsectionisalwaysoneofthemostpopularsectionsofanypaperormagazineThissectionisaneasywayforyoutoletpolicymakersknowyouropinionsandtoeducatereadersaboutissuesthatconcernyouLetterscanbeusedtocorrectorrespondtothefactsinanarticletopraiseorcriticizeopinionsexpressedinthepublicationortosimplybringattentiontotheissueyouwanttoaddress
StudythepublicationyoursquorewritingtobeforeyoubeginKnowthenameoftheappropriateeditortowritetoandbecomefamiliarwiththeformatthatpublishedletterstakeSomenewspapershavewrittenguidelinesfortheirlettersFollowingtheseguidelinescloselyisthebestchanceyouhaveofgettingpublished
Hereareafewmoretipstohelpyougetyourmessageacrossinalettertotheeditor
bullTiming is everything Respondtoanarticleornewsitemrightafterithappensorevenbetterifyouknowabillispassingoranarticleisbeingprintedsendyourlettertotheeditorbeforereadersknowanythingaboutit
bullShort and sweet JustaswhenwritingtoalegislatorkeepyourletterclearandconciseMakeonestrongpointandleave it at that Itrsquos a good idea to write a draft of your letter take a break and then look at it again That way you can makesurethatyouaresayingexactlywhatyouintend
bullCheck your facts BothyourcredibilityandthatofthepublicationhangontheaccuracyofyourletterandcredibilityiseverythingIfitturnsoutyoudidnrsquothaveyourfactsstraightitrsquosunlikelyyourletterswillbepublishedagain
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 16
bullMake it relevant Ifyouarewritingtoasmalllocalpaperexplainhowyourissueaffectsthecommunity(ieldquoIfCouncilmanWhorsquosresolutionpassesoneineveryfourthirdgradersatWhovilleElementarySchoolwillberdquo)IfyouarewritingtoalargerpublicationadaptyourtoneandscopetoitsaudienceLocalconnectionsforpapersbasedinmetropolitanareasarestillimportantevenforlargepapers
bullName names DonrsquotbeafraidtomentionpolicymakerrsquosnamesmdashthisisaneasywaytomakealetterrelevanttoalocalareaIfyouareaddressingaspecificpersonrsquospoliciesorintentionsbesuretosendacopyofthelettertothatpersonPoliticiansneedtoknowyouarepayingattentiontowhattheyaredoingthatwillhaveanimpactonchildrenwith LD
bullLet them know who you are AnylettertotheeditorshouldincludeallyourcontactinformationThepublicationmaynotprintitbutaneditormayneedtogetintouchwithyoutoverifysomeinformationortoaskyouquestionsJustaswithpolicymakersoneofyourgoalsistobecomeasourceofinformationforthemAlsoifyouhaveanycredentialsthatmakeyoumoreofanauthoritymentionthemYourexpertisewillmakeitfarmorelikelythatyourletterwillgetprinted
bullFollow up CallthepublicationtomakesuretheyreceivedyourletterandoffertohelpthemwithanystoriestheyhaveplannedonlearningdisabilitiesTheymighthavefeedbackforyouonyourletterormighttaketheopportunitytoaskyouafewquestionsabouttheissue
bullKeep trying EvenifyourletterdoesnrsquotgetpublishedwriteanotheronethenexttimeitrsquosappropriateTherecanbemanyreasonswhyapublicationdoesnrsquotprintanyoneletterandeducatingtheeditorialstaffofthepublicationisanimportanttasktoo
bullContrary point of view Letterstotheeditorwhichproposeaviewcontrarytotheviewinanarticlearemorelikelytobepublishedthanletterswhichagreewiththepaperrsquospointofview
Writing an Op-Ed PieceOp-edsareliketheuppercrustofletterstotheeditorTheyarewrittenbyreadersjustlikeletterstotheeditorbuttendtocomefrompeopleofauthoritysuchaspresidentsCEOsandevenlegislatorsOp-edscarryabylinesoinawaytheyarearticlesbutopinionatedonesIfyouarepartofanadvocacyorganizationitrsquosagoodideatogivethebylinetotheexecutivedirectororamemberoftheboard(withtheirpermissionofcourse)Whenwritinganop-edusetheguidelinesforletterstotheeditorandalsokeepinmind
bullTheformatforanop-edisveryspecificUsuallytheyrangefrom300-750wordsMakesureyouknowwhatthepublicationrsquosguidelinesareOp-edsaregenerallyalsoexclusivesosubmittheop-edtothepublicationthathasthelargestcirculationandthegreatestlikelihoodofpublishingyourworkTargetpublicationsthatpublishop-edsonthetopicuponwhichyouarewriting
bullThestrongestop-edsaretheonesthatmakereadersunderstand(1)whyanissueisimportanttothempersonallyand(2) what they should do about it The tone should not suggest that the issue is about you and your agenda but rather that yours is of broad concern and you are offering a suitable call to action
bullMakeitsimpleYourmessageshouldbeloudandclearsoagoodruleofthumbistofirsttellthemwhatyouaregoingtosaysayitandthentellthemwhatyousaidYourlanguageshouldbejargon-freeandunemotional
Tolearnmoreabouthowtoeffectivelyplaceyourop-edinthemajorpapersacrossthecountryvisittheCommunicationConsortium Media Centerrsquos site at wwwccmcorgnode16170
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 17
Approaching Editorial BoardsEditorialboardsaretheeditorsandstaffofapublicationwhodeterminewhatgoesintothepublicationGoingtoaneditorialboardisthebehind-the-sceneswaytogetyourmessageoutYourfirstgoalistogetaneditorialmdashtheofficialopinionofthepublicationmdashwrittenaboutyourissue(Newspapereditorialshavebeenknowntoswaypublicopinionstronglymdashpoliticiansworkhardtogetapapertoendorsethemduringelections)ConvincinganeditorialboardisalotlikeconvincingalegislatorMeetingwithaneditorialboardcanalsohavetheaddedbenefitofbringingthefocusedattention of the editors to your issue so that learning disabilities may get more coverage in the future
Prepareforavisitwithaneditorialboardjustlikeyouwouldavisittoalegislator
bullGoingaspartofateamisagoodideaparticularlyifyoucanselectapersonofauthorityandinfluenceastheleader
bullEditorsarealwaysbusysobereadytopresenteverythinginlessthan15minutes
bullBrainstormstoryideasthatrelatetoyourtightlywordedmessagetopresenttotheboard
bullWhenyoursquoredoneaskwhetherthepublicationwillbeabletowriteaneditorialsupportingyourpositionorfeatureanarticleonyourcauseIfnotbepoliteandgraciousandoffertowriteanop-edpieceThentryagainnexttime
Calling a Radio ShowAdvocating for the rights of children with LD on the air is similar to all the other forms of advocacy with one exceptionmdashthesoundofyourvoiceThereisalotofpowerinhearinganindividualrsquosvoiceonairandbeingonaradioprogramcanbeagreatopportunityforyoutohumanizetheissueyouwanttobringattentiontobutyouhavetobeprepared
bullKnow the program yoursquoll be on WhenyouareontheairyouareonthespotandtherersquosnogoingbacktoeditwhatyousayBesuretolearnhowthehosttalkstopeopleandhowheorsherespondswhencallersgetflustered
bullKnow your message inside and out Again radio is live so having notes in front of you to make sure you have thewordsyouneedtoexpressyourselfclearlyandsimplyiskeyTalkaboutaparticularbilloraparticularlegislatorbynameandexplainpreciselywhatyouaretryingtoachieve
bullThink about your audience WhenyouaretalkingthinkaboutwhoislisteningBespecificabouthowthisissueaffectsyourcommunityandtalkaboutthelocallegislatorsandwhattheycandoThegoalistoexpressthatthisisanissueaboutpeoplepeoplelikeyouandpeoplelikeyourlistenersDonrsquotuselanguageyoursquorenotcomfortablewithandbepreparedtoansweranyquestionsWhateverthequestionsmaybebringtheanswerbacktoyourmessage
bullPracticeIfyoursquoveneverbeenontheairbeforeitrsquosagoodideatopracticewithataperecorderandanotherpersonaskingyouquestionsUsingataperecorderwillallowyoutolistentobothwhatyoursquovesaidandhowyoursquovesaiditLongpausestothinkmaycomeacrossasindecisivenessAnervouslaughmaysoundpatronizingandldquoummsrdquoandldquoahhsrdquocandetractfromyourpointConductafewrehearsalsandyoursquollfeelmuchmoreconfidentFeelingrelaxedwhencallingcanonlybenefityourmessage
Preparing Press ReleasesPressornewsreleasesareconciseannouncementsoftime-sensitiveinformationregardinganimportantsituationoreventGenerallypressreleasesareissuedbyorganizationsbutindividualadvocatescanbenefitfromknowinghowandwhenapressreleaseissenttothemedia
ThemosteffectivepressreleasesfollowastandardformatandprovidenewsworthyinterestinginformationtojournalistsinaconcisemannerAgoodpressreleasecanbethebackboneofanarticleandreportersaregratefulforcondensedcopytohelpthemmakeanewsitemmorerelevantOntheotherhandifanindividualororganizationsendsoutapressreleasefornobetterreasonthansendingoutanotherpressreleasetheyallbecomeirrelevantInthemediacredibilityisextremelyimportantandsendingoutirrelevantpressreleasesisalotlikecryingldquowolfrdquo
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 18
Using Social MediaTheexplosionofonlinemediatoolshascreatedawholenewwaytogetyourmessageoutBesuretotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglypopularavenuesofcommunicating
SetupablogtopromoteyourissuesUsingtoolssuchasWordpress(wwwwordpresscom)orMovableType (wwwmovabletypecom)youcanquicklycreateablogforfreeBlogsallowreaderstopostcommentsgeneratingmoreinterestandinteractionAlsobesuretovisitotherblogsaboutyourissuessuchaseducationspecialeducationanddisabilityblogswhereyoucanpostrelevantcommentsthatkeepyourissuesattheforefront
EstablishingapresenceonsocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook(wwwfacebookcom) is a great way to get out informationandmessagesthatsupportyouradvocacyeffortsThesesitesofferavarietyoftoolsthatallowyoutocreateblogsconductforumsandpollsaddphotosaudioandvideofeaturesandmore
Increasetheimpactofyourblogandsocialmediapresencebyusingareal-timeinformationnetworklikeTwitter(wwwtwittercom)tocommunicatequickupdatesaboutwhatrsquoshappeningwithyourissuesDonrsquotforgettousehashtagstoconnectyourtweetstoothersonthesametopicEncourageotherstostayinformedaboutyourworkbyusingReallySimpleSyndication(RSS)mdashapopularmeansofsharingcontentacrosstheInternet
Remembertokeepyouronlinepresenceuptodatewithnewandinterestinginformationopportunitiestogetinvolvedandwaysthosewhosupportyourissuescanhelp
Lastlyconsiderusingotheronlinecommunicationtoolssuchaswebinarspodcastsandvideostoprovideinformationabout your issues and tell others how to get involved and take action
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 7
bullThetermincludessuchconditionsasperceptualdisabilitiesbraininjuryminimalbraindysfunctiondyslexiaanddevelopmentalaphasiaduetoLD
bullThetermdoesnotincludealearningproblemthatisprimarilytheresultofvisualhearingormotordisabilitiesof intellectual disabilities[formerly known as mental retardation] of emotional disturbance or of environmental cultural or economic disadvantage [34 CFR 3008(c)(10)]
Important points to remember when describing LDbullLearningdisabilitiesarerealScientistshaveproventheneurologicalbasisofLDthroughtheuseofbrainscansandothertechniquesTherealsoisproofthatlearningdisabilitiescanbegenetic
bullLearningdisabilitiesoccuroftenMostscientificexpertsagree(andschooldataconfirm)thatatleastfivepercent mdashandlikelymoremdashofourschool-agechildrenhavesevereproblemswithlearning
bullLearningdisabilitiesarenotthesameasautismintellectualdisabilities(previouslyknownasmentalretardation)orAttentionDeficitHyperactivityDisorderPeoplewithLDhaveaveragetoaboveaverageintelligencewhichisnotthecaseforpeoplewithintellectualdisabilitiesAndwhilethereareasignificantnumberofpeoplewithLDwhoalso have ADHD ADHD is not a learning disability (If ADHD and LD are confused during your conversations it canoftenhelptodistinguishbetweenthembystatingthatADHDisadisorderthatcausesinappropriateimpulsivityattentionandinsomecaseshyperactivityandcanoftenbetreatedwithmedicationLDisaneurologicaldisorderthataffectsthebrainrsquosabilitytoreceiveprocessstoreandrespondtoinformationandcannotbetreatedwithmedication)
bullLearningdisabilitiesarelifelongManychildrencanbetaughttocompensateforthemwithearlydiagnosisandappropriateinstruction
Legal ProtectionsPeoplewithlearningdisabilitieshavelegalprotectionsavailabletothemthroughseveralfederallawsBeingfamiliarwith these laws is essential to your success as an advocate
bullIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA2004) TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA2004)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforeligiblechildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparentsMoreinformationonIDEAisavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
bullSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelawMoreinformationonSection504isavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
bullAmericans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 is a civil rightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsMoreinformationontheADAisavailableintheAppendicesofthispublication
NoteFormoreinformationontheselawsandtherightsofindividualswithLDpleasevisitwwwldorgforparentguides articles toolkits and other resources
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 8
Prevalence of LDTheprevalenceoflearningdisabilitiesisfrequentlyaddressedbythemediaandisoftenbroughtupindiscussionswithpolicymakersmdashsoitrsquosimportanttoknowthefactsonthisissueWhilethereisnotasure-firewaytocapturetheexactdata regarding the total number of Americans who have learning disabilities it is conservatively estimated that 3 - 5 ofthegeneralpopulationareaffected
FortunatelythereisreliabledataonthenumberofchildrenservedintheLDcategoryunderIDEAwhichisoftenthegroupsingledoutfordiscussionWhiletherehasbeensubstantialgrowthintheLDcategoryduringthe30yearssinceenactmentofIDEAthenumberofstudentsintheLDcategoryhasincreasedlessthanthetotalnumberofallstudentsservedunderIDEAfor15consecutiveyearsInfacttherehasbeenadeclineinthenumberofstudentsidentifiedashaving LD in each of the years between 2000 and 2010
Some important numbers
bull2415564students(ages6-21)arebeingservedintheLDcategoryofIDEAtodayaccordingtothemostrecentdataavailableThisis414ofthetotalnumberofstudentsservedunderIDEAand35oftheUSresidentpopulationofstudentsinthatagegroup
bull Whilethenumberofschool-agechildrenidentifiedwithLDgrewrapidlyduringthelate1980sand1990sthenumberofchildrenidentifiedwithLDhasdeclinedby19overthelastdecade(2001-2010)In2001studentsintheLDcategoryrepresented49ofallspecialeducationstudentswhilein2010thecategoryrepresented41
bullMalescomprisealmosttwo-thirdsofschool-agestudentswithLDwhoreceivespecialeducationservices
bullThepercentageofstudentsservedintheLDcategoryvariessignificantlyfromstatetostateTolearnaboutthespecificsforyourstateseeTheStateofLearningDisabilitiesatwwwLDorgstateofld
Over-IdentificationWithlessthan4oftheschool-agepopulationcurrentlyreceivingspecialeducationservicesintheLDcategorythereappearstobelittleevidencesupportingthepersistentclaimthatstudentsareover-identifiedasLDInfactCongressionaltestimonybyDrGReidLyonformerChiefoftheChildDevelopmentandBehaviorBranchoftheNationalInstituteofChildHealthandHumanDevelopmentattheNationalInstitutesofHealthindicatedthatapproximately6percentofschool-agechildrenwillexperiencelearningdifficultyparticularlyintheareaofreadingevenwhenprovidedwithearlyandintensiveinterventionsItisthesechildrenwhoshouldbeservedbyspecialeducation as students with LD
AnotherfrequentissueraisedbybothmediaandpolicymakersisthatofoverrepresentationofminoritypopulationsinspecialeducationWhilethereisreasonforconcernaboutover-identificationofminoritiesthedisabilitycategoriesandraceethnicgroupsofgreatestconcernarethoseofemotionaldisturbanceandintellectualdisability(previouslymentalretardation)asitrelatestoBlackandHispanicstudents
AswiththeoverallrateofidentificationofstudentsasLDthedisproportionalityofraceethnicgroupsvariesamongthestatesThedeterminationofdisproportionalityisgenerallymadebycomparingtheraceethnicdistributionofstudentsservedwithineachdisabilitycategoryofIDEAwiththedistributionofthosegroupswithintheresidentpopulationforastateorschooldistrictAdditionalinformationondisproportionalitybyraceanddisabilityisavailablefromyourstatersquosdepartmentofeducation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 9
Cost of Special EducationThecostofdeliveringspecialeducationservicestostudentswithdisabilitiesisafrequentareaofinterestforthemediaandpolicymakersalikeFederally-fundedstudieshavehelpedidentifythetruecostsassociatedwithIDEAservicesmostnotablytheSpecialEducationExpendituresProject(SEEP)(httpcsefairorg)
Report5oftheSEEPfoundthatperpupilexpendituresforstudentsinspecialeducationrangedfromalowof $10558forstudentswithlearningdisabilitiestoahighof$20095forstudentswithmultipledisabilitiesinthe1999-2000schoolyearTheaverageperpupilexpenditureforatypicalregulareducationstudentwhoreceivesnospecialeducationserviceswas$6556ThereforetheaverageexpenditureforstudentswithLDis16timestheexpenditurefora regular education student
TheseexpendituresincludedspendingonallregularandspecialeducationservicesusedtoeducatestudentswithLDThemajorityofstudentswithLDspendmorethan80percentoftheirinstructionaltimeingeneraleducation
Outcomes and ExpectationsThedifficultiesfacedbypeoplewithLDcanoftenbebestcommunicatedbyprovidingdataontheoutcomesbeingexperiencedbythoseservedbyspecialeducationWhilethereisfrequentreportingontheremarkableachievementsofafewnotableswithLDingeneralpeoplewithLDareexperiencingpooroutcomesinimportantareassuchashighschoolgraduationpostsecondaryeducationandaverageearningsOveralllearningdisabilitiescompromiseabilitiesandaspirationsandcanleadtoproblemssuchasunemploymentunderemploymentsubstanceabuseandpoormentalhealth
Graduation GraduationfromhighschoolwithastandarddiplomaforstudentswithLDcoveredunderIDEAin2009-2010was67Thiswasupfrom54adecadeearlier(2000-2001)
Dropout ThedropoutrateforstudentswithLDwas20inthe2009-2010schoolyearversus39in2000-2001Dropoutratesvarygreatlybyracialethnicgroupsforbothgeneralandspecialeducationpopulation
Postsecondary Education Amonghighschoolgraduateswhohadenrolledinpostsecondaryeducationwithin8yearsofleavinghighschooljust21hadenrolledina4-yearcollegeFiftypercenthadenrolledina2-yearorcommunitycollege and 36 had enrolled in a vocational business or training school
Parental Expectations Basedona2001survey59ofparentsexpecttheirstudentwithLDtograduatefromhighschoolwithastandarddiplomaRegardingpostsecondaryeducation14ofparentsexpecttheirstudentswithLDtograduatefromatwo-yearcollegewhilejust10expectgraduationfromafour-yearcollegeAmajorityofparentsmdash64mdashreportedthattheyexpecttheirstudentswithLDdefinitelyorprobablywonrsquotgraduatefroma4-yearcollege
Moreinformationonthesecondaryschoolandpost-highschoolexperiencesofstudentswithLDisavailableat wwwNLTS2org
Cost of Procedural Safeguards in Special EducationTherearemanyreportsaboutthehighcostoflitigationinspecialeducationhoweverthisisdifficulttosubstantiateRecentstudiesofdueprocesshearingssuchasthoseconductedbytheProjectForumattheNationalAssociationofStateDirectorsofSpecialEducationindicatethatthenumberofdueprocesshearingsheldintheUSisdecliningMuchofthiscanbeattributedtotherequirementthatallstatesmakemediationandotherdisputeresolutionstrategiesavailabletoschoolsandparentsinconflict
AreportbytheSpecialEducationExpenditureProject(Report4)indicatedthattotalexpendituresonspecialeducationmediationdueprocessandlitigationduringthe1999-2000schoolyearwasapproximately$1465millionforallK-12specialeducationstudentsinpublicschools(62millionstudents)Thisbreaksdowntoanexpenditureofapproximately$24perspecialeducationpupilandaccountsforonly3oftotalspecialeducationexpenditures
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 10
Working with Policymakers
Irsquove found that in order to implement effective policy our public officials must understand the priorities and challenges of individuals with learning disabilities They need to hear how our children are doing As Irsquove met
and talked with my representatives Irsquove always found someone sympathetic to my concerns mdash sometimes itrsquos a staff person or the Representative himherself Irsquove seen extraordinary partnerships with policymakers lead to improving outcomes for individuals with learning disabilities
Please remember that when you advocate
bull Itrsquosforthekids
bull Asparentswecanmakeadifference
bull ItrsquosnicetotraveltotheCapitolwithafriend
Bette Erickson parent advocate Minnesota
AllpoliticsarelocalmdasheverypieceoflegislationthatexistshaslocalimplicationsandisalsobasedonlocalneedsItseemsobviousbutitrsquosimportanttorememberItmeansthatlawsexistbecausepeoplelikeyouworkedtomakethemhappenMostofourcurrentlawsthatassistandprotectpeoplewithLDcamefromthegrassrootseffortsofadvocateslikeyouBoththeAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)andtheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)cametobebecauseadvocates(notSenatorsorhighlypaidlobbyists)tookactionandeducatedpolicymakersastowhytheselawsneededtoexist
YoutoocanmakelawshappenHowByunderstandinghowgovernmentworksandhowyoucanmosteffectivelygetinvolvedTherearelotsofdifferentwaystogettopolicymakersandcommunicateyourthoughtsonanissuebutbeforeyoupickupyourpenoryourphoneyouneedtokeepseveralthingsinmindinordertobemosteffective
Before you approach policymakers1 Familiarize yourself with what your elected officials have to say mdash both in the policies they support
and in the mediaKeeptrackofwhereyourlocalofficialsstandonlearningdisabilitieseducationandspecialeducationissuesStartingwiththelegislatorswhorepresentyoudirectly(yourSenatorsandCongressperson)isimportantbecausetheyaretheoneswithwhomyouwillhavethemostinfluenceYouareoneoftheirconstituentsYoucancontacttheirofficestoaskabouttheirparticipationonCongressionalcommitteesrequestaposition
statementorseeiftheyhavesponsoredlegislationimportanttopeoplewithLD
IfneitheryourSenatorsnorHouseRepresentativesitonthecommitteeswithjurisdictionovereducationandspecialeducationlawsthenlearnabout the legislators who do When you are readytogetintouchwithpolicymakersitwillbe useful to communicate with both your own representativesaswellasthosewhoareinthemoreinfluentialpositionsonLDissues
2 Become familiar with all the existing laws as well as bills that are pending that affect individuals with disabilities KnowtheirnamesandbillnumbersmdashitisimportanttobeabletorefertotheseexistinganddraftlawswhenyouarecommunicatingwithyourrepresentativesOurlegislatorscanrsquotbeexpertsoneveryissuesoitrsquosuptoyoutohelpthemunderstandintricateissuessuchasthelawsimpactingpeoplewithLDThisisnrsquot as daunting as it sounds NCLD and other organizationskeeptrackoftheselawsandevensend out email alerts to notify advocates about legislativenewsGotowwwLDorg to get the basicsandsignupforemailalertsaboutwaystoaddyourvoiceonimportantdecisionsonCapitolHill
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 11
3 Clarify your focus WhatexactlyareyoutryingtoaccomplishBeingasspecificaspossibleabouttheissueyouarepresentingtoapolicymakeriskeytobeingeffectiveldquoGettingchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesadecenteducationrdquoistoobroadldquoWorkingtogetIDEAreauthorizedandchangethelanguageinthelawtomakeitpossibleforchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiestobeidentifiedearlyandonapathtograduationwitharegulardiplomardquoarespecificgoalstobringtolegislators
4 Stay open-minded and respectful YouwillencounterpolicymakerswhodonrsquotagreewithwhatyouaretryingtoaccomplishtheymayhaveagendasthatcompletelyopposeyoursDonrsquotdismissthemUnderstandingopposingpointsofviewwillhelpyoucraftastrongpositionthattakesdiverseinterestsintoaccountAlsodonrsquotbehostiletowardsthemRemainingrespectfulcalmandpersonableevenwiththosewhoseviewsmightoffendyouisthekey to being an effective advocate
5 Be prepared to ldquodouble deckrdquoIfyouwanttobesurethatyouarereachingpolicymakersandhavinganimpactontheirpolicydecisionsyouaregoingtohavetousemanyoftheavailablemethodstocommunicateyourmessageJustsendinganemailisnrsquotenoughThesedaysinordertobeheardyouwillmostlikelyhavetopickupthephonesendafaxsendanemailandevenstopbytheofficeifyoucanMakeitimpossibleforthepeopleyouaretryingtoreach to ignore you
Who to ApproachConstituentshavethegreatestchanceofbeingheardbytheirlegislativerepresentativesOnthefederallevelCongressconsistsoftheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentativesEverystatehastwoSenatorsandatleastoneRepresentative(approximatelyoneRepresentativeforevery650000people)EachmemberofCongresshasalargestaffdedicatedtofindingoutwherevotersstandonimportantissuesOnthestatelevelthereisalsoaSenateandaHouseofRepresentativesLocallycountyandcitycouncilsrepresenttheircitizensandinsomestatestherearealsoregionallegislatures
EveryoneintheUnitesStatesisrepresentedbytwoUSSenatorsoneUSRepresentativeoneStateSenatoroneormoreStateRepresentatives(exceptforthosewhoresideintheDistrictofColumbia)aswellascountyandcitycouncilmembersYouelectthesepeoplesotheyareallveryinterestedinwhatyouhavetosay
When to Approach PolicymakersItrsquosnevertooearlytobeginestablishingrelationshipswithyourRepresentativesPolicymakersarepeoplelikeyoumdash theydonrsquotlikebeingapproachedonlywhenyouwantsomethingIfthereisabillupforconsiderationoravoteabouttotakeplacetheyhavealreadybeenworkingontheissueforsometimeTobeaneffectiveadvocateyoushouldcultivatearelationshipwithyourrepresentativesovertimesotheyknowtoturntoyouwhentheyneedguidanceonthetopicsyouknowandcareaboutAndtheywillturntoyouMakeityourbusinesstoestablishyourselfasanLDexpertintheeyesofyourelectedofficialsandtheirstaffmembersKeepinregularcontactwiththemmdashviaaletteroremailupdatingthemonlearningdisabilitiesissueseverymonthorsoregularphonecallsavisitnowandthenOvertimetheywillcometoknowandtrustyouasasourceofinformationtheycancountonIttakespersistencebutRepresentativeshavetomakedecisionswithorwithoutyouYourinputcanhelpthemmakegooddecisionsforpeoplewith LD
Writing Letters and EmailsPolicymakerspayattentiontolettersSinceSeptember112001regularmailcantakeupto30daystoreachalegislatorbecauseoftheinspectionprocessButifyouusemorethanonemethodofdelivery(regularmailfaxand email) your message will get through If you want to be sure your message lands in the right hands call your RepresentativersquosofficeandaskhowtheyprefertogetconstituentfeedbackPersonallettersandemailsfromconstituents are always the most effective and it doesnrsquot take hundreds of them to get a legislator to take notice Here areafewthingstokeepinmindwhenyouwrite
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 12
bullPersonalize your message Masscomputer-generatedmessagingiscommonthesedaysandpolicymakerswillpaymoreattentiontoaletteroremailtheyknowcomesfromarealpersonShareanypersonalexperiencesthatdirectlyillustratethepointyouaretryingtomake(ieldquoMysonJasonisabrightcuriouschildwhodoeswellinmathandsciencebutbecauseofhisreadingscoreshisschoolPS123wantshimtorepeatthirdgradeRetentionisnottheanswer rdquo)
bullInclude your name address and other contact information Legislators need to know that you are one of their constituents If you are sending an email be sure to use your real name not a username like ldquoLD momrdquo Anonymous mail will be ignored
bullBe brief specific and courteous KeepyourcommunicationsasshortaspossibleandbesuretopolitelystateyourspecificrequestinthefirstfewsentencesAvoidjargonthelanguageofyourmessageshouldbeassimpleaspossible
bullMention any affiliation you have with the policymaker IfyouknowsomeoneintheofficeorworkedontheRepresentativersquoselectioncampaignremindhimorherHavingapersonalassociationgivesyouevenmoreinfluencethan only being a constituent
bullEnclose any recent articles or reports that are relevant to your message NeverassumepolicymakersreadeverythingyoudoTheymightbutitisalwayshelpfultobringgoodinformationtotheirattention
bullIf your message is about a specific bill budget item or policy be sure to mention the name or number if you know it AlsostatewhetheryousupportoropposeitandaskforthepolicymakerrsquosviewsProvidefactsthatbackupyouropinionandshareanypersonalexperiencesthatpertaintotheissue
Using EmailMembers of Congress receive millions of emails each year To cut down on email volume most members of Congress arenowusingfilteringsystemsthatallowonlyemailsfromconstituentstoreachtheirinboxBesuretofollowtheinstructionsoftheWebformmdashtypicallyusedbymostMembersrsquositesmdashtoensurethatyourmessageisreceivedWheneverpossiblebesuretorefertoaspecificpieceoflegislationinthesubjectline(iereSupportEarlyInterventionforChildrenwithReadingDifficulties)andincludeyourmailingaddresssothereaderknowsyouareaconstituentIndividualizeyouremailbysharingthosepersonalexperiencesthatpertaintoyourargumentSomeemailcampaignsgeneratedbyLegislativeActionCenterssuchasthoseonwwwLDorgallowyoutoeditthetextyouaresendingsousethatoptiontomakeyouremailletterstandoutAgainthebestpolicyistouseallformsofcommunicationmdashwritealetterfaxitandalsosendanemail
Making Phone CallsPickingupthephoneisaneasywaytoreachouttopolicymakersanditisimmenselyeffectiveYourFederalRepresentativesshouldhavetheirphonenumberslistedontheirwebsiteinthebluepagesofthelocalphonebookoryoucanalwaysgetthisinformationthroughtheUSCapitolswitchboardat(202)224-3121orvisit wwwcontactingthecongressorgwhereyoucanenteryouraddressandgetcompletecontactinformationforyourelectedofficials
WhencallingasktospeaktotheaidewhoisresponsibleforeducationanddisabilityissuesSpeakingtoanaideisaseffectiveasspeakingtoanactuallegislatortheirstaffsexisttobetheirexpertsonwhatvoterscareaboutUsethesameguidelinesforaphonecallaswhenyouwriteBeforeyoudialbesureto
bullPrepare what you are going to say Writedownafewconcisetalkingpointssothatyoudonrsquothavetoremembereverything in the heat of the moment
bullMention your name and address so they know you are in their state or district
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 13
bullCall the office Whetheritrsquosvoicemailorareceptionistspelloutyournameandaddressandleaveashortmessageoutliningwhatyouarecallingabout(ldquoIrsquomcallingaboutthependingreauthorizationoftheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActandtheneedforearlyinterventionforstrugglingreadersrdquo)
bullFollow up any phone call with a written note sent via email or fax This way the legislator has a written recordofyourcallandyouhaveanotheropportunitytoreinforceyourmessageThenoteshouldclearlyincludeyournameaddressphonenumberandwhenyoucalledIfyouwereabletospeaktosomeonebesuretothankhimor her
Meeting with PolicymakersItmayseemdauntingbutthebestwaytoensurepolicymakersgetyourmessageistellingthemortheirstaffinpersonVisitingalegislatoriseasyAllyouhavetodoismakeanappointmentinadvanceYoucanvisitthemattheirdistrictofficeswhentheyarehome(typicallyonMondayandFriday)orgotoseethemonCapitolHill(iftheyarefederal legislators)
Beforeyougothinkaboutthefollowing
bullConsider bringing a delegation Itrsquoslessintimidatingforyouifyouarepartofagroup(ieagroupofparentsofchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesoradiversegroupofeducatorsparentsandpsychologists)andyourmessagewillbe even stronger because of your numbers If you are a team be sure there is a leader who will do most of the talking
bullWhy are you going You should rehearse what you are going to say and how you are going to say it before you go Beabletogivea90-secondversionofyourpresentationItshouldincludeyournamewhereyoulivewhatpertinentgroupsyouareapartofasynopsisoftheissueyouareaddressingandaclearrequest(pleasesupportbillxoropposethepassingofresolutiony)Yourappointmentwillprobablybeveryshort(10-15minutes)sostartwiththesummaryandthenexpandastimepermits
bullKnow where the policymaker stands YoursquollbeabletoprepareyourstrategyduringthemeetingifyouknowexactlywherethepersonyouaremeetingwithstandsontheissueyouareaddressingCalltheofficeorcheckoutProjectVoteSmartatwwwvote-smartorgYoucanalsocalltheofficebeforeyougoandaskwhathisorherpositionis
bullPrepare something in writing Whetheritisaone-pagesummaryofyourpresentationorafolderwitharticlesandstatisticssupportingyourrequestyoushouldalwayshavesomethingtohandthepersonyoumeetwithAlsobesurethatwhateveryouhandoverhasyournameaddressphonenumberandemailaddressonitGettingintouchwithyou should be effortless
bullFollow up with a thank-you note OncethestaffmembercanconnectafacewithyournamedonrsquotlethimorherforgetYournoteshouldbeshortandshouldbrieflysummarizewhatyoudiscussedatthemeetingincludeanyinformationyoupromisedtoprovideandasalwaysincludeallyourcontactinformation
Ifyoursquovestatedclearlyandconciselywhyyouarethereandtherersquossometimetospareexplainwhothisissuewillaffect and how If the legislator with whom you are meeting (or whose aide you are meeting) has done something you arepleasedaboutlethimorherknowthatPolicymakershearlotsofcriticismgenuinepraiseisalwayswelcomeYoumayspendalotoftimelisteningtowhatthepolicymakerrsquosviewsonyourissueareoryoumayhavetoeducatethemonsomebasicsmdashbepreparedforeitherscenarioAlsolethimorherknowthatyouwillsharewhathappensatthemeetingwithawideraudiencebackhome(suchasyourlocallearningdisabilitiesadvocacygroup)Thisisarelationshipyouarebuildingandevenifyoudonrsquotseeeyetoeyeitrsquosimportanttokeepthedooropentocontinuedcommunications
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 14
Working with the Media
photo
If you are a parent advocate you are also an activist Working with the media is a powerful and enduring tool in my special education toolbox Remember the media is there to tell the news or a story My voice and pen are my greatest
obligation and opportunity When I have something to say or want to educate the public I am relentless in my pursuit to be heard on behalf of our children I write blogs letters to the editor guest columns and callemail the education editorial staff and staff-writers to pitch an idea for a story or pass along important news about legislative action and special education policy
Believe in your heart that your childrsquos school experience is a story waiting to be told The media is nothing to be intimidated by I am a recognized and reliable resource whether I am the writer or the source of information Write a letter to the editor or contact an education staff-writer with a story I promise the media is waiting for you
Marcie Lipsitt parent advocate Michigan
ThinkofthemediaasatoolGettingmediacoveragecanhelpyoudrawattentiontospecificissuesregardinglearningdisabilitieseducatethepublicandinfluencepolicymakersbydrawingatten-tiontotheiractionsThemediawieldsalotofpowerinsocietytodaybutbehindallthenewsprintandsoundwavesreportersarepeoplelikeyouwhowanttoinformthepublicWithagoodangleandtherighttimingyoucanbringalotofattentionto the needs and rights of children with learning disabilities
Working with the media can take a few different forms
u Writing letters to the editoruWritingop-edpiecesuApproachingeditorialboardsu Calling a radio showuPreparingpressreleases
Keepthesebasicprinciplesinmindwhenworkingwithyourlocalnewspaperradiostationorevenatelevisionprogram
bullKnowexactlywhatitisyouwanttosayandhowtosayitBeconciseandkeepyourmessagetotwoorthreestrongpointsthatyoucanexpressinafewdifferent ways
bullWheneveryoucontactanymediaoutletorspecificreporterbesureyoufindoutwhoisinchargeofeducationandordisabilityissuesandgetthatpersonrsquosdirectphonenumberfaxnumberandemailaddress
bullUsethesimplestplainestlanguagepossibleReportersmay or may not know as much as you do about learningdisabilitiesbutyourwordsareforthepublicthereporterisreachingwhomyoushouldassumearenot at all familiar with the issues you are discussing Ontheotherhanddonrsquotbecondescendingeither
bullBecomethoroughlyfamiliarwithanynewspaperradioshowortelevisionprogramwithwhichyouwillbecommunicatingBesurethatyouunderstandthe style and general angle of the outlet and that you arefamiliarwiththeworkofanyparticulareditorreporterorproducerwithwhomyoumightbeincontactThiswayyoursquollknowhowtoapproachthemorperhapstopushbackwhenheorshewritessomethingwithwhichyoudisagreeFrequentlyyouwillfindthatreportersaredrawntotheissueoflearningdisabilitiesbecauseofsomepersonal
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 15
connectionsuchasachildorrelativewhohasalearningdisabilitysuchasdyslexiaJustasoftenthereportermightaskaboutLDwheninfacttheyareseekinginformationaboutotherdisabilitiessuchasADHDorautismspectrumdisordersBepreparedtousethosekindsofconnectionstoyouradvantagemdashyoucanbuildarelationshipbyofferingyourself as a resource
bullNeverassumethatanythingisldquoofftherecordrdquoItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtotakewhatyousayandturnitintoastorythatsellspapersTheonlywayyoucanmakesuretheyaretellingyourstoryisbystickingtoitDonrsquotthrowinlittlecommentariesevenifyouthinkyoursquorejustlighteninguptheconversationunlessyouarepreparedtoseetheminprint
bullldquoNocommentrdquoisacommentItdoesnrsquotimplythatyoudonrsquotknowitimpliesyouknowbutdonrsquotwanttotalkaboutitbecauseitmightbeaweaknessinyourargumentorgoagainstyourpoint
bullItrsquosokaytosayldquoIdonrsquotknowrdquoThebestthingtosayisldquoIdonrsquotknowbutIcangetbacktoyouonthatrdquoThenfindoutquicklyandcontactthereporterpromptly
bullDonrsquotletareportergettoyouItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtoaskquestionsandsometimesevenplaydevilrsquosadvocateAlwaysbepolitecalmandcollectedandmakesureyoustayontopic
bullDonrsquotletreportersputwordsinyourmouthItrsquosdangeroustoagreewithastatementtheymakeforyou(ieldquoSowouldyousaythatrdquo)ThequotesshouldcomefromyounotthemIfyoursquorenotsureheorshegotitrightitrsquosokaytoaskareportertoreadbackwhatyoujustsaid
bullPreparationisthebestwaytoensurethatyoucomeawayfromanyone-on-onesituationhavingclearlyandeffectively communicated your message
bullAlwaysthankthepersonwithwhomyouaredealingandfollowuptomakesureyourmessagesarebeingused
bullAskwhenthestorywillrunandrequestnotificationwhenitgoeslive
Letters to the EditorTheLetterstotheEditorsectionisalwaysoneofthemostpopularsectionsofanypaperormagazineThissectionisaneasywayforyoutoletpolicymakersknowyouropinionsandtoeducatereadersaboutissuesthatconcernyouLetterscanbeusedtocorrectorrespondtothefactsinanarticletopraiseorcriticizeopinionsexpressedinthepublicationortosimplybringattentiontotheissueyouwanttoaddress
StudythepublicationyoursquorewritingtobeforeyoubeginKnowthenameoftheappropriateeditortowritetoandbecomefamiliarwiththeformatthatpublishedletterstakeSomenewspapershavewrittenguidelinesfortheirlettersFollowingtheseguidelinescloselyisthebestchanceyouhaveofgettingpublished
Hereareafewmoretipstohelpyougetyourmessageacrossinalettertotheeditor
bullTiming is everything Respondtoanarticleornewsitemrightafterithappensorevenbetterifyouknowabillispassingoranarticleisbeingprintedsendyourlettertotheeditorbeforereadersknowanythingaboutit
bullShort and sweet JustaswhenwritingtoalegislatorkeepyourletterclearandconciseMakeonestrongpointandleave it at that Itrsquos a good idea to write a draft of your letter take a break and then look at it again That way you can makesurethatyouaresayingexactlywhatyouintend
bullCheck your facts BothyourcredibilityandthatofthepublicationhangontheaccuracyofyourletterandcredibilityiseverythingIfitturnsoutyoudidnrsquothaveyourfactsstraightitrsquosunlikelyyourletterswillbepublishedagain
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 16
bullMake it relevant Ifyouarewritingtoasmalllocalpaperexplainhowyourissueaffectsthecommunity(ieldquoIfCouncilmanWhorsquosresolutionpassesoneineveryfourthirdgradersatWhovilleElementarySchoolwillberdquo)IfyouarewritingtoalargerpublicationadaptyourtoneandscopetoitsaudienceLocalconnectionsforpapersbasedinmetropolitanareasarestillimportantevenforlargepapers
bullName names DonrsquotbeafraidtomentionpolicymakerrsquosnamesmdashthisisaneasywaytomakealetterrelevanttoalocalareaIfyouareaddressingaspecificpersonrsquospoliciesorintentionsbesuretosendacopyofthelettertothatpersonPoliticiansneedtoknowyouarepayingattentiontowhattheyaredoingthatwillhaveanimpactonchildrenwith LD
bullLet them know who you are AnylettertotheeditorshouldincludeallyourcontactinformationThepublicationmaynotprintitbutaneditormayneedtogetintouchwithyoutoverifysomeinformationortoaskyouquestionsJustaswithpolicymakersoneofyourgoalsistobecomeasourceofinformationforthemAlsoifyouhaveanycredentialsthatmakeyoumoreofanauthoritymentionthemYourexpertisewillmakeitfarmorelikelythatyourletterwillgetprinted
bullFollow up CallthepublicationtomakesuretheyreceivedyourletterandoffertohelpthemwithanystoriestheyhaveplannedonlearningdisabilitiesTheymighthavefeedbackforyouonyourletterormighttaketheopportunitytoaskyouafewquestionsabouttheissue
bullKeep trying EvenifyourletterdoesnrsquotgetpublishedwriteanotheronethenexttimeitrsquosappropriateTherecanbemanyreasonswhyapublicationdoesnrsquotprintanyoneletterandeducatingtheeditorialstaffofthepublicationisanimportanttasktoo
bullContrary point of view Letterstotheeditorwhichproposeaviewcontrarytotheviewinanarticlearemorelikelytobepublishedthanletterswhichagreewiththepaperrsquospointofview
Writing an Op-Ed PieceOp-edsareliketheuppercrustofletterstotheeditorTheyarewrittenbyreadersjustlikeletterstotheeditorbuttendtocomefrompeopleofauthoritysuchaspresidentsCEOsandevenlegislatorsOp-edscarryabylinesoinawaytheyarearticlesbutopinionatedonesIfyouarepartofanadvocacyorganizationitrsquosagoodideatogivethebylinetotheexecutivedirectororamemberoftheboard(withtheirpermissionofcourse)Whenwritinganop-edusetheguidelinesforletterstotheeditorandalsokeepinmind
bullTheformatforanop-edisveryspecificUsuallytheyrangefrom300-750wordsMakesureyouknowwhatthepublicationrsquosguidelinesareOp-edsaregenerallyalsoexclusivesosubmittheop-edtothepublicationthathasthelargestcirculationandthegreatestlikelihoodofpublishingyourworkTargetpublicationsthatpublishop-edsonthetopicuponwhichyouarewriting
bullThestrongestop-edsaretheonesthatmakereadersunderstand(1)whyanissueisimportanttothempersonallyand(2) what they should do about it The tone should not suggest that the issue is about you and your agenda but rather that yours is of broad concern and you are offering a suitable call to action
bullMakeitsimpleYourmessageshouldbeloudandclearsoagoodruleofthumbistofirsttellthemwhatyouaregoingtosaysayitandthentellthemwhatyousaidYourlanguageshouldbejargon-freeandunemotional
Tolearnmoreabouthowtoeffectivelyplaceyourop-edinthemajorpapersacrossthecountryvisittheCommunicationConsortium Media Centerrsquos site at wwwccmcorgnode16170
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 17
Approaching Editorial BoardsEditorialboardsaretheeditorsandstaffofapublicationwhodeterminewhatgoesintothepublicationGoingtoaneditorialboardisthebehind-the-sceneswaytogetyourmessageoutYourfirstgoalistogetaneditorialmdashtheofficialopinionofthepublicationmdashwrittenaboutyourissue(Newspapereditorialshavebeenknowntoswaypublicopinionstronglymdashpoliticiansworkhardtogetapapertoendorsethemduringelections)ConvincinganeditorialboardisalotlikeconvincingalegislatorMeetingwithaneditorialboardcanalsohavetheaddedbenefitofbringingthefocusedattention of the editors to your issue so that learning disabilities may get more coverage in the future
Prepareforavisitwithaneditorialboardjustlikeyouwouldavisittoalegislator
bullGoingaspartofateamisagoodideaparticularlyifyoucanselectapersonofauthorityandinfluenceastheleader
bullEditorsarealwaysbusysobereadytopresenteverythinginlessthan15minutes
bullBrainstormstoryideasthatrelatetoyourtightlywordedmessagetopresenttotheboard
bullWhenyoursquoredoneaskwhetherthepublicationwillbeabletowriteaneditorialsupportingyourpositionorfeatureanarticleonyourcauseIfnotbepoliteandgraciousandoffertowriteanop-edpieceThentryagainnexttime
Calling a Radio ShowAdvocating for the rights of children with LD on the air is similar to all the other forms of advocacy with one exceptionmdashthesoundofyourvoiceThereisalotofpowerinhearinganindividualrsquosvoiceonairandbeingonaradioprogramcanbeagreatopportunityforyoutohumanizetheissueyouwanttobringattentiontobutyouhavetobeprepared
bullKnow the program yoursquoll be on WhenyouareontheairyouareonthespotandtherersquosnogoingbacktoeditwhatyousayBesuretolearnhowthehosttalkstopeopleandhowheorsherespondswhencallersgetflustered
bullKnow your message inside and out Again radio is live so having notes in front of you to make sure you have thewordsyouneedtoexpressyourselfclearlyandsimplyiskeyTalkaboutaparticularbilloraparticularlegislatorbynameandexplainpreciselywhatyouaretryingtoachieve
bullThink about your audience WhenyouaretalkingthinkaboutwhoislisteningBespecificabouthowthisissueaffectsyourcommunityandtalkaboutthelocallegislatorsandwhattheycandoThegoalistoexpressthatthisisanissueaboutpeoplepeoplelikeyouandpeoplelikeyourlistenersDonrsquotuselanguageyoursquorenotcomfortablewithandbepreparedtoansweranyquestionsWhateverthequestionsmaybebringtheanswerbacktoyourmessage
bullPracticeIfyoursquoveneverbeenontheairbeforeitrsquosagoodideatopracticewithataperecorderandanotherpersonaskingyouquestionsUsingataperecorderwillallowyoutolistentobothwhatyoursquovesaidandhowyoursquovesaiditLongpausestothinkmaycomeacrossasindecisivenessAnervouslaughmaysoundpatronizingandldquoummsrdquoandldquoahhsrdquocandetractfromyourpointConductafewrehearsalsandyoursquollfeelmuchmoreconfidentFeelingrelaxedwhencallingcanonlybenefityourmessage
Preparing Press ReleasesPressornewsreleasesareconciseannouncementsoftime-sensitiveinformationregardinganimportantsituationoreventGenerallypressreleasesareissuedbyorganizationsbutindividualadvocatescanbenefitfromknowinghowandwhenapressreleaseissenttothemedia
ThemosteffectivepressreleasesfollowastandardformatandprovidenewsworthyinterestinginformationtojournalistsinaconcisemannerAgoodpressreleasecanbethebackboneofanarticleandreportersaregratefulforcondensedcopytohelpthemmakeanewsitemmorerelevantOntheotherhandifanindividualororganizationsendsoutapressreleasefornobetterreasonthansendingoutanotherpressreleasetheyallbecomeirrelevantInthemediacredibilityisextremelyimportantandsendingoutirrelevantpressreleasesisalotlikecryingldquowolfrdquo
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 18
Using Social MediaTheexplosionofonlinemediatoolshascreatedawholenewwaytogetyourmessageoutBesuretotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglypopularavenuesofcommunicating
SetupablogtopromoteyourissuesUsingtoolssuchasWordpress(wwwwordpresscom)orMovableType (wwwmovabletypecom)youcanquicklycreateablogforfreeBlogsallowreaderstopostcommentsgeneratingmoreinterestandinteractionAlsobesuretovisitotherblogsaboutyourissuessuchaseducationspecialeducationanddisabilityblogswhereyoucanpostrelevantcommentsthatkeepyourissuesattheforefront
EstablishingapresenceonsocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook(wwwfacebookcom) is a great way to get out informationandmessagesthatsupportyouradvocacyeffortsThesesitesofferavarietyoftoolsthatallowyoutocreateblogsconductforumsandpollsaddphotosaudioandvideofeaturesandmore
Increasetheimpactofyourblogandsocialmediapresencebyusingareal-timeinformationnetworklikeTwitter(wwwtwittercom)tocommunicatequickupdatesaboutwhatrsquoshappeningwithyourissuesDonrsquotforgettousehashtagstoconnectyourtweetstoothersonthesametopicEncourageotherstostayinformedaboutyourworkbyusingReallySimpleSyndication(RSS)mdashapopularmeansofsharingcontentacrosstheInternet
Remembertokeepyouronlinepresenceuptodatewithnewandinterestinginformationopportunitiestogetinvolvedandwaysthosewhosupportyourissuescanhelp
Lastlyconsiderusingotheronlinecommunicationtoolssuchaswebinarspodcastsandvideostoprovideinformationabout your issues and tell others how to get involved and take action
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 8
Prevalence of LDTheprevalenceoflearningdisabilitiesisfrequentlyaddressedbythemediaandisoftenbroughtupindiscussionswithpolicymakersmdashsoitrsquosimportanttoknowthefactsonthisissueWhilethereisnotasure-firewaytocapturetheexactdata regarding the total number of Americans who have learning disabilities it is conservatively estimated that 3 - 5 ofthegeneralpopulationareaffected
FortunatelythereisreliabledataonthenumberofchildrenservedintheLDcategoryunderIDEAwhichisoftenthegroupsingledoutfordiscussionWhiletherehasbeensubstantialgrowthintheLDcategoryduringthe30yearssinceenactmentofIDEAthenumberofstudentsintheLDcategoryhasincreasedlessthanthetotalnumberofallstudentsservedunderIDEAfor15consecutiveyearsInfacttherehasbeenadeclineinthenumberofstudentsidentifiedashaving LD in each of the years between 2000 and 2010
Some important numbers
bull2415564students(ages6-21)arebeingservedintheLDcategoryofIDEAtodayaccordingtothemostrecentdataavailableThisis414ofthetotalnumberofstudentsservedunderIDEAand35oftheUSresidentpopulationofstudentsinthatagegroup
bull Whilethenumberofschool-agechildrenidentifiedwithLDgrewrapidlyduringthelate1980sand1990sthenumberofchildrenidentifiedwithLDhasdeclinedby19overthelastdecade(2001-2010)In2001studentsintheLDcategoryrepresented49ofallspecialeducationstudentswhilein2010thecategoryrepresented41
bullMalescomprisealmosttwo-thirdsofschool-agestudentswithLDwhoreceivespecialeducationservices
bullThepercentageofstudentsservedintheLDcategoryvariessignificantlyfromstatetostateTolearnaboutthespecificsforyourstateseeTheStateofLearningDisabilitiesatwwwLDorgstateofld
Over-IdentificationWithlessthan4oftheschool-agepopulationcurrentlyreceivingspecialeducationservicesintheLDcategorythereappearstobelittleevidencesupportingthepersistentclaimthatstudentsareover-identifiedasLDInfactCongressionaltestimonybyDrGReidLyonformerChiefoftheChildDevelopmentandBehaviorBranchoftheNationalInstituteofChildHealthandHumanDevelopmentattheNationalInstitutesofHealthindicatedthatapproximately6percentofschool-agechildrenwillexperiencelearningdifficultyparticularlyintheareaofreadingevenwhenprovidedwithearlyandintensiveinterventionsItisthesechildrenwhoshouldbeservedbyspecialeducation as students with LD
AnotherfrequentissueraisedbybothmediaandpolicymakersisthatofoverrepresentationofminoritypopulationsinspecialeducationWhilethereisreasonforconcernaboutover-identificationofminoritiesthedisabilitycategoriesandraceethnicgroupsofgreatestconcernarethoseofemotionaldisturbanceandintellectualdisability(previouslymentalretardation)asitrelatestoBlackandHispanicstudents
AswiththeoverallrateofidentificationofstudentsasLDthedisproportionalityofraceethnicgroupsvariesamongthestatesThedeterminationofdisproportionalityisgenerallymadebycomparingtheraceethnicdistributionofstudentsservedwithineachdisabilitycategoryofIDEAwiththedistributionofthosegroupswithintheresidentpopulationforastateorschooldistrictAdditionalinformationondisproportionalitybyraceanddisabilityisavailablefromyourstatersquosdepartmentofeducation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 9
Cost of Special EducationThecostofdeliveringspecialeducationservicestostudentswithdisabilitiesisafrequentareaofinterestforthemediaandpolicymakersalikeFederally-fundedstudieshavehelpedidentifythetruecostsassociatedwithIDEAservicesmostnotablytheSpecialEducationExpendituresProject(SEEP)(httpcsefairorg)
Report5oftheSEEPfoundthatperpupilexpendituresforstudentsinspecialeducationrangedfromalowof $10558forstudentswithlearningdisabilitiestoahighof$20095forstudentswithmultipledisabilitiesinthe1999-2000schoolyearTheaverageperpupilexpenditureforatypicalregulareducationstudentwhoreceivesnospecialeducationserviceswas$6556ThereforetheaverageexpenditureforstudentswithLDis16timestheexpenditurefora regular education student
TheseexpendituresincludedspendingonallregularandspecialeducationservicesusedtoeducatestudentswithLDThemajorityofstudentswithLDspendmorethan80percentoftheirinstructionaltimeingeneraleducation
Outcomes and ExpectationsThedifficultiesfacedbypeoplewithLDcanoftenbebestcommunicatedbyprovidingdataontheoutcomesbeingexperiencedbythoseservedbyspecialeducationWhilethereisfrequentreportingontheremarkableachievementsofafewnotableswithLDingeneralpeoplewithLDareexperiencingpooroutcomesinimportantareassuchashighschoolgraduationpostsecondaryeducationandaverageearningsOveralllearningdisabilitiescompromiseabilitiesandaspirationsandcanleadtoproblemssuchasunemploymentunderemploymentsubstanceabuseandpoormentalhealth
Graduation GraduationfromhighschoolwithastandarddiplomaforstudentswithLDcoveredunderIDEAin2009-2010was67Thiswasupfrom54adecadeearlier(2000-2001)
Dropout ThedropoutrateforstudentswithLDwas20inthe2009-2010schoolyearversus39in2000-2001Dropoutratesvarygreatlybyracialethnicgroupsforbothgeneralandspecialeducationpopulation
Postsecondary Education Amonghighschoolgraduateswhohadenrolledinpostsecondaryeducationwithin8yearsofleavinghighschooljust21hadenrolledina4-yearcollegeFiftypercenthadenrolledina2-yearorcommunitycollege and 36 had enrolled in a vocational business or training school
Parental Expectations Basedona2001survey59ofparentsexpecttheirstudentwithLDtograduatefromhighschoolwithastandarddiplomaRegardingpostsecondaryeducation14ofparentsexpecttheirstudentswithLDtograduatefromatwo-yearcollegewhilejust10expectgraduationfromafour-yearcollegeAmajorityofparentsmdash64mdashreportedthattheyexpecttheirstudentswithLDdefinitelyorprobablywonrsquotgraduatefroma4-yearcollege
Moreinformationonthesecondaryschoolandpost-highschoolexperiencesofstudentswithLDisavailableat wwwNLTS2org
Cost of Procedural Safeguards in Special EducationTherearemanyreportsaboutthehighcostoflitigationinspecialeducationhoweverthisisdifficulttosubstantiateRecentstudiesofdueprocesshearingssuchasthoseconductedbytheProjectForumattheNationalAssociationofStateDirectorsofSpecialEducationindicatethatthenumberofdueprocesshearingsheldintheUSisdecliningMuchofthiscanbeattributedtotherequirementthatallstatesmakemediationandotherdisputeresolutionstrategiesavailabletoschoolsandparentsinconflict
AreportbytheSpecialEducationExpenditureProject(Report4)indicatedthattotalexpendituresonspecialeducationmediationdueprocessandlitigationduringthe1999-2000schoolyearwasapproximately$1465millionforallK-12specialeducationstudentsinpublicschools(62millionstudents)Thisbreaksdowntoanexpenditureofapproximately$24perspecialeducationpupilandaccountsforonly3oftotalspecialeducationexpenditures
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 10
Working with Policymakers
Irsquove found that in order to implement effective policy our public officials must understand the priorities and challenges of individuals with learning disabilities They need to hear how our children are doing As Irsquove met
and talked with my representatives Irsquove always found someone sympathetic to my concerns mdash sometimes itrsquos a staff person or the Representative himherself Irsquove seen extraordinary partnerships with policymakers lead to improving outcomes for individuals with learning disabilities
Please remember that when you advocate
bull Itrsquosforthekids
bull Asparentswecanmakeadifference
bull ItrsquosnicetotraveltotheCapitolwithafriend
Bette Erickson parent advocate Minnesota
AllpoliticsarelocalmdasheverypieceoflegislationthatexistshaslocalimplicationsandisalsobasedonlocalneedsItseemsobviousbutitrsquosimportanttorememberItmeansthatlawsexistbecausepeoplelikeyouworkedtomakethemhappenMostofourcurrentlawsthatassistandprotectpeoplewithLDcamefromthegrassrootseffortsofadvocateslikeyouBoththeAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)andtheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)cametobebecauseadvocates(notSenatorsorhighlypaidlobbyists)tookactionandeducatedpolicymakersastowhytheselawsneededtoexist
YoutoocanmakelawshappenHowByunderstandinghowgovernmentworksandhowyoucanmosteffectivelygetinvolvedTherearelotsofdifferentwaystogettopolicymakersandcommunicateyourthoughtsonanissuebutbeforeyoupickupyourpenoryourphoneyouneedtokeepseveralthingsinmindinordertobemosteffective
Before you approach policymakers1 Familiarize yourself with what your elected officials have to say mdash both in the policies they support
and in the mediaKeeptrackofwhereyourlocalofficialsstandonlearningdisabilitieseducationandspecialeducationissuesStartingwiththelegislatorswhorepresentyoudirectly(yourSenatorsandCongressperson)isimportantbecausetheyaretheoneswithwhomyouwillhavethemostinfluenceYouareoneoftheirconstituentsYoucancontacttheirofficestoaskabouttheirparticipationonCongressionalcommitteesrequestaposition
statementorseeiftheyhavesponsoredlegislationimportanttopeoplewithLD
IfneitheryourSenatorsnorHouseRepresentativesitonthecommitteeswithjurisdictionovereducationandspecialeducationlawsthenlearnabout the legislators who do When you are readytogetintouchwithpolicymakersitwillbe useful to communicate with both your own representativesaswellasthosewhoareinthemoreinfluentialpositionsonLDissues
2 Become familiar with all the existing laws as well as bills that are pending that affect individuals with disabilities KnowtheirnamesandbillnumbersmdashitisimportanttobeabletorefertotheseexistinganddraftlawswhenyouarecommunicatingwithyourrepresentativesOurlegislatorscanrsquotbeexpertsoneveryissuesoitrsquosuptoyoutohelpthemunderstandintricateissuessuchasthelawsimpactingpeoplewithLDThisisnrsquot as daunting as it sounds NCLD and other organizationskeeptrackoftheselawsandevensend out email alerts to notify advocates about legislativenewsGotowwwLDorg to get the basicsandsignupforemailalertsaboutwaystoaddyourvoiceonimportantdecisionsonCapitolHill
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 11
3 Clarify your focus WhatexactlyareyoutryingtoaccomplishBeingasspecificaspossibleabouttheissueyouarepresentingtoapolicymakeriskeytobeingeffectiveldquoGettingchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesadecenteducationrdquoistoobroadldquoWorkingtogetIDEAreauthorizedandchangethelanguageinthelawtomakeitpossibleforchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiestobeidentifiedearlyandonapathtograduationwitharegulardiplomardquoarespecificgoalstobringtolegislators
4 Stay open-minded and respectful YouwillencounterpolicymakerswhodonrsquotagreewithwhatyouaretryingtoaccomplishtheymayhaveagendasthatcompletelyopposeyoursDonrsquotdismissthemUnderstandingopposingpointsofviewwillhelpyoucraftastrongpositionthattakesdiverseinterestsintoaccountAlsodonrsquotbehostiletowardsthemRemainingrespectfulcalmandpersonableevenwiththosewhoseviewsmightoffendyouisthekey to being an effective advocate
5 Be prepared to ldquodouble deckrdquoIfyouwanttobesurethatyouarereachingpolicymakersandhavinganimpactontheirpolicydecisionsyouaregoingtohavetousemanyoftheavailablemethodstocommunicateyourmessageJustsendinganemailisnrsquotenoughThesedaysinordertobeheardyouwillmostlikelyhavetopickupthephonesendafaxsendanemailandevenstopbytheofficeifyoucanMakeitimpossibleforthepeopleyouaretryingtoreach to ignore you
Who to ApproachConstituentshavethegreatestchanceofbeingheardbytheirlegislativerepresentativesOnthefederallevelCongressconsistsoftheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentativesEverystatehastwoSenatorsandatleastoneRepresentative(approximatelyoneRepresentativeforevery650000people)EachmemberofCongresshasalargestaffdedicatedtofindingoutwherevotersstandonimportantissuesOnthestatelevelthereisalsoaSenateandaHouseofRepresentativesLocallycountyandcitycouncilsrepresenttheircitizensandinsomestatestherearealsoregionallegislatures
EveryoneintheUnitesStatesisrepresentedbytwoUSSenatorsoneUSRepresentativeoneStateSenatoroneormoreStateRepresentatives(exceptforthosewhoresideintheDistrictofColumbia)aswellascountyandcitycouncilmembersYouelectthesepeoplesotheyareallveryinterestedinwhatyouhavetosay
When to Approach PolicymakersItrsquosnevertooearlytobeginestablishingrelationshipswithyourRepresentativesPolicymakersarepeoplelikeyoumdash theydonrsquotlikebeingapproachedonlywhenyouwantsomethingIfthereisabillupforconsiderationoravoteabouttotakeplacetheyhavealreadybeenworkingontheissueforsometimeTobeaneffectiveadvocateyoushouldcultivatearelationshipwithyourrepresentativesovertimesotheyknowtoturntoyouwhentheyneedguidanceonthetopicsyouknowandcareaboutAndtheywillturntoyouMakeityourbusinesstoestablishyourselfasanLDexpertintheeyesofyourelectedofficialsandtheirstaffmembersKeepinregularcontactwiththemmdashviaaletteroremailupdatingthemonlearningdisabilitiesissueseverymonthorsoregularphonecallsavisitnowandthenOvertimetheywillcometoknowandtrustyouasasourceofinformationtheycancountonIttakespersistencebutRepresentativeshavetomakedecisionswithorwithoutyouYourinputcanhelpthemmakegooddecisionsforpeoplewith LD
Writing Letters and EmailsPolicymakerspayattentiontolettersSinceSeptember112001regularmailcantakeupto30daystoreachalegislatorbecauseoftheinspectionprocessButifyouusemorethanonemethodofdelivery(regularmailfaxand email) your message will get through If you want to be sure your message lands in the right hands call your RepresentativersquosofficeandaskhowtheyprefertogetconstituentfeedbackPersonallettersandemailsfromconstituents are always the most effective and it doesnrsquot take hundreds of them to get a legislator to take notice Here areafewthingstokeepinmindwhenyouwrite
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 12
bullPersonalize your message Masscomputer-generatedmessagingiscommonthesedaysandpolicymakerswillpaymoreattentiontoaletteroremailtheyknowcomesfromarealpersonShareanypersonalexperiencesthatdirectlyillustratethepointyouaretryingtomake(ieldquoMysonJasonisabrightcuriouschildwhodoeswellinmathandsciencebutbecauseofhisreadingscoreshisschoolPS123wantshimtorepeatthirdgradeRetentionisnottheanswer rdquo)
bullInclude your name address and other contact information Legislators need to know that you are one of their constituents If you are sending an email be sure to use your real name not a username like ldquoLD momrdquo Anonymous mail will be ignored
bullBe brief specific and courteous KeepyourcommunicationsasshortaspossibleandbesuretopolitelystateyourspecificrequestinthefirstfewsentencesAvoidjargonthelanguageofyourmessageshouldbeassimpleaspossible
bullMention any affiliation you have with the policymaker IfyouknowsomeoneintheofficeorworkedontheRepresentativersquoselectioncampaignremindhimorherHavingapersonalassociationgivesyouevenmoreinfluencethan only being a constituent
bullEnclose any recent articles or reports that are relevant to your message NeverassumepolicymakersreadeverythingyoudoTheymightbutitisalwayshelpfultobringgoodinformationtotheirattention
bullIf your message is about a specific bill budget item or policy be sure to mention the name or number if you know it AlsostatewhetheryousupportoropposeitandaskforthepolicymakerrsquosviewsProvidefactsthatbackupyouropinionandshareanypersonalexperiencesthatpertaintotheissue
Using EmailMembers of Congress receive millions of emails each year To cut down on email volume most members of Congress arenowusingfilteringsystemsthatallowonlyemailsfromconstituentstoreachtheirinboxBesuretofollowtheinstructionsoftheWebformmdashtypicallyusedbymostMembersrsquositesmdashtoensurethatyourmessageisreceivedWheneverpossiblebesuretorefertoaspecificpieceoflegislationinthesubjectline(iereSupportEarlyInterventionforChildrenwithReadingDifficulties)andincludeyourmailingaddresssothereaderknowsyouareaconstituentIndividualizeyouremailbysharingthosepersonalexperiencesthatpertaintoyourargumentSomeemailcampaignsgeneratedbyLegislativeActionCenterssuchasthoseonwwwLDorgallowyoutoeditthetextyouaresendingsousethatoptiontomakeyouremailletterstandoutAgainthebestpolicyistouseallformsofcommunicationmdashwritealetterfaxitandalsosendanemail
Making Phone CallsPickingupthephoneisaneasywaytoreachouttopolicymakersanditisimmenselyeffectiveYourFederalRepresentativesshouldhavetheirphonenumberslistedontheirwebsiteinthebluepagesofthelocalphonebookoryoucanalwaysgetthisinformationthroughtheUSCapitolswitchboardat(202)224-3121orvisit wwwcontactingthecongressorgwhereyoucanenteryouraddressandgetcompletecontactinformationforyourelectedofficials
WhencallingasktospeaktotheaidewhoisresponsibleforeducationanddisabilityissuesSpeakingtoanaideisaseffectiveasspeakingtoanactuallegislatortheirstaffsexisttobetheirexpertsonwhatvoterscareaboutUsethesameguidelinesforaphonecallaswhenyouwriteBeforeyoudialbesureto
bullPrepare what you are going to say Writedownafewconcisetalkingpointssothatyoudonrsquothavetoremembereverything in the heat of the moment
bullMention your name and address so they know you are in their state or district
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 13
bullCall the office Whetheritrsquosvoicemailorareceptionistspelloutyournameandaddressandleaveashortmessageoutliningwhatyouarecallingabout(ldquoIrsquomcallingaboutthependingreauthorizationoftheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActandtheneedforearlyinterventionforstrugglingreadersrdquo)
bullFollow up any phone call with a written note sent via email or fax This way the legislator has a written recordofyourcallandyouhaveanotheropportunitytoreinforceyourmessageThenoteshouldclearlyincludeyournameaddressphonenumberandwhenyoucalledIfyouwereabletospeaktosomeonebesuretothankhimor her
Meeting with PolicymakersItmayseemdauntingbutthebestwaytoensurepolicymakersgetyourmessageistellingthemortheirstaffinpersonVisitingalegislatoriseasyAllyouhavetodoismakeanappointmentinadvanceYoucanvisitthemattheirdistrictofficeswhentheyarehome(typicallyonMondayandFriday)orgotoseethemonCapitolHill(iftheyarefederal legislators)
Beforeyougothinkaboutthefollowing
bullConsider bringing a delegation Itrsquoslessintimidatingforyouifyouarepartofagroup(ieagroupofparentsofchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesoradiversegroupofeducatorsparentsandpsychologists)andyourmessagewillbe even stronger because of your numbers If you are a team be sure there is a leader who will do most of the talking
bullWhy are you going You should rehearse what you are going to say and how you are going to say it before you go Beabletogivea90-secondversionofyourpresentationItshouldincludeyournamewhereyoulivewhatpertinentgroupsyouareapartofasynopsisoftheissueyouareaddressingandaclearrequest(pleasesupportbillxoropposethepassingofresolutiony)Yourappointmentwillprobablybeveryshort(10-15minutes)sostartwiththesummaryandthenexpandastimepermits
bullKnow where the policymaker stands YoursquollbeabletoprepareyourstrategyduringthemeetingifyouknowexactlywherethepersonyouaremeetingwithstandsontheissueyouareaddressingCalltheofficeorcheckoutProjectVoteSmartatwwwvote-smartorgYoucanalsocalltheofficebeforeyougoandaskwhathisorherpositionis
bullPrepare something in writing Whetheritisaone-pagesummaryofyourpresentationorafolderwitharticlesandstatisticssupportingyourrequestyoushouldalwayshavesomethingtohandthepersonyoumeetwithAlsobesurethatwhateveryouhandoverhasyournameaddressphonenumberandemailaddressonitGettingintouchwithyou should be effortless
bullFollow up with a thank-you note OncethestaffmembercanconnectafacewithyournamedonrsquotlethimorherforgetYournoteshouldbeshortandshouldbrieflysummarizewhatyoudiscussedatthemeetingincludeanyinformationyoupromisedtoprovideandasalwaysincludeallyourcontactinformation
Ifyoursquovestatedclearlyandconciselywhyyouarethereandtherersquossometimetospareexplainwhothisissuewillaffect and how If the legislator with whom you are meeting (or whose aide you are meeting) has done something you arepleasedaboutlethimorherknowthatPolicymakershearlotsofcriticismgenuinepraiseisalwayswelcomeYoumayspendalotoftimelisteningtowhatthepolicymakerrsquosviewsonyourissueareoryoumayhavetoeducatethemonsomebasicsmdashbepreparedforeitherscenarioAlsolethimorherknowthatyouwillsharewhathappensatthemeetingwithawideraudiencebackhome(suchasyourlocallearningdisabilitiesadvocacygroup)Thisisarelationshipyouarebuildingandevenifyoudonrsquotseeeyetoeyeitrsquosimportanttokeepthedooropentocontinuedcommunications
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 14
Working with the Media
photo
If you are a parent advocate you are also an activist Working with the media is a powerful and enduring tool in my special education toolbox Remember the media is there to tell the news or a story My voice and pen are my greatest
obligation and opportunity When I have something to say or want to educate the public I am relentless in my pursuit to be heard on behalf of our children I write blogs letters to the editor guest columns and callemail the education editorial staff and staff-writers to pitch an idea for a story or pass along important news about legislative action and special education policy
Believe in your heart that your childrsquos school experience is a story waiting to be told The media is nothing to be intimidated by I am a recognized and reliable resource whether I am the writer or the source of information Write a letter to the editor or contact an education staff-writer with a story I promise the media is waiting for you
Marcie Lipsitt parent advocate Michigan
ThinkofthemediaasatoolGettingmediacoveragecanhelpyoudrawattentiontospecificissuesregardinglearningdisabilitieseducatethepublicandinfluencepolicymakersbydrawingatten-tiontotheiractionsThemediawieldsalotofpowerinsocietytodaybutbehindallthenewsprintandsoundwavesreportersarepeoplelikeyouwhowanttoinformthepublicWithagoodangleandtherighttimingyoucanbringalotofattentionto the needs and rights of children with learning disabilities
Working with the media can take a few different forms
u Writing letters to the editoruWritingop-edpiecesuApproachingeditorialboardsu Calling a radio showuPreparingpressreleases
Keepthesebasicprinciplesinmindwhenworkingwithyourlocalnewspaperradiostationorevenatelevisionprogram
bullKnowexactlywhatitisyouwanttosayandhowtosayitBeconciseandkeepyourmessagetotwoorthreestrongpointsthatyoucanexpressinafewdifferent ways
bullWheneveryoucontactanymediaoutletorspecificreporterbesureyoufindoutwhoisinchargeofeducationandordisabilityissuesandgetthatpersonrsquosdirectphonenumberfaxnumberandemailaddress
bullUsethesimplestplainestlanguagepossibleReportersmay or may not know as much as you do about learningdisabilitiesbutyourwordsareforthepublicthereporterisreachingwhomyoushouldassumearenot at all familiar with the issues you are discussing Ontheotherhanddonrsquotbecondescendingeither
bullBecomethoroughlyfamiliarwithanynewspaperradioshowortelevisionprogramwithwhichyouwillbecommunicatingBesurethatyouunderstandthe style and general angle of the outlet and that you arefamiliarwiththeworkofanyparticulareditorreporterorproducerwithwhomyoumightbeincontactThiswayyoursquollknowhowtoapproachthemorperhapstopushbackwhenheorshewritessomethingwithwhichyoudisagreeFrequentlyyouwillfindthatreportersaredrawntotheissueoflearningdisabilitiesbecauseofsomepersonal
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 15
connectionsuchasachildorrelativewhohasalearningdisabilitysuchasdyslexiaJustasoftenthereportermightaskaboutLDwheninfacttheyareseekinginformationaboutotherdisabilitiessuchasADHDorautismspectrumdisordersBepreparedtousethosekindsofconnectionstoyouradvantagemdashyoucanbuildarelationshipbyofferingyourself as a resource
bullNeverassumethatanythingisldquoofftherecordrdquoItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtotakewhatyousayandturnitintoastorythatsellspapersTheonlywayyoucanmakesuretheyaretellingyourstoryisbystickingtoitDonrsquotthrowinlittlecommentariesevenifyouthinkyoursquorejustlighteninguptheconversationunlessyouarepreparedtoseetheminprint
bullldquoNocommentrdquoisacommentItdoesnrsquotimplythatyoudonrsquotknowitimpliesyouknowbutdonrsquotwanttotalkaboutitbecauseitmightbeaweaknessinyourargumentorgoagainstyourpoint
bullItrsquosokaytosayldquoIdonrsquotknowrdquoThebestthingtosayisldquoIdonrsquotknowbutIcangetbacktoyouonthatrdquoThenfindoutquicklyandcontactthereporterpromptly
bullDonrsquotletareportergettoyouItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtoaskquestionsandsometimesevenplaydevilrsquosadvocateAlwaysbepolitecalmandcollectedandmakesureyoustayontopic
bullDonrsquotletreportersputwordsinyourmouthItrsquosdangeroustoagreewithastatementtheymakeforyou(ieldquoSowouldyousaythatrdquo)ThequotesshouldcomefromyounotthemIfyoursquorenotsureheorshegotitrightitrsquosokaytoaskareportertoreadbackwhatyoujustsaid
bullPreparationisthebestwaytoensurethatyoucomeawayfromanyone-on-onesituationhavingclearlyandeffectively communicated your message
bullAlwaysthankthepersonwithwhomyouaredealingandfollowuptomakesureyourmessagesarebeingused
bullAskwhenthestorywillrunandrequestnotificationwhenitgoeslive
Letters to the EditorTheLetterstotheEditorsectionisalwaysoneofthemostpopularsectionsofanypaperormagazineThissectionisaneasywayforyoutoletpolicymakersknowyouropinionsandtoeducatereadersaboutissuesthatconcernyouLetterscanbeusedtocorrectorrespondtothefactsinanarticletopraiseorcriticizeopinionsexpressedinthepublicationortosimplybringattentiontotheissueyouwanttoaddress
StudythepublicationyoursquorewritingtobeforeyoubeginKnowthenameoftheappropriateeditortowritetoandbecomefamiliarwiththeformatthatpublishedletterstakeSomenewspapershavewrittenguidelinesfortheirlettersFollowingtheseguidelinescloselyisthebestchanceyouhaveofgettingpublished
Hereareafewmoretipstohelpyougetyourmessageacrossinalettertotheeditor
bullTiming is everything Respondtoanarticleornewsitemrightafterithappensorevenbetterifyouknowabillispassingoranarticleisbeingprintedsendyourlettertotheeditorbeforereadersknowanythingaboutit
bullShort and sweet JustaswhenwritingtoalegislatorkeepyourletterclearandconciseMakeonestrongpointandleave it at that Itrsquos a good idea to write a draft of your letter take a break and then look at it again That way you can makesurethatyouaresayingexactlywhatyouintend
bullCheck your facts BothyourcredibilityandthatofthepublicationhangontheaccuracyofyourletterandcredibilityiseverythingIfitturnsoutyoudidnrsquothaveyourfactsstraightitrsquosunlikelyyourletterswillbepublishedagain
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 16
bullMake it relevant Ifyouarewritingtoasmalllocalpaperexplainhowyourissueaffectsthecommunity(ieldquoIfCouncilmanWhorsquosresolutionpassesoneineveryfourthirdgradersatWhovilleElementarySchoolwillberdquo)IfyouarewritingtoalargerpublicationadaptyourtoneandscopetoitsaudienceLocalconnectionsforpapersbasedinmetropolitanareasarestillimportantevenforlargepapers
bullName names DonrsquotbeafraidtomentionpolicymakerrsquosnamesmdashthisisaneasywaytomakealetterrelevanttoalocalareaIfyouareaddressingaspecificpersonrsquospoliciesorintentionsbesuretosendacopyofthelettertothatpersonPoliticiansneedtoknowyouarepayingattentiontowhattheyaredoingthatwillhaveanimpactonchildrenwith LD
bullLet them know who you are AnylettertotheeditorshouldincludeallyourcontactinformationThepublicationmaynotprintitbutaneditormayneedtogetintouchwithyoutoverifysomeinformationortoaskyouquestionsJustaswithpolicymakersoneofyourgoalsistobecomeasourceofinformationforthemAlsoifyouhaveanycredentialsthatmakeyoumoreofanauthoritymentionthemYourexpertisewillmakeitfarmorelikelythatyourletterwillgetprinted
bullFollow up CallthepublicationtomakesuretheyreceivedyourletterandoffertohelpthemwithanystoriestheyhaveplannedonlearningdisabilitiesTheymighthavefeedbackforyouonyourletterormighttaketheopportunitytoaskyouafewquestionsabouttheissue
bullKeep trying EvenifyourletterdoesnrsquotgetpublishedwriteanotheronethenexttimeitrsquosappropriateTherecanbemanyreasonswhyapublicationdoesnrsquotprintanyoneletterandeducatingtheeditorialstaffofthepublicationisanimportanttasktoo
bullContrary point of view Letterstotheeditorwhichproposeaviewcontrarytotheviewinanarticlearemorelikelytobepublishedthanletterswhichagreewiththepaperrsquospointofview
Writing an Op-Ed PieceOp-edsareliketheuppercrustofletterstotheeditorTheyarewrittenbyreadersjustlikeletterstotheeditorbuttendtocomefrompeopleofauthoritysuchaspresidentsCEOsandevenlegislatorsOp-edscarryabylinesoinawaytheyarearticlesbutopinionatedonesIfyouarepartofanadvocacyorganizationitrsquosagoodideatogivethebylinetotheexecutivedirectororamemberoftheboard(withtheirpermissionofcourse)Whenwritinganop-edusetheguidelinesforletterstotheeditorandalsokeepinmind
bullTheformatforanop-edisveryspecificUsuallytheyrangefrom300-750wordsMakesureyouknowwhatthepublicationrsquosguidelinesareOp-edsaregenerallyalsoexclusivesosubmittheop-edtothepublicationthathasthelargestcirculationandthegreatestlikelihoodofpublishingyourworkTargetpublicationsthatpublishop-edsonthetopicuponwhichyouarewriting
bullThestrongestop-edsaretheonesthatmakereadersunderstand(1)whyanissueisimportanttothempersonallyand(2) what they should do about it The tone should not suggest that the issue is about you and your agenda but rather that yours is of broad concern and you are offering a suitable call to action
bullMakeitsimpleYourmessageshouldbeloudandclearsoagoodruleofthumbistofirsttellthemwhatyouaregoingtosaysayitandthentellthemwhatyousaidYourlanguageshouldbejargon-freeandunemotional
Tolearnmoreabouthowtoeffectivelyplaceyourop-edinthemajorpapersacrossthecountryvisittheCommunicationConsortium Media Centerrsquos site at wwwccmcorgnode16170
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 17
Approaching Editorial BoardsEditorialboardsaretheeditorsandstaffofapublicationwhodeterminewhatgoesintothepublicationGoingtoaneditorialboardisthebehind-the-sceneswaytogetyourmessageoutYourfirstgoalistogetaneditorialmdashtheofficialopinionofthepublicationmdashwrittenaboutyourissue(Newspapereditorialshavebeenknowntoswaypublicopinionstronglymdashpoliticiansworkhardtogetapapertoendorsethemduringelections)ConvincinganeditorialboardisalotlikeconvincingalegislatorMeetingwithaneditorialboardcanalsohavetheaddedbenefitofbringingthefocusedattention of the editors to your issue so that learning disabilities may get more coverage in the future
Prepareforavisitwithaneditorialboardjustlikeyouwouldavisittoalegislator
bullGoingaspartofateamisagoodideaparticularlyifyoucanselectapersonofauthorityandinfluenceastheleader
bullEditorsarealwaysbusysobereadytopresenteverythinginlessthan15minutes
bullBrainstormstoryideasthatrelatetoyourtightlywordedmessagetopresenttotheboard
bullWhenyoursquoredoneaskwhetherthepublicationwillbeabletowriteaneditorialsupportingyourpositionorfeatureanarticleonyourcauseIfnotbepoliteandgraciousandoffertowriteanop-edpieceThentryagainnexttime
Calling a Radio ShowAdvocating for the rights of children with LD on the air is similar to all the other forms of advocacy with one exceptionmdashthesoundofyourvoiceThereisalotofpowerinhearinganindividualrsquosvoiceonairandbeingonaradioprogramcanbeagreatopportunityforyoutohumanizetheissueyouwanttobringattentiontobutyouhavetobeprepared
bullKnow the program yoursquoll be on WhenyouareontheairyouareonthespotandtherersquosnogoingbacktoeditwhatyousayBesuretolearnhowthehosttalkstopeopleandhowheorsherespondswhencallersgetflustered
bullKnow your message inside and out Again radio is live so having notes in front of you to make sure you have thewordsyouneedtoexpressyourselfclearlyandsimplyiskeyTalkaboutaparticularbilloraparticularlegislatorbynameandexplainpreciselywhatyouaretryingtoachieve
bullThink about your audience WhenyouaretalkingthinkaboutwhoislisteningBespecificabouthowthisissueaffectsyourcommunityandtalkaboutthelocallegislatorsandwhattheycandoThegoalistoexpressthatthisisanissueaboutpeoplepeoplelikeyouandpeoplelikeyourlistenersDonrsquotuselanguageyoursquorenotcomfortablewithandbepreparedtoansweranyquestionsWhateverthequestionsmaybebringtheanswerbacktoyourmessage
bullPracticeIfyoursquoveneverbeenontheairbeforeitrsquosagoodideatopracticewithataperecorderandanotherpersonaskingyouquestionsUsingataperecorderwillallowyoutolistentobothwhatyoursquovesaidandhowyoursquovesaiditLongpausestothinkmaycomeacrossasindecisivenessAnervouslaughmaysoundpatronizingandldquoummsrdquoandldquoahhsrdquocandetractfromyourpointConductafewrehearsalsandyoursquollfeelmuchmoreconfidentFeelingrelaxedwhencallingcanonlybenefityourmessage
Preparing Press ReleasesPressornewsreleasesareconciseannouncementsoftime-sensitiveinformationregardinganimportantsituationoreventGenerallypressreleasesareissuedbyorganizationsbutindividualadvocatescanbenefitfromknowinghowandwhenapressreleaseissenttothemedia
ThemosteffectivepressreleasesfollowastandardformatandprovidenewsworthyinterestinginformationtojournalistsinaconcisemannerAgoodpressreleasecanbethebackboneofanarticleandreportersaregratefulforcondensedcopytohelpthemmakeanewsitemmorerelevantOntheotherhandifanindividualororganizationsendsoutapressreleasefornobetterreasonthansendingoutanotherpressreleasetheyallbecomeirrelevantInthemediacredibilityisextremelyimportantandsendingoutirrelevantpressreleasesisalotlikecryingldquowolfrdquo
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 18
Using Social MediaTheexplosionofonlinemediatoolshascreatedawholenewwaytogetyourmessageoutBesuretotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglypopularavenuesofcommunicating
SetupablogtopromoteyourissuesUsingtoolssuchasWordpress(wwwwordpresscom)orMovableType (wwwmovabletypecom)youcanquicklycreateablogforfreeBlogsallowreaderstopostcommentsgeneratingmoreinterestandinteractionAlsobesuretovisitotherblogsaboutyourissuessuchaseducationspecialeducationanddisabilityblogswhereyoucanpostrelevantcommentsthatkeepyourissuesattheforefront
EstablishingapresenceonsocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook(wwwfacebookcom) is a great way to get out informationandmessagesthatsupportyouradvocacyeffortsThesesitesofferavarietyoftoolsthatallowyoutocreateblogsconductforumsandpollsaddphotosaudioandvideofeaturesandmore
Increasetheimpactofyourblogandsocialmediapresencebyusingareal-timeinformationnetworklikeTwitter(wwwtwittercom)tocommunicatequickupdatesaboutwhatrsquoshappeningwithyourissuesDonrsquotforgettousehashtagstoconnectyourtweetstoothersonthesametopicEncourageotherstostayinformedaboutyourworkbyusingReallySimpleSyndication(RSS)mdashapopularmeansofsharingcontentacrosstheInternet
Remembertokeepyouronlinepresenceuptodatewithnewandinterestinginformationopportunitiestogetinvolvedandwaysthosewhosupportyourissuescanhelp
Lastlyconsiderusingotheronlinecommunicationtoolssuchaswebinarspodcastsandvideostoprovideinformationabout your issues and tell others how to get involved and take action
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 9
Cost of Special EducationThecostofdeliveringspecialeducationservicestostudentswithdisabilitiesisafrequentareaofinterestforthemediaandpolicymakersalikeFederally-fundedstudieshavehelpedidentifythetruecostsassociatedwithIDEAservicesmostnotablytheSpecialEducationExpendituresProject(SEEP)(httpcsefairorg)
Report5oftheSEEPfoundthatperpupilexpendituresforstudentsinspecialeducationrangedfromalowof $10558forstudentswithlearningdisabilitiestoahighof$20095forstudentswithmultipledisabilitiesinthe1999-2000schoolyearTheaverageperpupilexpenditureforatypicalregulareducationstudentwhoreceivesnospecialeducationserviceswas$6556ThereforetheaverageexpenditureforstudentswithLDis16timestheexpenditurefora regular education student
TheseexpendituresincludedspendingonallregularandspecialeducationservicesusedtoeducatestudentswithLDThemajorityofstudentswithLDspendmorethan80percentoftheirinstructionaltimeingeneraleducation
Outcomes and ExpectationsThedifficultiesfacedbypeoplewithLDcanoftenbebestcommunicatedbyprovidingdataontheoutcomesbeingexperiencedbythoseservedbyspecialeducationWhilethereisfrequentreportingontheremarkableachievementsofafewnotableswithLDingeneralpeoplewithLDareexperiencingpooroutcomesinimportantareassuchashighschoolgraduationpostsecondaryeducationandaverageearningsOveralllearningdisabilitiescompromiseabilitiesandaspirationsandcanleadtoproblemssuchasunemploymentunderemploymentsubstanceabuseandpoormentalhealth
Graduation GraduationfromhighschoolwithastandarddiplomaforstudentswithLDcoveredunderIDEAin2009-2010was67Thiswasupfrom54adecadeearlier(2000-2001)
Dropout ThedropoutrateforstudentswithLDwas20inthe2009-2010schoolyearversus39in2000-2001Dropoutratesvarygreatlybyracialethnicgroupsforbothgeneralandspecialeducationpopulation
Postsecondary Education Amonghighschoolgraduateswhohadenrolledinpostsecondaryeducationwithin8yearsofleavinghighschooljust21hadenrolledina4-yearcollegeFiftypercenthadenrolledina2-yearorcommunitycollege and 36 had enrolled in a vocational business or training school
Parental Expectations Basedona2001survey59ofparentsexpecttheirstudentwithLDtograduatefromhighschoolwithastandarddiplomaRegardingpostsecondaryeducation14ofparentsexpecttheirstudentswithLDtograduatefromatwo-yearcollegewhilejust10expectgraduationfromafour-yearcollegeAmajorityofparentsmdash64mdashreportedthattheyexpecttheirstudentswithLDdefinitelyorprobablywonrsquotgraduatefroma4-yearcollege
Moreinformationonthesecondaryschoolandpost-highschoolexperiencesofstudentswithLDisavailableat wwwNLTS2org
Cost of Procedural Safeguards in Special EducationTherearemanyreportsaboutthehighcostoflitigationinspecialeducationhoweverthisisdifficulttosubstantiateRecentstudiesofdueprocesshearingssuchasthoseconductedbytheProjectForumattheNationalAssociationofStateDirectorsofSpecialEducationindicatethatthenumberofdueprocesshearingsheldintheUSisdecliningMuchofthiscanbeattributedtotherequirementthatallstatesmakemediationandotherdisputeresolutionstrategiesavailabletoschoolsandparentsinconflict
AreportbytheSpecialEducationExpenditureProject(Report4)indicatedthattotalexpendituresonspecialeducationmediationdueprocessandlitigationduringthe1999-2000schoolyearwasapproximately$1465millionforallK-12specialeducationstudentsinpublicschools(62millionstudents)Thisbreaksdowntoanexpenditureofapproximately$24perspecialeducationpupilandaccountsforonly3oftotalspecialeducationexpenditures
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 10
Working with Policymakers
Irsquove found that in order to implement effective policy our public officials must understand the priorities and challenges of individuals with learning disabilities They need to hear how our children are doing As Irsquove met
and talked with my representatives Irsquove always found someone sympathetic to my concerns mdash sometimes itrsquos a staff person or the Representative himherself Irsquove seen extraordinary partnerships with policymakers lead to improving outcomes for individuals with learning disabilities
Please remember that when you advocate
bull Itrsquosforthekids
bull Asparentswecanmakeadifference
bull ItrsquosnicetotraveltotheCapitolwithafriend
Bette Erickson parent advocate Minnesota
AllpoliticsarelocalmdasheverypieceoflegislationthatexistshaslocalimplicationsandisalsobasedonlocalneedsItseemsobviousbutitrsquosimportanttorememberItmeansthatlawsexistbecausepeoplelikeyouworkedtomakethemhappenMostofourcurrentlawsthatassistandprotectpeoplewithLDcamefromthegrassrootseffortsofadvocateslikeyouBoththeAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)andtheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)cametobebecauseadvocates(notSenatorsorhighlypaidlobbyists)tookactionandeducatedpolicymakersastowhytheselawsneededtoexist
YoutoocanmakelawshappenHowByunderstandinghowgovernmentworksandhowyoucanmosteffectivelygetinvolvedTherearelotsofdifferentwaystogettopolicymakersandcommunicateyourthoughtsonanissuebutbeforeyoupickupyourpenoryourphoneyouneedtokeepseveralthingsinmindinordertobemosteffective
Before you approach policymakers1 Familiarize yourself with what your elected officials have to say mdash both in the policies they support
and in the mediaKeeptrackofwhereyourlocalofficialsstandonlearningdisabilitieseducationandspecialeducationissuesStartingwiththelegislatorswhorepresentyoudirectly(yourSenatorsandCongressperson)isimportantbecausetheyaretheoneswithwhomyouwillhavethemostinfluenceYouareoneoftheirconstituentsYoucancontacttheirofficestoaskabouttheirparticipationonCongressionalcommitteesrequestaposition
statementorseeiftheyhavesponsoredlegislationimportanttopeoplewithLD
IfneitheryourSenatorsnorHouseRepresentativesitonthecommitteeswithjurisdictionovereducationandspecialeducationlawsthenlearnabout the legislators who do When you are readytogetintouchwithpolicymakersitwillbe useful to communicate with both your own representativesaswellasthosewhoareinthemoreinfluentialpositionsonLDissues
2 Become familiar with all the existing laws as well as bills that are pending that affect individuals with disabilities KnowtheirnamesandbillnumbersmdashitisimportanttobeabletorefertotheseexistinganddraftlawswhenyouarecommunicatingwithyourrepresentativesOurlegislatorscanrsquotbeexpertsoneveryissuesoitrsquosuptoyoutohelpthemunderstandintricateissuessuchasthelawsimpactingpeoplewithLDThisisnrsquot as daunting as it sounds NCLD and other organizationskeeptrackoftheselawsandevensend out email alerts to notify advocates about legislativenewsGotowwwLDorg to get the basicsandsignupforemailalertsaboutwaystoaddyourvoiceonimportantdecisionsonCapitolHill
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 11
3 Clarify your focus WhatexactlyareyoutryingtoaccomplishBeingasspecificaspossibleabouttheissueyouarepresentingtoapolicymakeriskeytobeingeffectiveldquoGettingchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesadecenteducationrdquoistoobroadldquoWorkingtogetIDEAreauthorizedandchangethelanguageinthelawtomakeitpossibleforchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiestobeidentifiedearlyandonapathtograduationwitharegulardiplomardquoarespecificgoalstobringtolegislators
4 Stay open-minded and respectful YouwillencounterpolicymakerswhodonrsquotagreewithwhatyouaretryingtoaccomplishtheymayhaveagendasthatcompletelyopposeyoursDonrsquotdismissthemUnderstandingopposingpointsofviewwillhelpyoucraftastrongpositionthattakesdiverseinterestsintoaccountAlsodonrsquotbehostiletowardsthemRemainingrespectfulcalmandpersonableevenwiththosewhoseviewsmightoffendyouisthekey to being an effective advocate
5 Be prepared to ldquodouble deckrdquoIfyouwanttobesurethatyouarereachingpolicymakersandhavinganimpactontheirpolicydecisionsyouaregoingtohavetousemanyoftheavailablemethodstocommunicateyourmessageJustsendinganemailisnrsquotenoughThesedaysinordertobeheardyouwillmostlikelyhavetopickupthephonesendafaxsendanemailandevenstopbytheofficeifyoucanMakeitimpossibleforthepeopleyouaretryingtoreach to ignore you
Who to ApproachConstituentshavethegreatestchanceofbeingheardbytheirlegislativerepresentativesOnthefederallevelCongressconsistsoftheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentativesEverystatehastwoSenatorsandatleastoneRepresentative(approximatelyoneRepresentativeforevery650000people)EachmemberofCongresshasalargestaffdedicatedtofindingoutwherevotersstandonimportantissuesOnthestatelevelthereisalsoaSenateandaHouseofRepresentativesLocallycountyandcitycouncilsrepresenttheircitizensandinsomestatestherearealsoregionallegislatures
EveryoneintheUnitesStatesisrepresentedbytwoUSSenatorsoneUSRepresentativeoneStateSenatoroneormoreStateRepresentatives(exceptforthosewhoresideintheDistrictofColumbia)aswellascountyandcitycouncilmembersYouelectthesepeoplesotheyareallveryinterestedinwhatyouhavetosay
When to Approach PolicymakersItrsquosnevertooearlytobeginestablishingrelationshipswithyourRepresentativesPolicymakersarepeoplelikeyoumdash theydonrsquotlikebeingapproachedonlywhenyouwantsomethingIfthereisabillupforconsiderationoravoteabouttotakeplacetheyhavealreadybeenworkingontheissueforsometimeTobeaneffectiveadvocateyoushouldcultivatearelationshipwithyourrepresentativesovertimesotheyknowtoturntoyouwhentheyneedguidanceonthetopicsyouknowandcareaboutAndtheywillturntoyouMakeityourbusinesstoestablishyourselfasanLDexpertintheeyesofyourelectedofficialsandtheirstaffmembersKeepinregularcontactwiththemmdashviaaletteroremailupdatingthemonlearningdisabilitiesissueseverymonthorsoregularphonecallsavisitnowandthenOvertimetheywillcometoknowandtrustyouasasourceofinformationtheycancountonIttakespersistencebutRepresentativeshavetomakedecisionswithorwithoutyouYourinputcanhelpthemmakegooddecisionsforpeoplewith LD
Writing Letters and EmailsPolicymakerspayattentiontolettersSinceSeptember112001regularmailcantakeupto30daystoreachalegislatorbecauseoftheinspectionprocessButifyouusemorethanonemethodofdelivery(regularmailfaxand email) your message will get through If you want to be sure your message lands in the right hands call your RepresentativersquosofficeandaskhowtheyprefertogetconstituentfeedbackPersonallettersandemailsfromconstituents are always the most effective and it doesnrsquot take hundreds of them to get a legislator to take notice Here areafewthingstokeepinmindwhenyouwrite
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 12
bullPersonalize your message Masscomputer-generatedmessagingiscommonthesedaysandpolicymakerswillpaymoreattentiontoaletteroremailtheyknowcomesfromarealpersonShareanypersonalexperiencesthatdirectlyillustratethepointyouaretryingtomake(ieldquoMysonJasonisabrightcuriouschildwhodoeswellinmathandsciencebutbecauseofhisreadingscoreshisschoolPS123wantshimtorepeatthirdgradeRetentionisnottheanswer rdquo)
bullInclude your name address and other contact information Legislators need to know that you are one of their constituents If you are sending an email be sure to use your real name not a username like ldquoLD momrdquo Anonymous mail will be ignored
bullBe brief specific and courteous KeepyourcommunicationsasshortaspossibleandbesuretopolitelystateyourspecificrequestinthefirstfewsentencesAvoidjargonthelanguageofyourmessageshouldbeassimpleaspossible
bullMention any affiliation you have with the policymaker IfyouknowsomeoneintheofficeorworkedontheRepresentativersquoselectioncampaignremindhimorherHavingapersonalassociationgivesyouevenmoreinfluencethan only being a constituent
bullEnclose any recent articles or reports that are relevant to your message NeverassumepolicymakersreadeverythingyoudoTheymightbutitisalwayshelpfultobringgoodinformationtotheirattention
bullIf your message is about a specific bill budget item or policy be sure to mention the name or number if you know it AlsostatewhetheryousupportoropposeitandaskforthepolicymakerrsquosviewsProvidefactsthatbackupyouropinionandshareanypersonalexperiencesthatpertaintotheissue
Using EmailMembers of Congress receive millions of emails each year To cut down on email volume most members of Congress arenowusingfilteringsystemsthatallowonlyemailsfromconstituentstoreachtheirinboxBesuretofollowtheinstructionsoftheWebformmdashtypicallyusedbymostMembersrsquositesmdashtoensurethatyourmessageisreceivedWheneverpossiblebesuretorefertoaspecificpieceoflegislationinthesubjectline(iereSupportEarlyInterventionforChildrenwithReadingDifficulties)andincludeyourmailingaddresssothereaderknowsyouareaconstituentIndividualizeyouremailbysharingthosepersonalexperiencesthatpertaintoyourargumentSomeemailcampaignsgeneratedbyLegislativeActionCenterssuchasthoseonwwwLDorgallowyoutoeditthetextyouaresendingsousethatoptiontomakeyouremailletterstandoutAgainthebestpolicyistouseallformsofcommunicationmdashwritealetterfaxitandalsosendanemail
Making Phone CallsPickingupthephoneisaneasywaytoreachouttopolicymakersanditisimmenselyeffectiveYourFederalRepresentativesshouldhavetheirphonenumberslistedontheirwebsiteinthebluepagesofthelocalphonebookoryoucanalwaysgetthisinformationthroughtheUSCapitolswitchboardat(202)224-3121orvisit wwwcontactingthecongressorgwhereyoucanenteryouraddressandgetcompletecontactinformationforyourelectedofficials
WhencallingasktospeaktotheaidewhoisresponsibleforeducationanddisabilityissuesSpeakingtoanaideisaseffectiveasspeakingtoanactuallegislatortheirstaffsexisttobetheirexpertsonwhatvoterscareaboutUsethesameguidelinesforaphonecallaswhenyouwriteBeforeyoudialbesureto
bullPrepare what you are going to say Writedownafewconcisetalkingpointssothatyoudonrsquothavetoremembereverything in the heat of the moment
bullMention your name and address so they know you are in their state or district
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 13
bullCall the office Whetheritrsquosvoicemailorareceptionistspelloutyournameandaddressandleaveashortmessageoutliningwhatyouarecallingabout(ldquoIrsquomcallingaboutthependingreauthorizationoftheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActandtheneedforearlyinterventionforstrugglingreadersrdquo)
bullFollow up any phone call with a written note sent via email or fax This way the legislator has a written recordofyourcallandyouhaveanotheropportunitytoreinforceyourmessageThenoteshouldclearlyincludeyournameaddressphonenumberandwhenyoucalledIfyouwereabletospeaktosomeonebesuretothankhimor her
Meeting with PolicymakersItmayseemdauntingbutthebestwaytoensurepolicymakersgetyourmessageistellingthemortheirstaffinpersonVisitingalegislatoriseasyAllyouhavetodoismakeanappointmentinadvanceYoucanvisitthemattheirdistrictofficeswhentheyarehome(typicallyonMondayandFriday)orgotoseethemonCapitolHill(iftheyarefederal legislators)
Beforeyougothinkaboutthefollowing
bullConsider bringing a delegation Itrsquoslessintimidatingforyouifyouarepartofagroup(ieagroupofparentsofchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesoradiversegroupofeducatorsparentsandpsychologists)andyourmessagewillbe even stronger because of your numbers If you are a team be sure there is a leader who will do most of the talking
bullWhy are you going You should rehearse what you are going to say and how you are going to say it before you go Beabletogivea90-secondversionofyourpresentationItshouldincludeyournamewhereyoulivewhatpertinentgroupsyouareapartofasynopsisoftheissueyouareaddressingandaclearrequest(pleasesupportbillxoropposethepassingofresolutiony)Yourappointmentwillprobablybeveryshort(10-15minutes)sostartwiththesummaryandthenexpandastimepermits
bullKnow where the policymaker stands YoursquollbeabletoprepareyourstrategyduringthemeetingifyouknowexactlywherethepersonyouaremeetingwithstandsontheissueyouareaddressingCalltheofficeorcheckoutProjectVoteSmartatwwwvote-smartorgYoucanalsocalltheofficebeforeyougoandaskwhathisorherpositionis
bullPrepare something in writing Whetheritisaone-pagesummaryofyourpresentationorafolderwitharticlesandstatisticssupportingyourrequestyoushouldalwayshavesomethingtohandthepersonyoumeetwithAlsobesurethatwhateveryouhandoverhasyournameaddressphonenumberandemailaddressonitGettingintouchwithyou should be effortless
bullFollow up with a thank-you note OncethestaffmembercanconnectafacewithyournamedonrsquotlethimorherforgetYournoteshouldbeshortandshouldbrieflysummarizewhatyoudiscussedatthemeetingincludeanyinformationyoupromisedtoprovideandasalwaysincludeallyourcontactinformation
Ifyoursquovestatedclearlyandconciselywhyyouarethereandtherersquossometimetospareexplainwhothisissuewillaffect and how If the legislator with whom you are meeting (or whose aide you are meeting) has done something you arepleasedaboutlethimorherknowthatPolicymakershearlotsofcriticismgenuinepraiseisalwayswelcomeYoumayspendalotoftimelisteningtowhatthepolicymakerrsquosviewsonyourissueareoryoumayhavetoeducatethemonsomebasicsmdashbepreparedforeitherscenarioAlsolethimorherknowthatyouwillsharewhathappensatthemeetingwithawideraudiencebackhome(suchasyourlocallearningdisabilitiesadvocacygroup)Thisisarelationshipyouarebuildingandevenifyoudonrsquotseeeyetoeyeitrsquosimportanttokeepthedooropentocontinuedcommunications
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 14
Working with the Media
photo
If you are a parent advocate you are also an activist Working with the media is a powerful and enduring tool in my special education toolbox Remember the media is there to tell the news or a story My voice and pen are my greatest
obligation and opportunity When I have something to say or want to educate the public I am relentless in my pursuit to be heard on behalf of our children I write blogs letters to the editor guest columns and callemail the education editorial staff and staff-writers to pitch an idea for a story or pass along important news about legislative action and special education policy
Believe in your heart that your childrsquos school experience is a story waiting to be told The media is nothing to be intimidated by I am a recognized and reliable resource whether I am the writer or the source of information Write a letter to the editor or contact an education staff-writer with a story I promise the media is waiting for you
Marcie Lipsitt parent advocate Michigan
ThinkofthemediaasatoolGettingmediacoveragecanhelpyoudrawattentiontospecificissuesregardinglearningdisabilitieseducatethepublicandinfluencepolicymakersbydrawingatten-tiontotheiractionsThemediawieldsalotofpowerinsocietytodaybutbehindallthenewsprintandsoundwavesreportersarepeoplelikeyouwhowanttoinformthepublicWithagoodangleandtherighttimingyoucanbringalotofattentionto the needs and rights of children with learning disabilities
Working with the media can take a few different forms
u Writing letters to the editoruWritingop-edpiecesuApproachingeditorialboardsu Calling a radio showuPreparingpressreleases
Keepthesebasicprinciplesinmindwhenworkingwithyourlocalnewspaperradiostationorevenatelevisionprogram
bullKnowexactlywhatitisyouwanttosayandhowtosayitBeconciseandkeepyourmessagetotwoorthreestrongpointsthatyoucanexpressinafewdifferent ways
bullWheneveryoucontactanymediaoutletorspecificreporterbesureyoufindoutwhoisinchargeofeducationandordisabilityissuesandgetthatpersonrsquosdirectphonenumberfaxnumberandemailaddress
bullUsethesimplestplainestlanguagepossibleReportersmay or may not know as much as you do about learningdisabilitiesbutyourwordsareforthepublicthereporterisreachingwhomyoushouldassumearenot at all familiar with the issues you are discussing Ontheotherhanddonrsquotbecondescendingeither
bullBecomethoroughlyfamiliarwithanynewspaperradioshowortelevisionprogramwithwhichyouwillbecommunicatingBesurethatyouunderstandthe style and general angle of the outlet and that you arefamiliarwiththeworkofanyparticulareditorreporterorproducerwithwhomyoumightbeincontactThiswayyoursquollknowhowtoapproachthemorperhapstopushbackwhenheorshewritessomethingwithwhichyoudisagreeFrequentlyyouwillfindthatreportersaredrawntotheissueoflearningdisabilitiesbecauseofsomepersonal
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 15
connectionsuchasachildorrelativewhohasalearningdisabilitysuchasdyslexiaJustasoftenthereportermightaskaboutLDwheninfacttheyareseekinginformationaboutotherdisabilitiessuchasADHDorautismspectrumdisordersBepreparedtousethosekindsofconnectionstoyouradvantagemdashyoucanbuildarelationshipbyofferingyourself as a resource
bullNeverassumethatanythingisldquoofftherecordrdquoItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtotakewhatyousayandturnitintoastorythatsellspapersTheonlywayyoucanmakesuretheyaretellingyourstoryisbystickingtoitDonrsquotthrowinlittlecommentariesevenifyouthinkyoursquorejustlighteninguptheconversationunlessyouarepreparedtoseetheminprint
bullldquoNocommentrdquoisacommentItdoesnrsquotimplythatyoudonrsquotknowitimpliesyouknowbutdonrsquotwanttotalkaboutitbecauseitmightbeaweaknessinyourargumentorgoagainstyourpoint
bullItrsquosokaytosayldquoIdonrsquotknowrdquoThebestthingtosayisldquoIdonrsquotknowbutIcangetbacktoyouonthatrdquoThenfindoutquicklyandcontactthereporterpromptly
bullDonrsquotletareportergettoyouItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtoaskquestionsandsometimesevenplaydevilrsquosadvocateAlwaysbepolitecalmandcollectedandmakesureyoustayontopic
bullDonrsquotletreportersputwordsinyourmouthItrsquosdangeroustoagreewithastatementtheymakeforyou(ieldquoSowouldyousaythatrdquo)ThequotesshouldcomefromyounotthemIfyoursquorenotsureheorshegotitrightitrsquosokaytoaskareportertoreadbackwhatyoujustsaid
bullPreparationisthebestwaytoensurethatyoucomeawayfromanyone-on-onesituationhavingclearlyandeffectively communicated your message
bullAlwaysthankthepersonwithwhomyouaredealingandfollowuptomakesureyourmessagesarebeingused
bullAskwhenthestorywillrunandrequestnotificationwhenitgoeslive
Letters to the EditorTheLetterstotheEditorsectionisalwaysoneofthemostpopularsectionsofanypaperormagazineThissectionisaneasywayforyoutoletpolicymakersknowyouropinionsandtoeducatereadersaboutissuesthatconcernyouLetterscanbeusedtocorrectorrespondtothefactsinanarticletopraiseorcriticizeopinionsexpressedinthepublicationortosimplybringattentiontotheissueyouwanttoaddress
StudythepublicationyoursquorewritingtobeforeyoubeginKnowthenameoftheappropriateeditortowritetoandbecomefamiliarwiththeformatthatpublishedletterstakeSomenewspapershavewrittenguidelinesfortheirlettersFollowingtheseguidelinescloselyisthebestchanceyouhaveofgettingpublished
Hereareafewmoretipstohelpyougetyourmessageacrossinalettertotheeditor
bullTiming is everything Respondtoanarticleornewsitemrightafterithappensorevenbetterifyouknowabillispassingoranarticleisbeingprintedsendyourlettertotheeditorbeforereadersknowanythingaboutit
bullShort and sweet JustaswhenwritingtoalegislatorkeepyourletterclearandconciseMakeonestrongpointandleave it at that Itrsquos a good idea to write a draft of your letter take a break and then look at it again That way you can makesurethatyouaresayingexactlywhatyouintend
bullCheck your facts BothyourcredibilityandthatofthepublicationhangontheaccuracyofyourletterandcredibilityiseverythingIfitturnsoutyoudidnrsquothaveyourfactsstraightitrsquosunlikelyyourletterswillbepublishedagain
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 16
bullMake it relevant Ifyouarewritingtoasmalllocalpaperexplainhowyourissueaffectsthecommunity(ieldquoIfCouncilmanWhorsquosresolutionpassesoneineveryfourthirdgradersatWhovilleElementarySchoolwillberdquo)IfyouarewritingtoalargerpublicationadaptyourtoneandscopetoitsaudienceLocalconnectionsforpapersbasedinmetropolitanareasarestillimportantevenforlargepapers
bullName names DonrsquotbeafraidtomentionpolicymakerrsquosnamesmdashthisisaneasywaytomakealetterrelevanttoalocalareaIfyouareaddressingaspecificpersonrsquospoliciesorintentionsbesuretosendacopyofthelettertothatpersonPoliticiansneedtoknowyouarepayingattentiontowhattheyaredoingthatwillhaveanimpactonchildrenwith LD
bullLet them know who you are AnylettertotheeditorshouldincludeallyourcontactinformationThepublicationmaynotprintitbutaneditormayneedtogetintouchwithyoutoverifysomeinformationortoaskyouquestionsJustaswithpolicymakersoneofyourgoalsistobecomeasourceofinformationforthemAlsoifyouhaveanycredentialsthatmakeyoumoreofanauthoritymentionthemYourexpertisewillmakeitfarmorelikelythatyourletterwillgetprinted
bullFollow up CallthepublicationtomakesuretheyreceivedyourletterandoffertohelpthemwithanystoriestheyhaveplannedonlearningdisabilitiesTheymighthavefeedbackforyouonyourletterormighttaketheopportunitytoaskyouafewquestionsabouttheissue
bullKeep trying EvenifyourletterdoesnrsquotgetpublishedwriteanotheronethenexttimeitrsquosappropriateTherecanbemanyreasonswhyapublicationdoesnrsquotprintanyoneletterandeducatingtheeditorialstaffofthepublicationisanimportanttasktoo
bullContrary point of view Letterstotheeditorwhichproposeaviewcontrarytotheviewinanarticlearemorelikelytobepublishedthanletterswhichagreewiththepaperrsquospointofview
Writing an Op-Ed PieceOp-edsareliketheuppercrustofletterstotheeditorTheyarewrittenbyreadersjustlikeletterstotheeditorbuttendtocomefrompeopleofauthoritysuchaspresidentsCEOsandevenlegislatorsOp-edscarryabylinesoinawaytheyarearticlesbutopinionatedonesIfyouarepartofanadvocacyorganizationitrsquosagoodideatogivethebylinetotheexecutivedirectororamemberoftheboard(withtheirpermissionofcourse)Whenwritinganop-edusetheguidelinesforletterstotheeditorandalsokeepinmind
bullTheformatforanop-edisveryspecificUsuallytheyrangefrom300-750wordsMakesureyouknowwhatthepublicationrsquosguidelinesareOp-edsaregenerallyalsoexclusivesosubmittheop-edtothepublicationthathasthelargestcirculationandthegreatestlikelihoodofpublishingyourworkTargetpublicationsthatpublishop-edsonthetopicuponwhichyouarewriting
bullThestrongestop-edsaretheonesthatmakereadersunderstand(1)whyanissueisimportanttothempersonallyand(2) what they should do about it The tone should not suggest that the issue is about you and your agenda but rather that yours is of broad concern and you are offering a suitable call to action
bullMakeitsimpleYourmessageshouldbeloudandclearsoagoodruleofthumbistofirsttellthemwhatyouaregoingtosaysayitandthentellthemwhatyousaidYourlanguageshouldbejargon-freeandunemotional
Tolearnmoreabouthowtoeffectivelyplaceyourop-edinthemajorpapersacrossthecountryvisittheCommunicationConsortium Media Centerrsquos site at wwwccmcorgnode16170
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 17
Approaching Editorial BoardsEditorialboardsaretheeditorsandstaffofapublicationwhodeterminewhatgoesintothepublicationGoingtoaneditorialboardisthebehind-the-sceneswaytogetyourmessageoutYourfirstgoalistogetaneditorialmdashtheofficialopinionofthepublicationmdashwrittenaboutyourissue(Newspapereditorialshavebeenknowntoswaypublicopinionstronglymdashpoliticiansworkhardtogetapapertoendorsethemduringelections)ConvincinganeditorialboardisalotlikeconvincingalegislatorMeetingwithaneditorialboardcanalsohavetheaddedbenefitofbringingthefocusedattention of the editors to your issue so that learning disabilities may get more coverage in the future
Prepareforavisitwithaneditorialboardjustlikeyouwouldavisittoalegislator
bullGoingaspartofateamisagoodideaparticularlyifyoucanselectapersonofauthorityandinfluenceastheleader
bullEditorsarealwaysbusysobereadytopresenteverythinginlessthan15minutes
bullBrainstormstoryideasthatrelatetoyourtightlywordedmessagetopresenttotheboard
bullWhenyoursquoredoneaskwhetherthepublicationwillbeabletowriteaneditorialsupportingyourpositionorfeatureanarticleonyourcauseIfnotbepoliteandgraciousandoffertowriteanop-edpieceThentryagainnexttime
Calling a Radio ShowAdvocating for the rights of children with LD on the air is similar to all the other forms of advocacy with one exceptionmdashthesoundofyourvoiceThereisalotofpowerinhearinganindividualrsquosvoiceonairandbeingonaradioprogramcanbeagreatopportunityforyoutohumanizetheissueyouwanttobringattentiontobutyouhavetobeprepared
bullKnow the program yoursquoll be on WhenyouareontheairyouareonthespotandtherersquosnogoingbacktoeditwhatyousayBesuretolearnhowthehosttalkstopeopleandhowheorsherespondswhencallersgetflustered
bullKnow your message inside and out Again radio is live so having notes in front of you to make sure you have thewordsyouneedtoexpressyourselfclearlyandsimplyiskeyTalkaboutaparticularbilloraparticularlegislatorbynameandexplainpreciselywhatyouaretryingtoachieve
bullThink about your audience WhenyouaretalkingthinkaboutwhoislisteningBespecificabouthowthisissueaffectsyourcommunityandtalkaboutthelocallegislatorsandwhattheycandoThegoalistoexpressthatthisisanissueaboutpeoplepeoplelikeyouandpeoplelikeyourlistenersDonrsquotuselanguageyoursquorenotcomfortablewithandbepreparedtoansweranyquestionsWhateverthequestionsmaybebringtheanswerbacktoyourmessage
bullPracticeIfyoursquoveneverbeenontheairbeforeitrsquosagoodideatopracticewithataperecorderandanotherpersonaskingyouquestionsUsingataperecorderwillallowyoutolistentobothwhatyoursquovesaidandhowyoursquovesaiditLongpausestothinkmaycomeacrossasindecisivenessAnervouslaughmaysoundpatronizingandldquoummsrdquoandldquoahhsrdquocandetractfromyourpointConductafewrehearsalsandyoursquollfeelmuchmoreconfidentFeelingrelaxedwhencallingcanonlybenefityourmessage
Preparing Press ReleasesPressornewsreleasesareconciseannouncementsoftime-sensitiveinformationregardinganimportantsituationoreventGenerallypressreleasesareissuedbyorganizationsbutindividualadvocatescanbenefitfromknowinghowandwhenapressreleaseissenttothemedia
ThemosteffectivepressreleasesfollowastandardformatandprovidenewsworthyinterestinginformationtojournalistsinaconcisemannerAgoodpressreleasecanbethebackboneofanarticleandreportersaregratefulforcondensedcopytohelpthemmakeanewsitemmorerelevantOntheotherhandifanindividualororganizationsendsoutapressreleasefornobetterreasonthansendingoutanotherpressreleasetheyallbecomeirrelevantInthemediacredibilityisextremelyimportantandsendingoutirrelevantpressreleasesisalotlikecryingldquowolfrdquo
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 18
Using Social MediaTheexplosionofonlinemediatoolshascreatedawholenewwaytogetyourmessageoutBesuretotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglypopularavenuesofcommunicating
SetupablogtopromoteyourissuesUsingtoolssuchasWordpress(wwwwordpresscom)orMovableType (wwwmovabletypecom)youcanquicklycreateablogforfreeBlogsallowreaderstopostcommentsgeneratingmoreinterestandinteractionAlsobesuretovisitotherblogsaboutyourissuessuchaseducationspecialeducationanddisabilityblogswhereyoucanpostrelevantcommentsthatkeepyourissuesattheforefront
EstablishingapresenceonsocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook(wwwfacebookcom) is a great way to get out informationandmessagesthatsupportyouradvocacyeffortsThesesitesofferavarietyoftoolsthatallowyoutocreateblogsconductforumsandpollsaddphotosaudioandvideofeaturesandmore
Increasetheimpactofyourblogandsocialmediapresencebyusingareal-timeinformationnetworklikeTwitter(wwwtwittercom)tocommunicatequickupdatesaboutwhatrsquoshappeningwithyourissuesDonrsquotforgettousehashtagstoconnectyourtweetstoothersonthesametopicEncourageotherstostayinformedaboutyourworkbyusingReallySimpleSyndication(RSS)mdashapopularmeansofsharingcontentacrosstheInternet
Remembertokeepyouronlinepresenceuptodatewithnewandinterestinginformationopportunitiestogetinvolvedandwaysthosewhosupportyourissuescanhelp
Lastlyconsiderusingotheronlinecommunicationtoolssuchaswebinarspodcastsandvideostoprovideinformationabout your issues and tell others how to get involved and take action
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 10
Working with Policymakers
Irsquove found that in order to implement effective policy our public officials must understand the priorities and challenges of individuals with learning disabilities They need to hear how our children are doing As Irsquove met
and talked with my representatives Irsquove always found someone sympathetic to my concerns mdash sometimes itrsquos a staff person or the Representative himherself Irsquove seen extraordinary partnerships with policymakers lead to improving outcomes for individuals with learning disabilities
Please remember that when you advocate
bull Itrsquosforthekids
bull Asparentswecanmakeadifference
bull ItrsquosnicetotraveltotheCapitolwithafriend
Bette Erickson parent advocate Minnesota
AllpoliticsarelocalmdasheverypieceoflegislationthatexistshaslocalimplicationsandisalsobasedonlocalneedsItseemsobviousbutitrsquosimportanttorememberItmeansthatlawsexistbecausepeoplelikeyouworkedtomakethemhappenMostofourcurrentlawsthatassistandprotectpeoplewithLDcamefromthegrassrootseffortsofadvocateslikeyouBoththeAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)andtheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)cametobebecauseadvocates(notSenatorsorhighlypaidlobbyists)tookactionandeducatedpolicymakersastowhytheselawsneededtoexist
YoutoocanmakelawshappenHowByunderstandinghowgovernmentworksandhowyoucanmosteffectivelygetinvolvedTherearelotsofdifferentwaystogettopolicymakersandcommunicateyourthoughtsonanissuebutbeforeyoupickupyourpenoryourphoneyouneedtokeepseveralthingsinmindinordertobemosteffective
Before you approach policymakers1 Familiarize yourself with what your elected officials have to say mdash both in the policies they support
and in the mediaKeeptrackofwhereyourlocalofficialsstandonlearningdisabilitieseducationandspecialeducationissuesStartingwiththelegislatorswhorepresentyoudirectly(yourSenatorsandCongressperson)isimportantbecausetheyaretheoneswithwhomyouwillhavethemostinfluenceYouareoneoftheirconstituentsYoucancontacttheirofficestoaskabouttheirparticipationonCongressionalcommitteesrequestaposition
statementorseeiftheyhavesponsoredlegislationimportanttopeoplewithLD
IfneitheryourSenatorsnorHouseRepresentativesitonthecommitteeswithjurisdictionovereducationandspecialeducationlawsthenlearnabout the legislators who do When you are readytogetintouchwithpolicymakersitwillbe useful to communicate with both your own representativesaswellasthosewhoareinthemoreinfluentialpositionsonLDissues
2 Become familiar with all the existing laws as well as bills that are pending that affect individuals with disabilities KnowtheirnamesandbillnumbersmdashitisimportanttobeabletorefertotheseexistinganddraftlawswhenyouarecommunicatingwithyourrepresentativesOurlegislatorscanrsquotbeexpertsoneveryissuesoitrsquosuptoyoutohelpthemunderstandintricateissuessuchasthelawsimpactingpeoplewithLDThisisnrsquot as daunting as it sounds NCLD and other organizationskeeptrackoftheselawsandevensend out email alerts to notify advocates about legislativenewsGotowwwLDorg to get the basicsandsignupforemailalertsaboutwaystoaddyourvoiceonimportantdecisionsonCapitolHill
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 11
3 Clarify your focus WhatexactlyareyoutryingtoaccomplishBeingasspecificaspossibleabouttheissueyouarepresentingtoapolicymakeriskeytobeingeffectiveldquoGettingchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesadecenteducationrdquoistoobroadldquoWorkingtogetIDEAreauthorizedandchangethelanguageinthelawtomakeitpossibleforchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiestobeidentifiedearlyandonapathtograduationwitharegulardiplomardquoarespecificgoalstobringtolegislators
4 Stay open-minded and respectful YouwillencounterpolicymakerswhodonrsquotagreewithwhatyouaretryingtoaccomplishtheymayhaveagendasthatcompletelyopposeyoursDonrsquotdismissthemUnderstandingopposingpointsofviewwillhelpyoucraftastrongpositionthattakesdiverseinterestsintoaccountAlsodonrsquotbehostiletowardsthemRemainingrespectfulcalmandpersonableevenwiththosewhoseviewsmightoffendyouisthekey to being an effective advocate
5 Be prepared to ldquodouble deckrdquoIfyouwanttobesurethatyouarereachingpolicymakersandhavinganimpactontheirpolicydecisionsyouaregoingtohavetousemanyoftheavailablemethodstocommunicateyourmessageJustsendinganemailisnrsquotenoughThesedaysinordertobeheardyouwillmostlikelyhavetopickupthephonesendafaxsendanemailandevenstopbytheofficeifyoucanMakeitimpossibleforthepeopleyouaretryingtoreach to ignore you
Who to ApproachConstituentshavethegreatestchanceofbeingheardbytheirlegislativerepresentativesOnthefederallevelCongressconsistsoftheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentativesEverystatehastwoSenatorsandatleastoneRepresentative(approximatelyoneRepresentativeforevery650000people)EachmemberofCongresshasalargestaffdedicatedtofindingoutwherevotersstandonimportantissuesOnthestatelevelthereisalsoaSenateandaHouseofRepresentativesLocallycountyandcitycouncilsrepresenttheircitizensandinsomestatestherearealsoregionallegislatures
EveryoneintheUnitesStatesisrepresentedbytwoUSSenatorsoneUSRepresentativeoneStateSenatoroneormoreStateRepresentatives(exceptforthosewhoresideintheDistrictofColumbia)aswellascountyandcitycouncilmembersYouelectthesepeoplesotheyareallveryinterestedinwhatyouhavetosay
When to Approach PolicymakersItrsquosnevertooearlytobeginestablishingrelationshipswithyourRepresentativesPolicymakersarepeoplelikeyoumdash theydonrsquotlikebeingapproachedonlywhenyouwantsomethingIfthereisabillupforconsiderationoravoteabouttotakeplacetheyhavealreadybeenworkingontheissueforsometimeTobeaneffectiveadvocateyoushouldcultivatearelationshipwithyourrepresentativesovertimesotheyknowtoturntoyouwhentheyneedguidanceonthetopicsyouknowandcareaboutAndtheywillturntoyouMakeityourbusinesstoestablishyourselfasanLDexpertintheeyesofyourelectedofficialsandtheirstaffmembersKeepinregularcontactwiththemmdashviaaletteroremailupdatingthemonlearningdisabilitiesissueseverymonthorsoregularphonecallsavisitnowandthenOvertimetheywillcometoknowandtrustyouasasourceofinformationtheycancountonIttakespersistencebutRepresentativeshavetomakedecisionswithorwithoutyouYourinputcanhelpthemmakegooddecisionsforpeoplewith LD
Writing Letters and EmailsPolicymakerspayattentiontolettersSinceSeptember112001regularmailcantakeupto30daystoreachalegislatorbecauseoftheinspectionprocessButifyouusemorethanonemethodofdelivery(regularmailfaxand email) your message will get through If you want to be sure your message lands in the right hands call your RepresentativersquosofficeandaskhowtheyprefertogetconstituentfeedbackPersonallettersandemailsfromconstituents are always the most effective and it doesnrsquot take hundreds of them to get a legislator to take notice Here areafewthingstokeepinmindwhenyouwrite
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 12
bullPersonalize your message Masscomputer-generatedmessagingiscommonthesedaysandpolicymakerswillpaymoreattentiontoaletteroremailtheyknowcomesfromarealpersonShareanypersonalexperiencesthatdirectlyillustratethepointyouaretryingtomake(ieldquoMysonJasonisabrightcuriouschildwhodoeswellinmathandsciencebutbecauseofhisreadingscoreshisschoolPS123wantshimtorepeatthirdgradeRetentionisnottheanswer rdquo)
bullInclude your name address and other contact information Legislators need to know that you are one of their constituents If you are sending an email be sure to use your real name not a username like ldquoLD momrdquo Anonymous mail will be ignored
bullBe brief specific and courteous KeepyourcommunicationsasshortaspossibleandbesuretopolitelystateyourspecificrequestinthefirstfewsentencesAvoidjargonthelanguageofyourmessageshouldbeassimpleaspossible
bullMention any affiliation you have with the policymaker IfyouknowsomeoneintheofficeorworkedontheRepresentativersquoselectioncampaignremindhimorherHavingapersonalassociationgivesyouevenmoreinfluencethan only being a constituent
bullEnclose any recent articles or reports that are relevant to your message NeverassumepolicymakersreadeverythingyoudoTheymightbutitisalwayshelpfultobringgoodinformationtotheirattention
bullIf your message is about a specific bill budget item or policy be sure to mention the name or number if you know it AlsostatewhetheryousupportoropposeitandaskforthepolicymakerrsquosviewsProvidefactsthatbackupyouropinionandshareanypersonalexperiencesthatpertaintotheissue
Using EmailMembers of Congress receive millions of emails each year To cut down on email volume most members of Congress arenowusingfilteringsystemsthatallowonlyemailsfromconstituentstoreachtheirinboxBesuretofollowtheinstructionsoftheWebformmdashtypicallyusedbymostMembersrsquositesmdashtoensurethatyourmessageisreceivedWheneverpossiblebesuretorefertoaspecificpieceoflegislationinthesubjectline(iereSupportEarlyInterventionforChildrenwithReadingDifficulties)andincludeyourmailingaddresssothereaderknowsyouareaconstituentIndividualizeyouremailbysharingthosepersonalexperiencesthatpertaintoyourargumentSomeemailcampaignsgeneratedbyLegislativeActionCenterssuchasthoseonwwwLDorgallowyoutoeditthetextyouaresendingsousethatoptiontomakeyouremailletterstandoutAgainthebestpolicyistouseallformsofcommunicationmdashwritealetterfaxitandalsosendanemail
Making Phone CallsPickingupthephoneisaneasywaytoreachouttopolicymakersanditisimmenselyeffectiveYourFederalRepresentativesshouldhavetheirphonenumberslistedontheirwebsiteinthebluepagesofthelocalphonebookoryoucanalwaysgetthisinformationthroughtheUSCapitolswitchboardat(202)224-3121orvisit wwwcontactingthecongressorgwhereyoucanenteryouraddressandgetcompletecontactinformationforyourelectedofficials
WhencallingasktospeaktotheaidewhoisresponsibleforeducationanddisabilityissuesSpeakingtoanaideisaseffectiveasspeakingtoanactuallegislatortheirstaffsexisttobetheirexpertsonwhatvoterscareaboutUsethesameguidelinesforaphonecallaswhenyouwriteBeforeyoudialbesureto
bullPrepare what you are going to say Writedownafewconcisetalkingpointssothatyoudonrsquothavetoremembereverything in the heat of the moment
bullMention your name and address so they know you are in their state or district
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 13
bullCall the office Whetheritrsquosvoicemailorareceptionistspelloutyournameandaddressandleaveashortmessageoutliningwhatyouarecallingabout(ldquoIrsquomcallingaboutthependingreauthorizationoftheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActandtheneedforearlyinterventionforstrugglingreadersrdquo)
bullFollow up any phone call with a written note sent via email or fax This way the legislator has a written recordofyourcallandyouhaveanotheropportunitytoreinforceyourmessageThenoteshouldclearlyincludeyournameaddressphonenumberandwhenyoucalledIfyouwereabletospeaktosomeonebesuretothankhimor her
Meeting with PolicymakersItmayseemdauntingbutthebestwaytoensurepolicymakersgetyourmessageistellingthemortheirstaffinpersonVisitingalegislatoriseasyAllyouhavetodoismakeanappointmentinadvanceYoucanvisitthemattheirdistrictofficeswhentheyarehome(typicallyonMondayandFriday)orgotoseethemonCapitolHill(iftheyarefederal legislators)
Beforeyougothinkaboutthefollowing
bullConsider bringing a delegation Itrsquoslessintimidatingforyouifyouarepartofagroup(ieagroupofparentsofchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesoradiversegroupofeducatorsparentsandpsychologists)andyourmessagewillbe even stronger because of your numbers If you are a team be sure there is a leader who will do most of the talking
bullWhy are you going You should rehearse what you are going to say and how you are going to say it before you go Beabletogivea90-secondversionofyourpresentationItshouldincludeyournamewhereyoulivewhatpertinentgroupsyouareapartofasynopsisoftheissueyouareaddressingandaclearrequest(pleasesupportbillxoropposethepassingofresolutiony)Yourappointmentwillprobablybeveryshort(10-15minutes)sostartwiththesummaryandthenexpandastimepermits
bullKnow where the policymaker stands YoursquollbeabletoprepareyourstrategyduringthemeetingifyouknowexactlywherethepersonyouaremeetingwithstandsontheissueyouareaddressingCalltheofficeorcheckoutProjectVoteSmartatwwwvote-smartorgYoucanalsocalltheofficebeforeyougoandaskwhathisorherpositionis
bullPrepare something in writing Whetheritisaone-pagesummaryofyourpresentationorafolderwitharticlesandstatisticssupportingyourrequestyoushouldalwayshavesomethingtohandthepersonyoumeetwithAlsobesurethatwhateveryouhandoverhasyournameaddressphonenumberandemailaddressonitGettingintouchwithyou should be effortless
bullFollow up with a thank-you note OncethestaffmembercanconnectafacewithyournamedonrsquotlethimorherforgetYournoteshouldbeshortandshouldbrieflysummarizewhatyoudiscussedatthemeetingincludeanyinformationyoupromisedtoprovideandasalwaysincludeallyourcontactinformation
Ifyoursquovestatedclearlyandconciselywhyyouarethereandtherersquossometimetospareexplainwhothisissuewillaffect and how If the legislator with whom you are meeting (or whose aide you are meeting) has done something you arepleasedaboutlethimorherknowthatPolicymakershearlotsofcriticismgenuinepraiseisalwayswelcomeYoumayspendalotoftimelisteningtowhatthepolicymakerrsquosviewsonyourissueareoryoumayhavetoeducatethemonsomebasicsmdashbepreparedforeitherscenarioAlsolethimorherknowthatyouwillsharewhathappensatthemeetingwithawideraudiencebackhome(suchasyourlocallearningdisabilitiesadvocacygroup)Thisisarelationshipyouarebuildingandevenifyoudonrsquotseeeyetoeyeitrsquosimportanttokeepthedooropentocontinuedcommunications
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 14
Working with the Media
photo
If you are a parent advocate you are also an activist Working with the media is a powerful and enduring tool in my special education toolbox Remember the media is there to tell the news or a story My voice and pen are my greatest
obligation and opportunity When I have something to say or want to educate the public I am relentless in my pursuit to be heard on behalf of our children I write blogs letters to the editor guest columns and callemail the education editorial staff and staff-writers to pitch an idea for a story or pass along important news about legislative action and special education policy
Believe in your heart that your childrsquos school experience is a story waiting to be told The media is nothing to be intimidated by I am a recognized and reliable resource whether I am the writer or the source of information Write a letter to the editor or contact an education staff-writer with a story I promise the media is waiting for you
Marcie Lipsitt parent advocate Michigan
ThinkofthemediaasatoolGettingmediacoveragecanhelpyoudrawattentiontospecificissuesregardinglearningdisabilitieseducatethepublicandinfluencepolicymakersbydrawingatten-tiontotheiractionsThemediawieldsalotofpowerinsocietytodaybutbehindallthenewsprintandsoundwavesreportersarepeoplelikeyouwhowanttoinformthepublicWithagoodangleandtherighttimingyoucanbringalotofattentionto the needs and rights of children with learning disabilities
Working with the media can take a few different forms
u Writing letters to the editoruWritingop-edpiecesuApproachingeditorialboardsu Calling a radio showuPreparingpressreleases
Keepthesebasicprinciplesinmindwhenworkingwithyourlocalnewspaperradiostationorevenatelevisionprogram
bullKnowexactlywhatitisyouwanttosayandhowtosayitBeconciseandkeepyourmessagetotwoorthreestrongpointsthatyoucanexpressinafewdifferent ways
bullWheneveryoucontactanymediaoutletorspecificreporterbesureyoufindoutwhoisinchargeofeducationandordisabilityissuesandgetthatpersonrsquosdirectphonenumberfaxnumberandemailaddress
bullUsethesimplestplainestlanguagepossibleReportersmay or may not know as much as you do about learningdisabilitiesbutyourwordsareforthepublicthereporterisreachingwhomyoushouldassumearenot at all familiar with the issues you are discussing Ontheotherhanddonrsquotbecondescendingeither
bullBecomethoroughlyfamiliarwithanynewspaperradioshowortelevisionprogramwithwhichyouwillbecommunicatingBesurethatyouunderstandthe style and general angle of the outlet and that you arefamiliarwiththeworkofanyparticulareditorreporterorproducerwithwhomyoumightbeincontactThiswayyoursquollknowhowtoapproachthemorperhapstopushbackwhenheorshewritessomethingwithwhichyoudisagreeFrequentlyyouwillfindthatreportersaredrawntotheissueoflearningdisabilitiesbecauseofsomepersonal
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 15
connectionsuchasachildorrelativewhohasalearningdisabilitysuchasdyslexiaJustasoftenthereportermightaskaboutLDwheninfacttheyareseekinginformationaboutotherdisabilitiessuchasADHDorautismspectrumdisordersBepreparedtousethosekindsofconnectionstoyouradvantagemdashyoucanbuildarelationshipbyofferingyourself as a resource
bullNeverassumethatanythingisldquoofftherecordrdquoItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtotakewhatyousayandturnitintoastorythatsellspapersTheonlywayyoucanmakesuretheyaretellingyourstoryisbystickingtoitDonrsquotthrowinlittlecommentariesevenifyouthinkyoursquorejustlighteninguptheconversationunlessyouarepreparedtoseetheminprint
bullldquoNocommentrdquoisacommentItdoesnrsquotimplythatyoudonrsquotknowitimpliesyouknowbutdonrsquotwanttotalkaboutitbecauseitmightbeaweaknessinyourargumentorgoagainstyourpoint
bullItrsquosokaytosayldquoIdonrsquotknowrdquoThebestthingtosayisldquoIdonrsquotknowbutIcangetbacktoyouonthatrdquoThenfindoutquicklyandcontactthereporterpromptly
bullDonrsquotletareportergettoyouItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtoaskquestionsandsometimesevenplaydevilrsquosadvocateAlwaysbepolitecalmandcollectedandmakesureyoustayontopic
bullDonrsquotletreportersputwordsinyourmouthItrsquosdangeroustoagreewithastatementtheymakeforyou(ieldquoSowouldyousaythatrdquo)ThequotesshouldcomefromyounotthemIfyoursquorenotsureheorshegotitrightitrsquosokaytoaskareportertoreadbackwhatyoujustsaid
bullPreparationisthebestwaytoensurethatyoucomeawayfromanyone-on-onesituationhavingclearlyandeffectively communicated your message
bullAlwaysthankthepersonwithwhomyouaredealingandfollowuptomakesureyourmessagesarebeingused
bullAskwhenthestorywillrunandrequestnotificationwhenitgoeslive
Letters to the EditorTheLetterstotheEditorsectionisalwaysoneofthemostpopularsectionsofanypaperormagazineThissectionisaneasywayforyoutoletpolicymakersknowyouropinionsandtoeducatereadersaboutissuesthatconcernyouLetterscanbeusedtocorrectorrespondtothefactsinanarticletopraiseorcriticizeopinionsexpressedinthepublicationortosimplybringattentiontotheissueyouwanttoaddress
StudythepublicationyoursquorewritingtobeforeyoubeginKnowthenameoftheappropriateeditortowritetoandbecomefamiliarwiththeformatthatpublishedletterstakeSomenewspapershavewrittenguidelinesfortheirlettersFollowingtheseguidelinescloselyisthebestchanceyouhaveofgettingpublished
Hereareafewmoretipstohelpyougetyourmessageacrossinalettertotheeditor
bullTiming is everything Respondtoanarticleornewsitemrightafterithappensorevenbetterifyouknowabillispassingoranarticleisbeingprintedsendyourlettertotheeditorbeforereadersknowanythingaboutit
bullShort and sweet JustaswhenwritingtoalegislatorkeepyourletterclearandconciseMakeonestrongpointandleave it at that Itrsquos a good idea to write a draft of your letter take a break and then look at it again That way you can makesurethatyouaresayingexactlywhatyouintend
bullCheck your facts BothyourcredibilityandthatofthepublicationhangontheaccuracyofyourletterandcredibilityiseverythingIfitturnsoutyoudidnrsquothaveyourfactsstraightitrsquosunlikelyyourletterswillbepublishedagain
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 16
bullMake it relevant Ifyouarewritingtoasmalllocalpaperexplainhowyourissueaffectsthecommunity(ieldquoIfCouncilmanWhorsquosresolutionpassesoneineveryfourthirdgradersatWhovilleElementarySchoolwillberdquo)IfyouarewritingtoalargerpublicationadaptyourtoneandscopetoitsaudienceLocalconnectionsforpapersbasedinmetropolitanareasarestillimportantevenforlargepapers
bullName names DonrsquotbeafraidtomentionpolicymakerrsquosnamesmdashthisisaneasywaytomakealetterrelevanttoalocalareaIfyouareaddressingaspecificpersonrsquospoliciesorintentionsbesuretosendacopyofthelettertothatpersonPoliticiansneedtoknowyouarepayingattentiontowhattheyaredoingthatwillhaveanimpactonchildrenwith LD
bullLet them know who you are AnylettertotheeditorshouldincludeallyourcontactinformationThepublicationmaynotprintitbutaneditormayneedtogetintouchwithyoutoverifysomeinformationortoaskyouquestionsJustaswithpolicymakersoneofyourgoalsistobecomeasourceofinformationforthemAlsoifyouhaveanycredentialsthatmakeyoumoreofanauthoritymentionthemYourexpertisewillmakeitfarmorelikelythatyourletterwillgetprinted
bullFollow up CallthepublicationtomakesuretheyreceivedyourletterandoffertohelpthemwithanystoriestheyhaveplannedonlearningdisabilitiesTheymighthavefeedbackforyouonyourletterormighttaketheopportunitytoaskyouafewquestionsabouttheissue
bullKeep trying EvenifyourletterdoesnrsquotgetpublishedwriteanotheronethenexttimeitrsquosappropriateTherecanbemanyreasonswhyapublicationdoesnrsquotprintanyoneletterandeducatingtheeditorialstaffofthepublicationisanimportanttasktoo
bullContrary point of view Letterstotheeditorwhichproposeaviewcontrarytotheviewinanarticlearemorelikelytobepublishedthanletterswhichagreewiththepaperrsquospointofview
Writing an Op-Ed PieceOp-edsareliketheuppercrustofletterstotheeditorTheyarewrittenbyreadersjustlikeletterstotheeditorbuttendtocomefrompeopleofauthoritysuchaspresidentsCEOsandevenlegislatorsOp-edscarryabylinesoinawaytheyarearticlesbutopinionatedonesIfyouarepartofanadvocacyorganizationitrsquosagoodideatogivethebylinetotheexecutivedirectororamemberoftheboard(withtheirpermissionofcourse)Whenwritinganop-edusetheguidelinesforletterstotheeditorandalsokeepinmind
bullTheformatforanop-edisveryspecificUsuallytheyrangefrom300-750wordsMakesureyouknowwhatthepublicationrsquosguidelinesareOp-edsaregenerallyalsoexclusivesosubmittheop-edtothepublicationthathasthelargestcirculationandthegreatestlikelihoodofpublishingyourworkTargetpublicationsthatpublishop-edsonthetopicuponwhichyouarewriting
bullThestrongestop-edsaretheonesthatmakereadersunderstand(1)whyanissueisimportanttothempersonallyand(2) what they should do about it The tone should not suggest that the issue is about you and your agenda but rather that yours is of broad concern and you are offering a suitable call to action
bullMakeitsimpleYourmessageshouldbeloudandclearsoagoodruleofthumbistofirsttellthemwhatyouaregoingtosaysayitandthentellthemwhatyousaidYourlanguageshouldbejargon-freeandunemotional
Tolearnmoreabouthowtoeffectivelyplaceyourop-edinthemajorpapersacrossthecountryvisittheCommunicationConsortium Media Centerrsquos site at wwwccmcorgnode16170
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 17
Approaching Editorial BoardsEditorialboardsaretheeditorsandstaffofapublicationwhodeterminewhatgoesintothepublicationGoingtoaneditorialboardisthebehind-the-sceneswaytogetyourmessageoutYourfirstgoalistogetaneditorialmdashtheofficialopinionofthepublicationmdashwrittenaboutyourissue(Newspapereditorialshavebeenknowntoswaypublicopinionstronglymdashpoliticiansworkhardtogetapapertoendorsethemduringelections)ConvincinganeditorialboardisalotlikeconvincingalegislatorMeetingwithaneditorialboardcanalsohavetheaddedbenefitofbringingthefocusedattention of the editors to your issue so that learning disabilities may get more coverage in the future
Prepareforavisitwithaneditorialboardjustlikeyouwouldavisittoalegislator
bullGoingaspartofateamisagoodideaparticularlyifyoucanselectapersonofauthorityandinfluenceastheleader
bullEditorsarealwaysbusysobereadytopresenteverythinginlessthan15minutes
bullBrainstormstoryideasthatrelatetoyourtightlywordedmessagetopresenttotheboard
bullWhenyoursquoredoneaskwhetherthepublicationwillbeabletowriteaneditorialsupportingyourpositionorfeatureanarticleonyourcauseIfnotbepoliteandgraciousandoffertowriteanop-edpieceThentryagainnexttime
Calling a Radio ShowAdvocating for the rights of children with LD on the air is similar to all the other forms of advocacy with one exceptionmdashthesoundofyourvoiceThereisalotofpowerinhearinganindividualrsquosvoiceonairandbeingonaradioprogramcanbeagreatopportunityforyoutohumanizetheissueyouwanttobringattentiontobutyouhavetobeprepared
bullKnow the program yoursquoll be on WhenyouareontheairyouareonthespotandtherersquosnogoingbacktoeditwhatyousayBesuretolearnhowthehosttalkstopeopleandhowheorsherespondswhencallersgetflustered
bullKnow your message inside and out Again radio is live so having notes in front of you to make sure you have thewordsyouneedtoexpressyourselfclearlyandsimplyiskeyTalkaboutaparticularbilloraparticularlegislatorbynameandexplainpreciselywhatyouaretryingtoachieve
bullThink about your audience WhenyouaretalkingthinkaboutwhoislisteningBespecificabouthowthisissueaffectsyourcommunityandtalkaboutthelocallegislatorsandwhattheycandoThegoalistoexpressthatthisisanissueaboutpeoplepeoplelikeyouandpeoplelikeyourlistenersDonrsquotuselanguageyoursquorenotcomfortablewithandbepreparedtoansweranyquestionsWhateverthequestionsmaybebringtheanswerbacktoyourmessage
bullPracticeIfyoursquoveneverbeenontheairbeforeitrsquosagoodideatopracticewithataperecorderandanotherpersonaskingyouquestionsUsingataperecorderwillallowyoutolistentobothwhatyoursquovesaidandhowyoursquovesaiditLongpausestothinkmaycomeacrossasindecisivenessAnervouslaughmaysoundpatronizingandldquoummsrdquoandldquoahhsrdquocandetractfromyourpointConductafewrehearsalsandyoursquollfeelmuchmoreconfidentFeelingrelaxedwhencallingcanonlybenefityourmessage
Preparing Press ReleasesPressornewsreleasesareconciseannouncementsoftime-sensitiveinformationregardinganimportantsituationoreventGenerallypressreleasesareissuedbyorganizationsbutindividualadvocatescanbenefitfromknowinghowandwhenapressreleaseissenttothemedia
ThemosteffectivepressreleasesfollowastandardformatandprovidenewsworthyinterestinginformationtojournalistsinaconcisemannerAgoodpressreleasecanbethebackboneofanarticleandreportersaregratefulforcondensedcopytohelpthemmakeanewsitemmorerelevantOntheotherhandifanindividualororganizationsendsoutapressreleasefornobetterreasonthansendingoutanotherpressreleasetheyallbecomeirrelevantInthemediacredibilityisextremelyimportantandsendingoutirrelevantpressreleasesisalotlikecryingldquowolfrdquo
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 18
Using Social MediaTheexplosionofonlinemediatoolshascreatedawholenewwaytogetyourmessageoutBesuretotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglypopularavenuesofcommunicating
SetupablogtopromoteyourissuesUsingtoolssuchasWordpress(wwwwordpresscom)orMovableType (wwwmovabletypecom)youcanquicklycreateablogforfreeBlogsallowreaderstopostcommentsgeneratingmoreinterestandinteractionAlsobesuretovisitotherblogsaboutyourissuessuchaseducationspecialeducationanddisabilityblogswhereyoucanpostrelevantcommentsthatkeepyourissuesattheforefront
EstablishingapresenceonsocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook(wwwfacebookcom) is a great way to get out informationandmessagesthatsupportyouradvocacyeffortsThesesitesofferavarietyoftoolsthatallowyoutocreateblogsconductforumsandpollsaddphotosaudioandvideofeaturesandmore
Increasetheimpactofyourblogandsocialmediapresencebyusingareal-timeinformationnetworklikeTwitter(wwwtwittercom)tocommunicatequickupdatesaboutwhatrsquoshappeningwithyourissuesDonrsquotforgettousehashtagstoconnectyourtweetstoothersonthesametopicEncourageotherstostayinformedaboutyourworkbyusingReallySimpleSyndication(RSS)mdashapopularmeansofsharingcontentacrosstheInternet
Remembertokeepyouronlinepresenceuptodatewithnewandinterestinginformationopportunitiestogetinvolvedandwaysthosewhosupportyourissuescanhelp
Lastlyconsiderusingotheronlinecommunicationtoolssuchaswebinarspodcastsandvideostoprovideinformationabout your issues and tell others how to get involved and take action
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 11
3 Clarify your focus WhatexactlyareyoutryingtoaccomplishBeingasspecificaspossibleabouttheissueyouarepresentingtoapolicymakeriskeytobeingeffectiveldquoGettingchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesadecenteducationrdquoistoobroadldquoWorkingtogetIDEAreauthorizedandchangethelanguageinthelawtomakeitpossibleforchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiestobeidentifiedearlyandonapathtograduationwitharegulardiplomardquoarespecificgoalstobringtolegislators
4 Stay open-minded and respectful YouwillencounterpolicymakerswhodonrsquotagreewithwhatyouaretryingtoaccomplishtheymayhaveagendasthatcompletelyopposeyoursDonrsquotdismissthemUnderstandingopposingpointsofviewwillhelpyoucraftastrongpositionthattakesdiverseinterestsintoaccountAlsodonrsquotbehostiletowardsthemRemainingrespectfulcalmandpersonableevenwiththosewhoseviewsmightoffendyouisthekey to being an effective advocate
5 Be prepared to ldquodouble deckrdquoIfyouwanttobesurethatyouarereachingpolicymakersandhavinganimpactontheirpolicydecisionsyouaregoingtohavetousemanyoftheavailablemethodstocommunicateyourmessageJustsendinganemailisnrsquotenoughThesedaysinordertobeheardyouwillmostlikelyhavetopickupthephonesendafaxsendanemailandevenstopbytheofficeifyoucanMakeitimpossibleforthepeopleyouaretryingtoreach to ignore you
Who to ApproachConstituentshavethegreatestchanceofbeingheardbytheirlegislativerepresentativesOnthefederallevelCongressconsistsoftheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentativesEverystatehastwoSenatorsandatleastoneRepresentative(approximatelyoneRepresentativeforevery650000people)EachmemberofCongresshasalargestaffdedicatedtofindingoutwherevotersstandonimportantissuesOnthestatelevelthereisalsoaSenateandaHouseofRepresentativesLocallycountyandcitycouncilsrepresenttheircitizensandinsomestatestherearealsoregionallegislatures
EveryoneintheUnitesStatesisrepresentedbytwoUSSenatorsoneUSRepresentativeoneStateSenatoroneormoreStateRepresentatives(exceptforthosewhoresideintheDistrictofColumbia)aswellascountyandcitycouncilmembersYouelectthesepeoplesotheyareallveryinterestedinwhatyouhavetosay
When to Approach PolicymakersItrsquosnevertooearlytobeginestablishingrelationshipswithyourRepresentativesPolicymakersarepeoplelikeyoumdash theydonrsquotlikebeingapproachedonlywhenyouwantsomethingIfthereisabillupforconsiderationoravoteabouttotakeplacetheyhavealreadybeenworkingontheissueforsometimeTobeaneffectiveadvocateyoushouldcultivatearelationshipwithyourrepresentativesovertimesotheyknowtoturntoyouwhentheyneedguidanceonthetopicsyouknowandcareaboutAndtheywillturntoyouMakeityourbusinesstoestablishyourselfasanLDexpertintheeyesofyourelectedofficialsandtheirstaffmembersKeepinregularcontactwiththemmdashviaaletteroremailupdatingthemonlearningdisabilitiesissueseverymonthorsoregularphonecallsavisitnowandthenOvertimetheywillcometoknowandtrustyouasasourceofinformationtheycancountonIttakespersistencebutRepresentativeshavetomakedecisionswithorwithoutyouYourinputcanhelpthemmakegooddecisionsforpeoplewith LD
Writing Letters and EmailsPolicymakerspayattentiontolettersSinceSeptember112001regularmailcantakeupto30daystoreachalegislatorbecauseoftheinspectionprocessButifyouusemorethanonemethodofdelivery(regularmailfaxand email) your message will get through If you want to be sure your message lands in the right hands call your RepresentativersquosofficeandaskhowtheyprefertogetconstituentfeedbackPersonallettersandemailsfromconstituents are always the most effective and it doesnrsquot take hundreds of them to get a legislator to take notice Here areafewthingstokeepinmindwhenyouwrite
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 12
bullPersonalize your message Masscomputer-generatedmessagingiscommonthesedaysandpolicymakerswillpaymoreattentiontoaletteroremailtheyknowcomesfromarealpersonShareanypersonalexperiencesthatdirectlyillustratethepointyouaretryingtomake(ieldquoMysonJasonisabrightcuriouschildwhodoeswellinmathandsciencebutbecauseofhisreadingscoreshisschoolPS123wantshimtorepeatthirdgradeRetentionisnottheanswer rdquo)
bullInclude your name address and other contact information Legislators need to know that you are one of their constituents If you are sending an email be sure to use your real name not a username like ldquoLD momrdquo Anonymous mail will be ignored
bullBe brief specific and courteous KeepyourcommunicationsasshortaspossibleandbesuretopolitelystateyourspecificrequestinthefirstfewsentencesAvoidjargonthelanguageofyourmessageshouldbeassimpleaspossible
bullMention any affiliation you have with the policymaker IfyouknowsomeoneintheofficeorworkedontheRepresentativersquoselectioncampaignremindhimorherHavingapersonalassociationgivesyouevenmoreinfluencethan only being a constituent
bullEnclose any recent articles or reports that are relevant to your message NeverassumepolicymakersreadeverythingyoudoTheymightbutitisalwayshelpfultobringgoodinformationtotheirattention
bullIf your message is about a specific bill budget item or policy be sure to mention the name or number if you know it AlsostatewhetheryousupportoropposeitandaskforthepolicymakerrsquosviewsProvidefactsthatbackupyouropinionandshareanypersonalexperiencesthatpertaintotheissue
Using EmailMembers of Congress receive millions of emails each year To cut down on email volume most members of Congress arenowusingfilteringsystemsthatallowonlyemailsfromconstituentstoreachtheirinboxBesuretofollowtheinstructionsoftheWebformmdashtypicallyusedbymostMembersrsquositesmdashtoensurethatyourmessageisreceivedWheneverpossiblebesuretorefertoaspecificpieceoflegislationinthesubjectline(iereSupportEarlyInterventionforChildrenwithReadingDifficulties)andincludeyourmailingaddresssothereaderknowsyouareaconstituentIndividualizeyouremailbysharingthosepersonalexperiencesthatpertaintoyourargumentSomeemailcampaignsgeneratedbyLegislativeActionCenterssuchasthoseonwwwLDorgallowyoutoeditthetextyouaresendingsousethatoptiontomakeyouremailletterstandoutAgainthebestpolicyistouseallformsofcommunicationmdashwritealetterfaxitandalsosendanemail
Making Phone CallsPickingupthephoneisaneasywaytoreachouttopolicymakersanditisimmenselyeffectiveYourFederalRepresentativesshouldhavetheirphonenumberslistedontheirwebsiteinthebluepagesofthelocalphonebookoryoucanalwaysgetthisinformationthroughtheUSCapitolswitchboardat(202)224-3121orvisit wwwcontactingthecongressorgwhereyoucanenteryouraddressandgetcompletecontactinformationforyourelectedofficials
WhencallingasktospeaktotheaidewhoisresponsibleforeducationanddisabilityissuesSpeakingtoanaideisaseffectiveasspeakingtoanactuallegislatortheirstaffsexisttobetheirexpertsonwhatvoterscareaboutUsethesameguidelinesforaphonecallaswhenyouwriteBeforeyoudialbesureto
bullPrepare what you are going to say Writedownafewconcisetalkingpointssothatyoudonrsquothavetoremembereverything in the heat of the moment
bullMention your name and address so they know you are in their state or district
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 13
bullCall the office Whetheritrsquosvoicemailorareceptionistspelloutyournameandaddressandleaveashortmessageoutliningwhatyouarecallingabout(ldquoIrsquomcallingaboutthependingreauthorizationoftheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActandtheneedforearlyinterventionforstrugglingreadersrdquo)
bullFollow up any phone call with a written note sent via email or fax This way the legislator has a written recordofyourcallandyouhaveanotheropportunitytoreinforceyourmessageThenoteshouldclearlyincludeyournameaddressphonenumberandwhenyoucalledIfyouwereabletospeaktosomeonebesuretothankhimor her
Meeting with PolicymakersItmayseemdauntingbutthebestwaytoensurepolicymakersgetyourmessageistellingthemortheirstaffinpersonVisitingalegislatoriseasyAllyouhavetodoismakeanappointmentinadvanceYoucanvisitthemattheirdistrictofficeswhentheyarehome(typicallyonMondayandFriday)orgotoseethemonCapitolHill(iftheyarefederal legislators)
Beforeyougothinkaboutthefollowing
bullConsider bringing a delegation Itrsquoslessintimidatingforyouifyouarepartofagroup(ieagroupofparentsofchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesoradiversegroupofeducatorsparentsandpsychologists)andyourmessagewillbe even stronger because of your numbers If you are a team be sure there is a leader who will do most of the talking
bullWhy are you going You should rehearse what you are going to say and how you are going to say it before you go Beabletogivea90-secondversionofyourpresentationItshouldincludeyournamewhereyoulivewhatpertinentgroupsyouareapartofasynopsisoftheissueyouareaddressingandaclearrequest(pleasesupportbillxoropposethepassingofresolutiony)Yourappointmentwillprobablybeveryshort(10-15minutes)sostartwiththesummaryandthenexpandastimepermits
bullKnow where the policymaker stands YoursquollbeabletoprepareyourstrategyduringthemeetingifyouknowexactlywherethepersonyouaremeetingwithstandsontheissueyouareaddressingCalltheofficeorcheckoutProjectVoteSmartatwwwvote-smartorgYoucanalsocalltheofficebeforeyougoandaskwhathisorherpositionis
bullPrepare something in writing Whetheritisaone-pagesummaryofyourpresentationorafolderwitharticlesandstatisticssupportingyourrequestyoushouldalwayshavesomethingtohandthepersonyoumeetwithAlsobesurethatwhateveryouhandoverhasyournameaddressphonenumberandemailaddressonitGettingintouchwithyou should be effortless
bullFollow up with a thank-you note OncethestaffmembercanconnectafacewithyournamedonrsquotlethimorherforgetYournoteshouldbeshortandshouldbrieflysummarizewhatyoudiscussedatthemeetingincludeanyinformationyoupromisedtoprovideandasalwaysincludeallyourcontactinformation
Ifyoursquovestatedclearlyandconciselywhyyouarethereandtherersquossometimetospareexplainwhothisissuewillaffect and how If the legislator with whom you are meeting (or whose aide you are meeting) has done something you arepleasedaboutlethimorherknowthatPolicymakershearlotsofcriticismgenuinepraiseisalwayswelcomeYoumayspendalotoftimelisteningtowhatthepolicymakerrsquosviewsonyourissueareoryoumayhavetoeducatethemonsomebasicsmdashbepreparedforeitherscenarioAlsolethimorherknowthatyouwillsharewhathappensatthemeetingwithawideraudiencebackhome(suchasyourlocallearningdisabilitiesadvocacygroup)Thisisarelationshipyouarebuildingandevenifyoudonrsquotseeeyetoeyeitrsquosimportanttokeepthedooropentocontinuedcommunications
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 14
Working with the Media
photo
If you are a parent advocate you are also an activist Working with the media is a powerful and enduring tool in my special education toolbox Remember the media is there to tell the news or a story My voice and pen are my greatest
obligation and opportunity When I have something to say or want to educate the public I am relentless in my pursuit to be heard on behalf of our children I write blogs letters to the editor guest columns and callemail the education editorial staff and staff-writers to pitch an idea for a story or pass along important news about legislative action and special education policy
Believe in your heart that your childrsquos school experience is a story waiting to be told The media is nothing to be intimidated by I am a recognized and reliable resource whether I am the writer or the source of information Write a letter to the editor or contact an education staff-writer with a story I promise the media is waiting for you
Marcie Lipsitt parent advocate Michigan
ThinkofthemediaasatoolGettingmediacoveragecanhelpyoudrawattentiontospecificissuesregardinglearningdisabilitieseducatethepublicandinfluencepolicymakersbydrawingatten-tiontotheiractionsThemediawieldsalotofpowerinsocietytodaybutbehindallthenewsprintandsoundwavesreportersarepeoplelikeyouwhowanttoinformthepublicWithagoodangleandtherighttimingyoucanbringalotofattentionto the needs and rights of children with learning disabilities
Working with the media can take a few different forms
u Writing letters to the editoruWritingop-edpiecesuApproachingeditorialboardsu Calling a radio showuPreparingpressreleases
Keepthesebasicprinciplesinmindwhenworkingwithyourlocalnewspaperradiostationorevenatelevisionprogram
bullKnowexactlywhatitisyouwanttosayandhowtosayitBeconciseandkeepyourmessagetotwoorthreestrongpointsthatyoucanexpressinafewdifferent ways
bullWheneveryoucontactanymediaoutletorspecificreporterbesureyoufindoutwhoisinchargeofeducationandordisabilityissuesandgetthatpersonrsquosdirectphonenumberfaxnumberandemailaddress
bullUsethesimplestplainestlanguagepossibleReportersmay or may not know as much as you do about learningdisabilitiesbutyourwordsareforthepublicthereporterisreachingwhomyoushouldassumearenot at all familiar with the issues you are discussing Ontheotherhanddonrsquotbecondescendingeither
bullBecomethoroughlyfamiliarwithanynewspaperradioshowortelevisionprogramwithwhichyouwillbecommunicatingBesurethatyouunderstandthe style and general angle of the outlet and that you arefamiliarwiththeworkofanyparticulareditorreporterorproducerwithwhomyoumightbeincontactThiswayyoursquollknowhowtoapproachthemorperhapstopushbackwhenheorshewritessomethingwithwhichyoudisagreeFrequentlyyouwillfindthatreportersaredrawntotheissueoflearningdisabilitiesbecauseofsomepersonal
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 15
connectionsuchasachildorrelativewhohasalearningdisabilitysuchasdyslexiaJustasoftenthereportermightaskaboutLDwheninfacttheyareseekinginformationaboutotherdisabilitiessuchasADHDorautismspectrumdisordersBepreparedtousethosekindsofconnectionstoyouradvantagemdashyoucanbuildarelationshipbyofferingyourself as a resource
bullNeverassumethatanythingisldquoofftherecordrdquoItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtotakewhatyousayandturnitintoastorythatsellspapersTheonlywayyoucanmakesuretheyaretellingyourstoryisbystickingtoitDonrsquotthrowinlittlecommentariesevenifyouthinkyoursquorejustlighteninguptheconversationunlessyouarepreparedtoseetheminprint
bullldquoNocommentrdquoisacommentItdoesnrsquotimplythatyoudonrsquotknowitimpliesyouknowbutdonrsquotwanttotalkaboutitbecauseitmightbeaweaknessinyourargumentorgoagainstyourpoint
bullItrsquosokaytosayldquoIdonrsquotknowrdquoThebestthingtosayisldquoIdonrsquotknowbutIcangetbacktoyouonthatrdquoThenfindoutquicklyandcontactthereporterpromptly
bullDonrsquotletareportergettoyouItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtoaskquestionsandsometimesevenplaydevilrsquosadvocateAlwaysbepolitecalmandcollectedandmakesureyoustayontopic
bullDonrsquotletreportersputwordsinyourmouthItrsquosdangeroustoagreewithastatementtheymakeforyou(ieldquoSowouldyousaythatrdquo)ThequotesshouldcomefromyounotthemIfyoursquorenotsureheorshegotitrightitrsquosokaytoaskareportertoreadbackwhatyoujustsaid
bullPreparationisthebestwaytoensurethatyoucomeawayfromanyone-on-onesituationhavingclearlyandeffectively communicated your message
bullAlwaysthankthepersonwithwhomyouaredealingandfollowuptomakesureyourmessagesarebeingused
bullAskwhenthestorywillrunandrequestnotificationwhenitgoeslive
Letters to the EditorTheLetterstotheEditorsectionisalwaysoneofthemostpopularsectionsofanypaperormagazineThissectionisaneasywayforyoutoletpolicymakersknowyouropinionsandtoeducatereadersaboutissuesthatconcernyouLetterscanbeusedtocorrectorrespondtothefactsinanarticletopraiseorcriticizeopinionsexpressedinthepublicationortosimplybringattentiontotheissueyouwanttoaddress
StudythepublicationyoursquorewritingtobeforeyoubeginKnowthenameoftheappropriateeditortowritetoandbecomefamiliarwiththeformatthatpublishedletterstakeSomenewspapershavewrittenguidelinesfortheirlettersFollowingtheseguidelinescloselyisthebestchanceyouhaveofgettingpublished
Hereareafewmoretipstohelpyougetyourmessageacrossinalettertotheeditor
bullTiming is everything Respondtoanarticleornewsitemrightafterithappensorevenbetterifyouknowabillispassingoranarticleisbeingprintedsendyourlettertotheeditorbeforereadersknowanythingaboutit
bullShort and sweet JustaswhenwritingtoalegislatorkeepyourletterclearandconciseMakeonestrongpointandleave it at that Itrsquos a good idea to write a draft of your letter take a break and then look at it again That way you can makesurethatyouaresayingexactlywhatyouintend
bullCheck your facts BothyourcredibilityandthatofthepublicationhangontheaccuracyofyourletterandcredibilityiseverythingIfitturnsoutyoudidnrsquothaveyourfactsstraightitrsquosunlikelyyourletterswillbepublishedagain
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 16
bullMake it relevant Ifyouarewritingtoasmalllocalpaperexplainhowyourissueaffectsthecommunity(ieldquoIfCouncilmanWhorsquosresolutionpassesoneineveryfourthirdgradersatWhovilleElementarySchoolwillberdquo)IfyouarewritingtoalargerpublicationadaptyourtoneandscopetoitsaudienceLocalconnectionsforpapersbasedinmetropolitanareasarestillimportantevenforlargepapers
bullName names DonrsquotbeafraidtomentionpolicymakerrsquosnamesmdashthisisaneasywaytomakealetterrelevanttoalocalareaIfyouareaddressingaspecificpersonrsquospoliciesorintentionsbesuretosendacopyofthelettertothatpersonPoliticiansneedtoknowyouarepayingattentiontowhattheyaredoingthatwillhaveanimpactonchildrenwith LD
bullLet them know who you are AnylettertotheeditorshouldincludeallyourcontactinformationThepublicationmaynotprintitbutaneditormayneedtogetintouchwithyoutoverifysomeinformationortoaskyouquestionsJustaswithpolicymakersoneofyourgoalsistobecomeasourceofinformationforthemAlsoifyouhaveanycredentialsthatmakeyoumoreofanauthoritymentionthemYourexpertisewillmakeitfarmorelikelythatyourletterwillgetprinted
bullFollow up CallthepublicationtomakesuretheyreceivedyourletterandoffertohelpthemwithanystoriestheyhaveplannedonlearningdisabilitiesTheymighthavefeedbackforyouonyourletterormighttaketheopportunitytoaskyouafewquestionsabouttheissue
bullKeep trying EvenifyourletterdoesnrsquotgetpublishedwriteanotheronethenexttimeitrsquosappropriateTherecanbemanyreasonswhyapublicationdoesnrsquotprintanyoneletterandeducatingtheeditorialstaffofthepublicationisanimportanttasktoo
bullContrary point of view Letterstotheeditorwhichproposeaviewcontrarytotheviewinanarticlearemorelikelytobepublishedthanletterswhichagreewiththepaperrsquospointofview
Writing an Op-Ed PieceOp-edsareliketheuppercrustofletterstotheeditorTheyarewrittenbyreadersjustlikeletterstotheeditorbuttendtocomefrompeopleofauthoritysuchaspresidentsCEOsandevenlegislatorsOp-edscarryabylinesoinawaytheyarearticlesbutopinionatedonesIfyouarepartofanadvocacyorganizationitrsquosagoodideatogivethebylinetotheexecutivedirectororamemberoftheboard(withtheirpermissionofcourse)Whenwritinganop-edusetheguidelinesforletterstotheeditorandalsokeepinmind
bullTheformatforanop-edisveryspecificUsuallytheyrangefrom300-750wordsMakesureyouknowwhatthepublicationrsquosguidelinesareOp-edsaregenerallyalsoexclusivesosubmittheop-edtothepublicationthathasthelargestcirculationandthegreatestlikelihoodofpublishingyourworkTargetpublicationsthatpublishop-edsonthetopicuponwhichyouarewriting
bullThestrongestop-edsaretheonesthatmakereadersunderstand(1)whyanissueisimportanttothempersonallyand(2) what they should do about it The tone should not suggest that the issue is about you and your agenda but rather that yours is of broad concern and you are offering a suitable call to action
bullMakeitsimpleYourmessageshouldbeloudandclearsoagoodruleofthumbistofirsttellthemwhatyouaregoingtosaysayitandthentellthemwhatyousaidYourlanguageshouldbejargon-freeandunemotional
Tolearnmoreabouthowtoeffectivelyplaceyourop-edinthemajorpapersacrossthecountryvisittheCommunicationConsortium Media Centerrsquos site at wwwccmcorgnode16170
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 17
Approaching Editorial BoardsEditorialboardsaretheeditorsandstaffofapublicationwhodeterminewhatgoesintothepublicationGoingtoaneditorialboardisthebehind-the-sceneswaytogetyourmessageoutYourfirstgoalistogetaneditorialmdashtheofficialopinionofthepublicationmdashwrittenaboutyourissue(Newspapereditorialshavebeenknowntoswaypublicopinionstronglymdashpoliticiansworkhardtogetapapertoendorsethemduringelections)ConvincinganeditorialboardisalotlikeconvincingalegislatorMeetingwithaneditorialboardcanalsohavetheaddedbenefitofbringingthefocusedattention of the editors to your issue so that learning disabilities may get more coverage in the future
Prepareforavisitwithaneditorialboardjustlikeyouwouldavisittoalegislator
bullGoingaspartofateamisagoodideaparticularlyifyoucanselectapersonofauthorityandinfluenceastheleader
bullEditorsarealwaysbusysobereadytopresenteverythinginlessthan15minutes
bullBrainstormstoryideasthatrelatetoyourtightlywordedmessagetopresenttotheboard
bullWhenyoursquoredoneaskwhetherthepublicationwillbeabletowriteaneditorialsupportingyourpositionorfeatureanarticleonyourcauseIfnotbepoliteandgraciousandoffertowriteanop-edpieceThentryagainnexttime
Calling a Radio ShowAdvocating for the rights of children with LD on the air is similar to all the other forms of advocacy with one exceptionmdashthesoundofyourvoiceThereisalotofpowerinhearinganindividualrsquosvoiceonairandbeingonaradioprogramcanbeagreatopportunityforyoutohumanizetheissueyouwanttobringattentiontobutyouhavetobeprepared
bullKnow the program yoursquoll be on WhenyouareontheairyouareonthespotandtherersquosnogoingbacktoeditwhatyousayBesuretolearnhowthehosttalkstopeopleandhowheorsherespondswhencallersgetflustered
bullKnow your message inside and out Again radio is live so having notes in front of you to make sure you have thewordsyouneedtoexpressyourselfclearlyandsimplyiskeyTalkaboutaparticularbilloraparticularlegislatorbynameandexplainpreciselywhatyouaretryingtoachieve
bullThink about your audience WhenyouaretalkingthinkaboutwhoislisteningBespecificabouthowthisissueaffectsyourcommunityandtalkaboutthelocallegislatorsandwhattheycandoThegoalistoexpressthatthisisanissueaboutpeoplepeoplelikeyouandpeoplelikeyourlistenersDonrsquotuselanguageyoursquorenotcomfortablewithandbepreparedtoansweranyquestionsWhateverthequestionsmaybebringtheanswerbacktoyourmessage
bullPracticeIfyoursquoveneverbeenontheairbeforeitrsquosagoodideatopracticewithataperecorderandanotherpersonaskingyouquestionsUsingataperecorderwillallowyoutolistentobothwhatyoursquovesaidandhowyoursquovesaiditLongpausestothinkmaycomeacrossasindecisivenessAnervouslaughmaysoundpatronizingandldquoummsrdquoandldquoahhsrdquocandetractfromyourpointConductafewrehearsalsandyoursquollfeelmuchmoreconfidentFeelingrelaxedwhencallingcanonlybenefityourmessage
Preparing Press ReleasesPressornewsreleasesareconciseannouncementsoftime-sensitiveinformationregardinganimportantsituationoreventGenerallypressreleasesareissuedbyorganizationsbutindividualadvocatescanbenefitfromknowinghowandwhenapressreleaseissenttothemedia
ThemosteffectivepressreleasesfollowastandardformatandprovidenewsworthyinterestinginformationtojournalistsinaconcisemannerAgoodpressreleasecanbethebackboneofanarticleandreportersaregratefulforcondensedcopytohelpthemmakeanewsitemmorerelevantOntheotherhandifanindividualororganizationsendsoutapressreleasefornobetterreasonthansendingoutanotherpressreleasetheyallbecomeirrelevantInthemediacredibilityisextremelyimportantandsendingoutirrelevantpressreleasesisalotlikecryingldquowolfrdquo
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 18
Using Social MediaTheexplosionofonlinemediatoolshascreatedawholenewwaytogetyourmessageoutBesuretotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglypopularavenuesofcommunicating
SetupablogtopromoteyourissuesUsingtoolssuchasWordpress(wwwwordpresscom)orMovableType (wwwmovabletypecom)youcanquicklycreateablogforfreeBlogsallowreaderstopostcommentsgeneratingmoreinterestandinteractionAlsobesuretovisitotherblogsaboutyourissuessuchaseducationspecialeducationanddisabilityblogswhereyoucanpostrelevantcommentsthatkeepyourissuesattheforefront
EstablishingapresenceonsocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook(wwwfacebookcom) is a great way to get out informationandmessagesthatsupportyouradvocacyeffortsThesesitesofferavarietyoftoolsthatallowyoutocreateblogsconductforumsandpollsaddphotosaudioandvideofeaturesandmore
Increasetheimpactofyourblogandsocialmediapresencebyusingareal-timeinformationnetworklikeTwitter(wwwtwittercom)tocommunicatequickupdatesaboutwhatrsquoshappeningwithyourissuesDonrsquotforgettousehashtagstoconnectyourtweetstoothersonthesametopicEncourageotherstostayinformedaboutyourworkbyusingReallySimpleSyndication(RSS)mdashapopularmeansofsharingcontentacrosstheInternet
Remembertokeepyouronlinepresenceuptodatewithnewandinterestinginformationopportunitiestogetinvolvedandwaysthosewhosupportyourissuescanhelp
Lastlyconsiderusingotheronlinecommunicationtoolssuchaswebinarspodcastsandvideostoprovideinformationabout your issues and tell others how to get involved and take action
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 12
bullPersonalize your message Masscomputer-generatedmessagingiscommonthesedaysandpolicymakerswillpaymoreattentiontoaletteroremailtheyknowcomesfromarealpersonShareanypersonalexperiencesthatdirectlyillustratethepointyouaretryingtomake(ieldquoMysonJasonisabrightcuriouschildwhodoeswellinmathandsciencebutbecauseofhisreadingscoreshisschoolPS123wantshimtorepeatthirdgradeRetentionisnottheanswer rdquo)
bullInclude your name address and other contact information Legislators need to know that you are one of their constituents If you are sending an email be sure to use your real name not a username like ldquoLD momrdquo Anonymous mail will be ignored
bullBe brief specific and courteous KeepyourcommunicationsasshortaspossibleandbesuretopolitelystateyourspecificrequestinthefirstfewsentencesAvoidjargonthelanguageofyourmessageshouldbeassimpleaspossible
bullMention any affiliation you have with the policymaker IfyouknowsomeoneintheofficeorworkedontheRepresentativersquoselectioncampaignremindhimorherHavingapersonalassociationgivesyouevenmoreinfluencethan only being a constituent
bullEnclose any recent articles or reports that are relevant to your message NeverassumepolicymakersreadeverythingyoudoTheymightbutitisalwayshelpfultobringgoodinformationtotheirattention
bullIf your message is about a specific bill budget item or policy be sure to mention the name or number if you know it AlsostatewhetheryousupportoropposeitandaskforthepolicymakerrsquosviewsProvidefactsthatbackupyouropinionandshareanypersonalexperiencesthatpertaintotheissue
Using EmailMembers of Congress receive millions of emails each year To cut down on email volume most members of Congress arenowusingfilteringsystemsthatallowonlyemailsfromconstituentstoreachtheirinboxBesuretofollowtheinstructionsoftheWebformmdashtypicallyusedbymostMembersrsquositesmdashtoensurethatyourmessageisreceivedWheneverpossiblebesuretorefertoaspecificpieceoflegislationinthesubjectline(iereSupportEarlyInterventionforChildrenwithReadingDifficulties)andincludeyourmailingaddresssothereaderknowsyouareaconstituentIndividualizeyouremailbysharingthosepersonalexperiencesthatpertaintoyourargumentSomeemailcampaignsgeneratedbyLegislativeActionCenterssuchasthoseonwwwLDorgallowyoutoeditthetextyouaresendingsousethatoptiontomakeyouremailletterstandoutAgainthebestpolicyistouseallformsofcommunicationmdashwritealetterfaxitandalsosendanemail
Making Phone CallsPickingupthephoneisaneasywaytoreachouttopolicymakersanditisimmenselyeffectiveYourFederalRepresentativesshouldhavetheirphonenumberslistedontheirwebsiteinthebluepagesofthelocalphonebookoryoucanalwaysgetthisinformationthroughtheUSCapitolswitchboardat(202)224-3121orvisit wwwcontactingthecongressorgwhereyoucanenteryouraddressandgetcompletecontactinformationforyourelectedofficials
WhencallingasktospeaktotheaidewhoisresponsibleforeducationanddisabilityissuesSpeakingtoanaideisaseffectiveasspeakingtoanactuallegislatortheirstaffsexisttobetheirexpertsonwhatvoterscareaboutUsethesameguidelinesforaphonecallaswhenyouwriteBeforeyoudialbesureto
bullPrepare what you are going to say Writedownafewconcisetalkingpointssothatyoudonrsquothavetoremembereverything in the heat of the moment
bullMention your name and address so they know you are in their state or district
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 13
bullCall the office Whetheritrsquosvoicemailorareceptionistspelloutyournameandaddressandleaveashortmessageoutliningwhatyouarecallingabout(ldquoIrsquomcallingaboutthependingreauthorizationoftheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActandtheneedforearlyinterventionforstrugglingreadersrdquo)
bullFollow up any phone call with a written note sent via email or fax This way the legislator has a written recordofyourcallandyouhaveanotheropportunitytoreinforceyourmessageThenoteshouldclearlyincludeyournameaddressphonenumberandwhenyoucalledIfyouwereabletospeaktosomeonebesuretothankhimor her
Meeting with PolicymakersItmayseemdauntingbutthebestwaytoensurepolicymakersgetyourmessageistellingthemortheirstaffinpersonVisitingalegislatoriseasyAllyouhavetodoismakeanappointmentinadvanceYoucanvisitthemattheirdistrictofficeswhentheyarehome(typicallyonMondayandFriday)orgotoseethemonCapitolHill(iftheyarefederal legislators)
Beforeyougothinkaboutthefollowing
bullConsider bringing a delegation Itrsquoslessintimidatingforyouifyouarepartofagroup(ieagroupofparentsofchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesoradiversegroupofeducatorsparentsandpsychologists)andyourmessagewillbe even stronger because of your numbers If you are a team be sure there is a leader who will do most of the talking
bullWhy are you going You should rehearse what you are going to say and how you are going to say it before you go Beabletogivea90-secondversionofyourpresentationItshouldincludeyournamewhereyoulivewhatpertinentgroupsyouareapartofasynopsisoftheissueyouareaddressingandaclearrequest(pleasesupportbillxoropposethepassingofresolutiony)Yourappointmentwillprobablybeveryshort(10-15minutes)sostartwiththesummaryandthenexpandastimepermits
bullKnow where the policymaker stands YoursquollbeabletoprepareyourstrategyduringthemeetingifyouknowexactlywherethepersonyouaremeetingwithstandsontheissueyouareaddressingCalltheofficeorcheckoutProjectVoteSmartatwwwvote-smartorgYoucanalsocalltheofficebeforeyougoandaskwhathisorherpositionis
bullPrepare something in writing Whetheritisaone-pagesummaryofyourpresentationorafolderwitharticlesandstatisticssupportingyourrequestyoushouldalwayshavesomethingtohandthepersonyoumeetwithAlsobesurethatwhateveryouhandoverhasyournameaddressphonenumberandemailaddressonitGettingintouchwithyou should be effortless
bullFollow up with a thank-you note OncethestaffmembercanconnectafacewithyournamedonrsquotlethimorherforgetYournoteshouldbeshortandshouldbrieflysummarizewhatyoudiscussedatthemeetingincludeanyinformationyoupromisedtoprovideandasalwaysincludeallyourcontactinformation
Ifyoursquovestatedclearlyandconciselywhyyouarethereandtherersquossometimetospareexplainwhothisissuewillaffect and how If the legislator with whom you are meeting (or whose aide you are meeting) has done something you arepleasedaboutlethimorherknowthatPolicymakershearlotsofcriticismgenuinepraiseisalwayswelcomeYoumayspendalotoftimelisteningtowhatthepolicymakerrsquosviewsonyourissueareoryoumayhavetoeducatethemonsomebasicsmdashbepreparedforeitherscenarioAlsolethimorherknowthatyouwillsharewhathappensatthemeetingwithawideraudiencebackhome(suchasyourlocallearningdisabilitiesadvocacygroup)Thisisarelationshipyouarebuildingandevenifyoudonrsquotseeeyetoeyeitrsquosimportanttokeepthedooropentocontinuedcommunications
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 14
Working with the Media
photo
If you are a parent advocate you are also an activist Working with the media is a powerful and enduring tool in my special education toolbox Remember the media is there to tell the news or a story My voice and pen are my greatest
obligation and opportunity When I have something to say or want to educate the public I am relentless in my pursuit to be heard on behalf of our children I write blogs letters to the editor guest columns and callemail the education editorial staff and staff-writers to pitch an idea for a story or pass along important news about legislative action and special education policy
Believe in your heart that your childrsquos school experience is a story waiting to be told The media is nothing to be intimidated by I am a recognized and reliable resource whether I am the writer or the source of information Write a letter to the editor or contact an education staff-writer with a story I promise the media is waiting for you
Marcie Lipsitt parent advocate Michigan
ThinkofthemediaasatoolGettingmediacoveragecanhelpyoudrawattentiontospecificissuesregardinglearningdisabilitieseducatethepublicandinfluencepolicymakersbydrawingatten-tiontotheiractionsThemediawieldsalotofpowerinsocietytodaybutbehindallthenewsprintandsoundwavesreportersarepeoplelikeyouwhowanttoinformthepublicWithagoodangleandtherighttimingyoucanbringalotofattentionto the needs and rights of children with learning disabilities
Working with the media can take a few different forms
u Writing letters to the editoruWritingop-edpiecesuApproachingeditorialboardsu Calling a radio showuPreparingpressreleases
Keepthesebasicprinciplesinmindwhenworkingwithyourlocalnewspaperradiostationorevenatelevisionprogram
bullKnowexactlywhatitisyouwanttosayandhowtosayitBeconciseandkeepyourmessagetotwoorthreestrongpointsthatyoucanexpressinafewdifferent ways
bullWheneveryoucontactanymediaoutletorspecificreporterbesureyoufindoutwhoisinchargeofeducationandordisabilityissuesandgetthatpersonrsquosdirectphonenumberfaxnumberandemailaddress
bullUsethesimplestplainestlanguagepossibleReportersmay or may not know as much as you do about learningdisabilitiesbutyourwordsareforthepublicthereporterisreachingwhomyoushouldassumearenot at all familiar with the issues you are discussing Ontheotherhanddonrsquotbecondescendingeither
bullBecomethoroughlyfamiliarwithanynewspaperradioshowortelevisionprogramwithwhichyouwillbecommunicatingBesurethatyouunderstandthe style and general angle of the outlet and that you arefamiliarwiththeworkofanyparticulareditorreporterorproducerwithwhomyoumightbeincontactThiswayyoursquollknowhowtoapproachthemorperhapstopushbackwhenheorshewritessomethingwithwhichyoudisagreeFrequentlyyouwillfindthatreportersaredrawntotheissueoflearningdisabilitiesbecauseofsomepersonal
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 15
connectionsuchasachildorrelativewhohasalearningdisabilitysuchasdyslexiaJustasoftenthereportermightaskaboutLDwheninfacttheyareseekinginformationaboutotherdisabilitiessuchasADHDorautismspectrumdisordersBepreparedtousethosekindsofconnectionstoyouradvantagemdashyoucanbuildarelationshipbyofferingyourself as a resource
bullNeverassumethatanythingisldquoofftherecordrdquoItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtotakewhatyousayandturnitintoastorythatsellspapersTheonlywayyoucanmakesuretheyaretellingyourstoryisbystickingtoitDonrsquotthrowinlittlecommentariesevenifyouthinkyoursquorejustlighteninguptheconversationunlessyouarepreparedtoseetheminprint
bullldquoNocommentrdquoisacommentItdoesnrsquotimplythatyoudonrsquotknowitimpliesyouknowbutdonrsquotwanttotalkaboutitbecauseitmightbeaweaknessinyourargumentorgoagainstyourpoint
bullItrsquosokaytosayldquoIdonrsquotknowrdquoThebestthingtosayisldquoIdonrsquotknowbutIcangetbacktoyouonthatrdquoThenfindoutquicklyandcontactthereporterpromptly
bullDonrsquotletareportergettoyouItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtoaskquestionsandsometimesevenplaydevilrsquosadvocateAlwaysbepolitecalmandcollectedandmakesureyoustayontopic
bullDonrsquotletreportersputwordsinyourmouthItrsquosdangeroustoagreewithastatementtheymakeforyou(ieldquoSowouldyousaythatrdquo)ThequotesshouldcomefromyounotthemIfyoursquorenotsureheorshegotitrightitrsquosokaytoaskareportertoreadbackwhatyoujustsaid
bullPreparationisthebestwaytoensurethatyoucomeawayfromanyone-on-onesituationhavingclearlyandeffectively communicated your message
bullAlwaysthankthepersonwithwhomyouaredealingandfollowuptomakesureyourmessagesarebeingused
bullAskwhenthestorywillrunandrequestnotificationwhenitgoeslive
Letters to the EditorTheLetterstotheEditorsectionisalwaysoneofthemostpopularsectionsofanypaperormagazineThissectionisaneasywayforyoutoletpolicymakersknowyouropinionsandtoeducatereadersaboutissuesthatconcernyouLetterscanbeusedtocorrectorrespondtothefactsinanarticletopraiseorcriticizeopinionsexpressedinthepublicationortosimplybringattentiontotheissueyouwanttoaddress
StudythepublicationyoursquorewritingtobeforeyoubeginKnowthenameoftheappropriateeditortowritetoandbecomefamiliarwiththeformatthatpublishedletterstakeSomenewspapershavewrittenguidelinesfortheirlettersFollowingtheseguidelinescloselyisthebestchanceyouhaveofgettingpublished
Hereareafewmoretipstohelpyougetyourmessageacrossinalettertotheeditor
bullTiming is everything Respondtoanarticleornewsitemrightafterithappensorevenbetterifyouknowabillispassingoranarticleisbeingprintedsendyourlettertotheeditorbeforereadersknowanythingaboutit
bullShort and sweet JustaswhenwritingtoalegislatorkeepyourletterclearandconciseMakeonestrongpointandleave it at that Itrsquos a good idea to write a draft of your letter take a break and then look at it again That way you can makesurethatyouaresayingexactlywhatyouintend
bullCheck your facts BothyourcredibilityandthatofthepublicationhangontheaccuracyofyourletterandcredibilityiseverythingIfitturnsoutyoudidnrsquothaveyourfactsstraightitrsquosunlikelyyourletterswillbepublishedagain
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 16
bullMake it relevant Ifyouarewritingtoasmalllocalpaperexplainhowyourissueaffectsthecommunity(ieldquoIfCouncilmanWhorsquosresolutionpassesoneineveryfourthirdgradersatWhovilleElementarySchoolwillberdquo)IfyouarewritingtoalargerpublicationadaptyourtoneandscopetoitsaudienceLocalconnectionsforpapersbasedinmetropolitanareasarestillimportantevenforlargepapers
bullName names DonrsquotbeafraidtomentionpolicymakerrsquosnamesmdashthisisaneasywaytomakealetterrelevanttoalocalareaIfyouareaddressingaspecificpersonrsquospoliciesorintentionsbesuretosendacopyofthelettertothatpersonPoliticiansneedtoknowyouarepayingattentiontowhattheyaredoingthatwillhaveanimpactonchildrenwith LD
bullLet them know who you are AnylettertotheeditorshouldincludeallyourcontactinformationThepublicationmaynotprintitbutaneditormayneedtogetintouchwithyoutoverifysomeinformationortoaskyouquestionsJustaswithpolicymakersoneofyourgoalsistobecomeasourceofinformationforthemAlsoifyouhaveanycredentialsthatmakeyoumoreofanauthoritymentionthemYourexpertisewillmakeitfarmorelikelythatyourletterwillgetprinted
bullFollow up CallthepublicationtomakesuretheyreceivedyourletterandoffertohelpthemwithanystoriestheyhaveplannedonlearningdisabilitiesTheymighthavefeedbackforyouonyourletterormighttaketheopportunitytoaskyouafewquestionsabouttheissue
bullKeep trying EvenifyourletterdoesnrsquotgetpublishedwriteanotheronethenexttimeitrsquosappropriateTherecanbemanyreasonswhyapublicationdoesnrsquotprintanyoneletterandeducatingtheeditorialstaffofthepublicationisanimportanttasktoo
bullContrary point of view Letterstotheeditorwhichproposeaviewcontrarytotheviewinanarticlearemorelikelytobepublishedthanletterswhichagreewiththepaperrsquospointofview
Writing an Op-Ed PieceOp-edsareliketheuppercrustofletterstotheeditorTheyarewrittenbyreadersjustlikeletterstotheeditorbuttendtocomefrompeopleofauthoritysuchaspresidentsCEOsandevenlegislatorsOp-edscarryabylinesoinawaytheyarearticlesbutopinionatedonesIfyouarepartofanadvocacyorganizationitrsquosagoodideatogivethebylinetotheexecutivedirectororamemberoftheboard(withtheirpermissionofcourse)Whenwritinganop-edusetheguidelinesforletterstotheeditorandalsokeepinmind
bullTheformatforanop-edisveryspecificUsuallytheyrangefrom300-750wordsMakesureyouknowwhatthepublicationrsquosguidelinesareOp-edsaregenerallyalsoexclusivesosubmittheop-edtothepublicationthathasthelargestcirculationandthegreatestlikelihoodofpublishingyourworkTargetpublicationsthatpublishop-edsonthetopicuponwhichyouarewriting
bullThestrongestop-edsaretheonesthatmakereadersunderstand(1)whyanissueisimportanttothempersonallyand(2) what they should do about it The tone should not suggest that the issue is about you and your agenda but rather that yours is of broad concern and you are offering a suitable call to action
bullMakeitsimpleYourmessageshouldbeloudandclearsoagoodruleofthumbistofirsttellthemwhatyouaregoingtosaysayitandthentellthemwhatyousaidYourlanguageshouldbejargon-freeandunemotional
Tolearnmoreabouthowtoeffectivelyplaceyourop-edinthemajorpapersacrossthecountryvisittheCommunicationConsortium Media Centerrsquos site at wwwccmcorgnode16170
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 17
Approaching Editorial BoardsEditorialboardsaretheeditorsandstaffofapublicationwhodeterminewhatgoesintothepublicationGoingtoaneditorialboardisthebehind-the-sceneswaytogetyourmessageoutYourfirstgoalistogetaneditorialmdashtheofficialopinionofthepublicationmdashwrittenaboutyourissue(Newspapereditorialshavebeenknowntoswaypublicopinionstronglymdashpoliticiansworkhardtogetapapertoendorsethemduringelections)ConvincinganeditorialboardisalotlikeconvincingalegislatorMeetingwithaneditorialboardcanalsohavetheaddedbenefitofbringingthefocusedattention of the editors to your issue so that learning disabilities may get more coverage in the future
Prepareforavisitwithaneditorialboardjustlikeyouwouldavisittoalegislator
bullGoingaspartofateamisagoodideaparticularlyifyoucanselectapersonofauthorityandinfluenceastheleader
bullEditorsarealwaysbusysobereadytopresenteverythinginlessthan15minutes
bullBrainstormstoryideasthatrelatetoyourtightlywordedmessagetopresenttotheboard
bullWhenyoursquoredoneaskwhetherthepublicationwillbeabletowriteaneditorialsupportingyourpositionorfeatureanarticleonyourcauseIfnotbepoliteandgraciousandoffertowriteanop-edpieceThentryagainnexttime
Calling a Radio ShowAdvocating for the rights of children with LD on the air is similar to all the other forms of advocacy with one exceptionmdashthesoundofyourvoiceThereisalotofpowerinhearinganindividualrsquosvoiceonairandbeingonaradioprogramcanbeagreatopportunityforyoutohumanizetheissueyouwanttobringattentiontobutyouhavetobeprepared
bullKnow the program yoursquoll be on WhenyouareontheairyouareonthespotandtherersquosnogoingbacktoeditwhatyousayBesuretolearnhowthehosttalkstopeopleandhowheorsherespondswhencallersgetflustered
bullKnow your message inside and out Again radio is live so having notes in front of you to make sure you have thewordsyouneedtoexpressyourselfclearlyandsimplyiskeyTalkaboutaparticularbilloraparticularlegislatorbynameandexplainpreciselywhatyouaretryingtoachieve
bullThink about your audience WhenyouaretalkingthinkaboutwhoislisteningBespecificabouthowthisissueaffectsyourcommunityandtalkaboutthelocallegislatorsandwhattheycandoThegoalistoexpressthatthisisanissueaboutpeoplepeoplelikeyouandpeoplelikeyourlistenersDonrsquotuselanguageyoursquorenotcomfortablewithandbepreparedtoansweranyquestionsWhateverthequestionsmaybebringtheanswerbacktoyourmessage
bullPracticeIfyoursquoveneverbeenontheairbeforeitrsquosagoodideatopracticewithataperecorderandanotherpersonaskingyouquestionsUsingataperecorderwillallowyoutolistentobothwhatyoursquovesaidandhowyoursquovesaiditLongpausestothinkmaycomeacrossasindecisivenessAnervouslaughmaysoundpatronizingandldquoummsrdquoandldquoahhsrdquocandetractfromyourpointConductafewrehearsalsandyoursquollfeelmuchmoreconfidentFeelingrelaxedwhencallingcanonlybenefityourmessage
Preparing Press ReleasesPressornewsreleasesareconciseannouncementsoftime-sensitiveinformationregardinganimportantsituationoreventGenerallypressreleasesareissuedbyorganizationsbutindividualadvocatescanbenefitfromknowinghowandwhenapressreleaseissenttothemedia
ThemosteffectivepressreleasesfollowastandardformatandprovidenewsworthyinterestinginformationtojournalistsinaconcisemannerAgoodpressreleasecanbethebackboneofanarticleandreportersaregratefulforcondensedcopytohelpthemmakeanewsitemmorerelevantOntheotherhandifanindividualororganizationsendsoutapressreleasefornobetterreasonthansendingoutanotherpressreleasetheyallbecomeirrelevantInthemediacredibilityisextremelyimportantandsendingoutirrelevantpressreleasesisalotlikecryingldquowolfrdquo
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 18
Using Social MediaTheexplosionofonlinemediatoolshascreatedawholenewwaytogetyourmessageoutBesuretotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglypopularavenuesofcommunicating
SetupablogtopromoteyourissuesUsingtoolssuchasWordpress(wwwwordpresscom)orMovableType (wwwmovabletypecom)youcanquicklycreateablogforfreeBlogsallowreaderstopostcommentsgeneratingmoreinterestandinteractionAlsobesuretovisitotherblogsaboutyourissuessuchaseducationspecialeducationanddisabilityblogswhereyoucanpostrelevantcommentsthatkeepyourissuesattheforefront
EstablishingapresenceonsocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook(wwwfacebookcom) is a great way to get out informationandmessagesthatsupportyouradvocacyeffortsThesesitesofferavarietyoftoolsthatallowyoutocreateblogsconductforumsandpollsaddphotosaudioandvideofeaturesandmore
Increasetheimpactofyourblogandsocialmediapresencebyusingareal-timeinformationnetworklikeTwitter(wwwtwittercom)tocommunicatequickupdatesaboutwhatrsquoshappeningwithyourissuesDonrsquotforgettousehashtagstoconnectyourtweetstoothersonthesametopicEncourageotherstostayinformedaboutyourworkbyusingReallySimpleSyndication(RSS)mdashapopularmeansofsharingcontentacrosstheInternet
Remembertokeepyouronlinepresenceuptodatewithnewandinterestinginformationopportunitiestogetinvolvedandwaysthosewhosupportyourissuescanhelp
Lastlyconsiderusingotheronlinecommunicationtoolssuchaswebinarspodcastsandvideostoprovideinformationabout your issues and tell others how to get involved and take action
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 13
bullCall the office Whetheritrsquosvoicemailorareceptionistspelloutyournameandaddressandleaveashortmessageoutliningwhatyouarecallingabout(ldquoIrsquomcallingaboutthependingreauthorizationoftheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActandtheneedforearlyinterventionforstrugglingreadersrdquo)
bullFollow up any phone call with a written note sent via email or fax This way the legislator has a written recordofyourcallandyouhaveanotheropportunitytoreinforceyourmessageThenoteshouldclearlyincludeyournameaddressphonenumberandwhenyoucalledIfyouwereabletospeaktosomeonebesuretothankhimor her
Meeting with PolicymakersItmayseemdauntingbutthebestwaytoensurepolicymakersgetyourmessageistellingthemortheirstaffinpersonVisitingalegislatoriseasyAllyouhavetodoismakeanappointmentinadvanceYoucanvisitthemattheirdistrictofficeswhentheyarehome(typicallyonMondayandFriday)orgotoseethemonCapitolHill(iftheyarefederal legislators)
Beforeyougothinkaboutthefollowing
bullConsider bringing a delegation Itrsquoslessintimidatingforyouifyouarepartofagroup(ieagroupofparentsofchildrenwithlearningdisabilitiesoradiversegroupofeducatorsparentsandpsychologists)andyourmessagewillbe even stronger because of your numbers If you are a team be sure there is a leader who will do most of the talking
bullWhy are you going You should rehearse what you are going to say and how you are going to say it before you go Beabletogivea90-secondversionofyourpresentationItshouldincludeyournamewhereyoulivewhatpertinentgroupsyouareapartofasynopsisoftheissueyouareaddressingandaclearrequest(pleasesupportbillxoropposethepassingofresolutiony)Yourappointmentwillprobablybeveryshort(10-15minutes)sostartwiththesummaryandthenexpandastimepermits
bullKnow where the policymaker stands YoursquollbeabletoprepareyourstrategyduringthemeetingifyouknowexactlywherethepersonyouaremeetingwithstandsontheissueyouareaddressingCalltheofficeorcheckoutProjectVoteSmartatwwwvote-smartorgYoucanalsocalltheofficebeforeyougoandaskwhathisorherpositionis
bullPrepare something in writing Whetheritisaone-pagesummaryofyourpresentationorafolderwitharticlesandstatisticssupportingyourrequestyoushouldalwayshavesomethingtohandthepersonyoumeetwithAlsobesurethatwhateveryouhandoverhasyournameaddressphonenumberandemailaddressonitGettingintouchwithyou should be effortless
bullFollow up with a thank-you note OncethestaffmembercanconnectafacewithyournamedonrsquotlethimorherforgetYournoteshouldbeshortandshouldbrieflysummarizewhatyoudiscussedatthemeetingincludeanyinformationyoupromisedtoprovideandasalwaysincludeallyourcontactinformation
Ifyoursquovestatedclearlyandconciselywhyyouarethereandtherersquossometimetospareexplainwhothisissuewillaffect and how If the legislator with whom you are meeting (or whose aide you are meeting) has done something you arepleasedaboutlethimorherknowthatPolicymakershearlotsofcriticismgenuinepraiseisalwayswelcomeYoumayspendalotoftimelisteningtowhatthepolicymakerrsquosviewsonyourissueareoryoumayhavetoeducatethemonsomebasicsmdashbepreparedforeitherscenarioAlsolethimorherknowthatyouwillsharewhathappensatthemeetingwithawideraudiencebackhome(suchasyourlocallearningdisabilitiesadvocacygroup)Thisisarelationshipyouarebuildingandevenifyoudonrsquotseeeyetoeyeitrsquosimportanttokeepthedooropentocontinuedcommunications
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 14
Working with the Media
photo
If you are a parent advocate you are also an activist Working with the media is a powerful and enduring tool in my special education toolbox Remember the media is there to tell the news or a story My voice and pen are my greatest
obligation and opportunity When I have something to say or want to educate the public I am relentless in my pursuit to be heard on behalf of our children I write blogs letters to the editor guest columns and callemail the education editorial staff and staff-writers to pitch an idea for a story or pass along important news about legislative action and special education policy
Believe in your heart that your childrsquos school experience is a story waiting to be told The media is nothing to be intimidated by I am a recognized and reliable resource whether I am the writer or the source of information Write a letter to the editor or contact an education staff-writer with a story I promise the media is waiting for you
Marcie Lipsitt parent advocate Michigan
ThinkofthemediaasatoolGettingmediacoveragecanhelpyoudrawattentiontospecificissuesregardinglearningdisabilitieseducatethepublicandinfluencepolicymakersbydrawingatten-tiontotheiractionsThemediawieldsalotofpowerinsocietytodaybutbehindallthenewsprintandsoundwavesreportersarepeoplelikeyouwhowanttoinformthepublicWithagoodangleandtherighttimingyoucanbringalotofattentionto the needs and rights of children with learning disabilities
Working with the media can take a few different forms
u Writing letters to the editoruWritingop-edpiecesuApproachingeditorialboardsu Calling a radio showuPreparingpressreleases
Keepthesebasicprinciplesinmindwhenworkingwithyourlocalnewspaperradiostationorevenatelevisionprogram
bullKnowexactlywhatitisyouwanttosayandhowtosayitBeconciseandkeepyourmessagetotwoorthreestrongpointsthatyoucanexpressinafewdifferent ways
bullWheneveryoucontactanymediaoutletorspecificreporterbesureyoufindoutwhoisinchargeofeducationandordisabilityissuesandgetthatpersonrsquosdirectphonenumberfaxnumberandemailaddress
bullUsethesimplestplainestlanguagepossibleReportersmay or may not know as much as you do about learningdisabilitiesbutyourwordsareforthepublicthereporterisreachingwhomyoushouldassumearenot at all familiar with the issues you are discussing Ontheotherhanddonrsquotbecondescendingeither
bullBecomethoroughlyfamiliarwithanynewspaperradioshowortelevisionprogramwithwhichyouwillbecommunicatingBesurethatyouunderstandthe style and general angle of the outlet and that you arefamiliarwiththeworkofanyparticulareditorreporterorproducerwithwhomyoumightbeincontactThiswayyoursquollknowhowtoapproachthemorperhapstopushbackwhenheorshewritessomethingwithwhichyoudisagreeFrequentlyyouwillfindthatreportersaredrawntotheissueoflearningdisabilitiesbecauseofsomepersonal
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 15
connectionsuchasachildorrelativewhohasalearningdisabilitysuchasdyslexiaJustasoftenthereportermightaskaboutLDwheninfacttheyareseekinginformationaboutotherdisabilitiessuchasADHDorautismspectrumdisordersBepreparedtousethosekindsofconnectionstoyouradvantagemdashyoucanbuildarelationshipbyofferingyourself as a resource
bullNeverassumethatanythingisldquoofftherecordrdquoItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtotakewhatyousayandturnitintoastorythatsellspapersTheonlywayyoucanmakesuretheyaretellingyourstoryisbystickingtoitDonrsquotthrowinlittlecommentariesevenifyouthinkyoursquorejustlighteninguptheconversationunlessyouarepreparedtoseetheminprint
bullldquoNocommentrdquoisacommentItdoesnrsquotimplythatyoudonrsquotknowitimpliesyouknowbutdonrsquotwanttotalkaboutitbecauseitmightbeaweaknessinyourargumentorgoagainstyourpoint
bullItrsquosokaytosayldquoIdonrsquotknowrdquoThebestthingtosayisldquoIdonrsquotknowbutIcangetbacktoyouonthatrdquoThenfindoutquicklyandcontactthereporterpromptly
bullDonrsquotletareportergettoyouItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtoaskquestionsandsometimesevenplaydevilrsquosadvocateAlwaysbepolitecalmandcollectedandmakesureyoustayontopic
bullDonrsquotletreportersputwordsinyourmouthItrsquosdangeroustoagreewithastatementtheymakeforyou(ieldquoSowouldyousaythatrdquo)ThequotesshouldcomefromyounotthemIfyoursquorenotsureheorshegotitrightitrsquosokaytoaskareportertoreadbackwhatyoujustsaid
bullPreparationisthebestwaytoensurethatyoucomeawayfromanyone-on-onesituationhavingclearlyandeffectively communicated your message
bullAlwaysthankthepersonwithwhomyouaredealingandfollowuptomakesureyourmessagesarebeingused
bullAskwhenthestorywillrunandrequestnotificationwhenitgoeslive
Letters to the EditorTheLetterstotheEditorsectionisalwaysoneofthemostpopularsectionsofanypaperormagazineThissectionisaneasywayforyoutoletpolicymakersknowyouropinionsandtoeducatereadersaboutissuesthatconcernyouLetterscanbeusedtocorrectorrespondtothefactsinanarticletopraiseorcriticizeopinionsexpressedinthepublicationortosimplybringattentiontotheissueyouwanttoaddress
StudythepublicationyoursquorewritingtobeforeyoubeginKnowthenameoftheappropriateeditortowritetoandbecomefamiliarwiththeformatthatpublishedletterstakeSomenewspapershavewrittenguidelinesfortheirlettersFollowingtheseguidelinescloselyisthebestchanceyouhaveofgettingpublished
Hereareafewmoretipstohelpyougetyourmessageacrossinalettertotheeditor
bullTiming is everything Respondtoanarticleornewsitemrightafterithappensorevenbetterifyouknowabillispassingoranarticleisbeingprintedsendyourlettertotheeditorbeforereadersknowanythingaboutit
bullShort and sweet JustaswhenwritingtoalegislatorkeepyourletterclearandconciseMakeonestrongpointandleave it at that Itrsquos a good idea to write a draft of your letter take a break and then look at it again That way you can makesurethatyouaresayingexactlywhatyouintend
bullCheck your facts BothyourcredibilityandthatofthepublicationhangontheaccuracyofyourletterandcredibilityiseverythingIfitturnsoutyoudidnrsquothaveyourfactsstraightitrsquosunlikelyyourletterswillbepublishedagain
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 16
bullMake it relevant Ifyouarewritingtoasmalllocalpaperexplainhowyourissueaffectsthecommunity(ieldquoIfCouncilmanWhorsquosresolutionpassesoneineveryfourthirdgradersatWhovilleElementarySchoolwillberdquo)IfyouarewritingtoalargerpublicationadaptyourtoneandscopetoitsaudienceLocalconnectionsforpapersbasedinmetropolitanareasarestillimportantevenforlargepapers
bullName names DonrsquotbeafraidtomentionpolicymakerrsquosnamesmdashthisisaneasywaytomakealetterrelevanttoalocalareaIfyouareaddressingaspecificpersonrsquospoliciesorintentionsbesuretosendacopyofthelettertothatpersonPoliticiansneedtoknowyouarepayingattentiontowhattheyaredoingthatwillhaveanimpactonchildrenwith LD
bullLet them know who you are AnylettertotheeditorshouldincludeallyourcontactinformationThepublicationmaynotprintitbutaneditormayneedtogetintouchwithyoutoverifysomeinformationortoaskyouquestionsJustaswithpolicymakersoneofyourgoalsistobecomeasourceofinformationforthemAlsoifyouhaveanycredentialsthatmakeyoumoreofanauthoritymentionthemYourexpertisewillmakeitfarmorelikelythatyourletterwillgetprinted
bullFollow up CallthepublicationtomakesuretheyreceivedyourletterandoffertohelpthemwithanystoriestheyhaveplannedonlearningdisabilitiesTheymighthavefeedbackforyouonyourletterormighttaketheopportunitytoaskyouafewquestionsabouttheissue
bullKeep trying EvenifyourletterdoesnrsquotgetpublishedwriteanotheronethenexttimeitrsquosappropriateTherecanbemanyreasonswhyapublicationdoesnrsquotprintanyoneletterandeducatingtheeditorialstaffofthepublicationisanimportanttasktoo
bullContrary point of view Letterstotheeditorwhichproposeaviewcontrarytotheviewinanarticlearemorelikelytobepublishedthanletterswhichagreewiththepaperrsquospointofview
Writing an Op-Ed PieceOp-edsareliketheuppercrustofletterstotheeditorTheyarewrittenbyreadersjustlikeletterstotheeditorbuttendtocomefrompeopleofauthoritysuchaspresidentsCEOsandevenlegislatorsOp-edscarryabylinesoinawaytheyarearticlesbutopinionatedonesIfyouarepartofanadvocacyorganizationitrsquosagoodideatogivethebylinetotheexecutivedirectororamemberoftheboard(withtheirpermissionofcourse)Whenwritinganop-edusetheguidelinesforletterstotheeditorandalsokeepinmind
bullTheformatforanop-edisveryspecificUsuallytheyrangefrom300-750wordsMakesureyouknowwhatthepublicationrsquosguidelinesareOp-edsaregenerallyalsoexclusivesosubmittheop-edtothepublicationthathasthelargestcirculationandthegreatestlikelihoodofpublishingyourworkTargetpublicationsthatpublishop-edsonthetopicuponwhichyouarewriting
bullThestrongestop-edsaretheonesthatmakereadersunderstand(1)whyanissueisimportanttothempersonallyand(2) what they should do about it The tone should not suggest that the issue is about you and your agenda but rather that yours is of broad concern and you are offering a suitable call to action
bullMakeitsimpleYourmessageshouldbeloudandclearsoagoodruleofthumbistofirsttellthemwhatyouaregoingtosaysayitandthentellthemwhatyousaidYourlanguageshouldbejargon-freeandunemotional
Tolearnmoreabouthowtoeffectivelyplaceyourop-edinthemajorpapersacrossthecountryvisittheCommunicationConsortium Media Centerrsquos site at wwwccmcorgnode16170
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 17
Approaching Editorial BoardsEditorialboardsaretheeditorsandstaffofapublicationwhodeterminewhatgoesintothepublicationGoingtoaneditorialboardisthebehind-the-sceneswaytogetyourmessageoutYourfirstgoalistogetaneditorialmdashtheofficialopinionofthepublicationmdashwrittenaboutyourissue(Newspapereditorialshavebeenknowntoswaypublicopinionstronglymdashpoliticiansworkhardtogetapapertoendorsethemduringelections)ConvincinganeditorialboardisalotlikeconvincingalegislatorMeetingwithaneditorialboardcanalsohavetheaddedbenefitofbringingthefocusedattention of the editors to your issue so that learning disabilities may get more coverage in the future
Prepareforavisitwithaneditorialboardjustlikeyouwouldavisittoalegislator
bullGoingaspartofateamisagoodideaparticularlyifyoucanselectapersonofauthorityandinfluenceastheleader
bullEditorsarealwaysbusysobereadytopresenteverythinginlessthan15minutes
bullBrainstormstoryideasthatrelatetoyourtightlywordedmessagetopresenttotheboard
bullWhenyoursquoredoneaskwhetherthepublicationwillbeabletowriteaneditorialsupportingyourpositionorfeatureanarticleonyourcauseIfnotbepoliteandgraciousandoffertowriteanop-edpieceThentryagainnexttime
Calling a Radio ShowAdvocating for the rights of children with LD on the air is similar to all the other forms of advocacy with one exceptionmdashthesoundofyourvoiceThereisalotofpowerinhearinganindividualrsquosvoiceonairandbeingonaradioprogramcanbeagreatopportunityforyoutohumanizetheissueyouwanttobringattentiontobutyouhavetobeprepared
bullKnow the program yoursquoll be on WhenyouareontheairyouareonthespotandtherersquosnogoingbacktoeditwhatyousayBesuretolearnhowthehosttalkstopeopleandhowheorsherespondswhencallersgetflustered
bullKnow your message inside and out Again radio is live so having notes in front of you to make sure you have thewordsyouneedtoexpressyourselfclearlyandsimplyiskeyTalkaboutaparticularbilloraparticularlegislatorbynameandexplainpreciselywhatyouaretryingtoachieve
bullThink about your audience WhenyouaretalkingthinkaboutwhoislisteningBespecificabouthowthisissueaffectsyourcommunityandtalkaboutthelocallegislatorsandwhattheycandoThegoalistoexpressthatthisisanissueaboutpeoplepeoplelikeyouandpeoplelikeyourlistenersDonrsquotuselanguageyoursquorenotcomfortablewithandbepreparedtoansweranyquestionsWhateverthequestionsmaybebringtheanswerbacktoyourmessage
bullPracticeIfyoursquoveneverbeenontheairbeforeitrsquosagoodideatopracticewithataperecorderandanotherpersonaskingyouquestionsUsingataperecorderwillallowyoutolistentobothwhatyoursquovesaidandhowyoursquovesaiditLongpausestothinkmaycomeacrossasindecisivenessAnervouslaughmaysoundpatronizingandldquoummsrdquoandldquoahhsrdquocandetractfromyourpointConductafewrehearsalsandyoursquollfeelmuchmoreconfidentFeelingrelaxedwhencallingcanonlybenefityourmessage
Preparing Press ReleasesPressornewsreleasesareconciseannouncementsoftime-sensitiveinformationregardinganimportantsituationoreventGenerallypressreleasesareissuedbyorganizationsbutindividualadvocatescanbenefitfromknowinghowandwhenapressreleaseissenttothemedia
ThemosteffectivepressreleasesfollowastandardformatandprovidenewsworthyinterestinginformationtojournalistsinaconcisemannerAgoodpressreleasecanbethebackboneofanarticleandreportersaregratefulforcondensedcopytohelpthemmakeanewsitemmorerelevantOntheotherhandifanindividualororganizationsendsoutapressreleasefornobetterreasonthansendingoutanotherpressreleasetheyallbecomeirrelevantInthemediacredibilityisextremelyimportantandsendingoutirrelevantpressreleasesisalotlikecryingldquowolfrdquo
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 18
Using Social MediaTheexplosionofonlinemediatoolshascreatedawholenewwaytogetyourmessageoutBesuretotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglypopularavenuesofcommunicating
SetupablogtopromoteyourissuesUsingtoolssuchasWordpress(wwwwordpresscom)orMovableType (wwwmovabletypecom)youcanquicklycreateablogforfreeBlogsallowreaderstopostcommentsgeneratingmoreinterestandinteractionAlsobesuretovisitotherblogsaboutyourissuessuchaseducationspecialeducationanddisabilityblogswhereyoucanpostrelevantcommentsthatkeepyourissuesattheforefront
EstablishingapresenceonsocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook(wwwfacebookcom) is a great way to get out informationandmessagesthatsupportyouradvocacyeffortsThesesitesofferavarietyoftoolsthatallowyoutocreateblogsconductforumsandpollsaddphotosaudioandvideofeaturesandmore
Increasetheimpactofyourblogandsocialmediapresencebyusingareal-timeinformationnetworklikeTwitter(wwwtwittercom)tocommunicatequickupdatesaboutwhatrsquoshappeningwithyourissuesDonrsquotforgettousehashtagstoconnectyourtweetstoothersonthesametopicEncourageotherstostayinformedaboutyourworkbyusingReallySimpleSyndication(RSS)mdashapopularmeansofsharingcontentacrosstheInternet
Remembertokeepyouronlinepresenceuptodatewithnewandinterestinginformationopportunitiestogetinvolvedandwaysthosewhosupportyourissuescanhelp
Lastlyconsiderusingotheronlinecommunicationtoolssuchaswebinarspodcastsandvideostoprovideinformationabout your issues and tell others how to get involved and take action
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 14
Working with the Media
photo
If you are a parent advocate you are also an activist Working with the media is a powerful and enduring tool in my special education toolbox Remember the media is there to tell the news or a story My voice and pen are my greatest
obligation and opportunity When I have something to say or want to educate the public I am relentless in my pursuit to be heard on behalf of our children I write blogs letters to the editor guest columns and callemail the education editorial staff and staff-writers to pitch an idea for a story or pass along important news about legislative action and special education policy
Believe in your heart that your childrsquos school experience is a story waiting to be told The media is nothing to be intimidated by I am a recognized and reliable resource whether I am the writer or the source of information Write a letter to the editor or contact an education staff-writer with a story I promise the media is waiting for you
Marcie Lipsitt parent advocate Michigan
ThinkofthemediaasatoolGettingmediacoveragecanhelpyoudrawattentiontospecificissuesregardinglearningdisabilitieseducatethepublicandinfluencepolicymakersbydrawingatten-tiontotheiractionsThemediawieldsalotofpowerinsocietytodaybutbehindallthenewsprintandsoundwavesreportersarepeoplelikeyouwhowanttoinformthepublicWithagoodangleandtherighttimingyoucanbringalotofattentionto the needs and rights of children with learning disabilities
Working with the media can take a few different forms
u Writing letters to the editoruWritingop-edpiecesuApproachingeditorialboardsu Calling a radio showuPreparingpressreleases
Keepthesebasicprinciplesinmindwhenworkingwithyourlocalnewspaperradiostationorevenatelevisionprogram
bullKnowexactlywhatitisyouwanttosayandhowtosayitBeconciseandkeepyourmessagetotwoorthreestrongpointsthatyoucanexpressinafewdifferent ways
bullWheneveryoucontactanymediaoutletorspecificreporterbesureyoufindoutwhoisinchargeofeducationandordisabilityissuesandgetthatpersonrsquosdirectphonenumberfaxnumberandemailaddress
bullUsethesimplestplainestlanguagepossibleReportersmay or may not know as much as you do about learningdisabilitiesbutyourwordsareforthepublicthereporterisreachingwhomyoushouldassumearenot at all familiar with the issues you are discussing Ontheotherhanddonrsquotbecondescendingeither
bullBecomethoroughlyfamiliarwithanynewspaperradioshowortelevisionprogramwithwhichyouwillbecommunicatingBesurethatyouunderstandthe style and general angle of the outlet and that you arefamiliarwiththeworkofanyparticulareditorreporterorproducerwithwhomyoumightbeincontactThiswayyoursquollknowhowtoapproachthemorperhapstopushbackwhenheorshewritessomethingwithwhichyoudisagreeFrequentlyyouwillfindthatreportersaredrawntotheissueoflearningdisabilitiesbecauseofsomepersonal
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 15
connectionsuchasachildorrelativewhohasalearningdisabilitysuchasdyslexiaJustasoftenthereportermightaskaboutLDwheninfacttheyareseekinginformationaboutotherdisabilitiessuchasADHDorautismspectrumdisordersBepreparedtousethosekindsofconnectionstoyouradvantagemdashyoucanbuildarelationshipbyofferingyourself as a resource
bullNeverassumethatanythingisldquoofftherecordrdquoItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtotakewhatyousayandturnitintoastorythatsellspapersTheonlywayyoucanmakesuretheyaretellingyourstoryisbystickingtoitDonrsquotthrowinlittlecommentariesevenifyouthinkyoursquorejustlighteninguptheconversationunlessyouarepreparedtoseetheminprint
bullldquoNocommentrdquoisacommentItdoesnrsquotimplythatyoudonrsquotknowitimpliesyouknowbutdonrsquotwanttotalkaboutitbecauseitmightbeaweaknessinyourargumentorgoagainstyourpoint
bullItrsquosokaytosayldquoIdonrsquotknowrdquoThebestthingtosayisldquoIdonrsquotknowbutIcangetbacktoyouonthatrdquoThenfindoutquicklyandcontactthereporterpromptly
bullDonrsquotletareportergettoyouItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtoaskquestionsandsometimesevenplaydevilrsquosadvocateAlwaysbepolitecalmandcollectedandmakesureyoustayontopic
bullDonrsquotletreportersputwordsinyourmouthItrsquosdangeroustoagreewithastatementtheymakeforyou(ieldquoSowouldyousaythatrdquo)ThequotesshouldcomefromyounotthemIfyoursquorenotsureheorshegotitrightitrsquosokaytoaskareportertoreadbackwhatyoujustsaid
bullPreparationisthebestwaytoensurethatyoucomeawayfromanyone-on-onesituationhavingclearlyandeffectively communicated your message
bullAlwaysthankthepersonwithwhomyouaredealingandfollowuptomakesureyourmessagesarebeingused
bullAskwhenthestorywillrunandrequestnotificationwhenitgoeslive
Letters to the EditorTheLetterstotheEditorsectionisalwaysoneofthemostpopularsectionsofanypaperormagazineThissectionisaneasywayforyoutoletpolicymakersknowyouropinionsandtoeducatereadersaboutissuesthatconcernyouLetterscanbeusedtocorrectorrespondtothefactsinanarticletopraiseorcriticizeopinionsexpressedinthepublicationortosimplybringattentiontotheissueyouwanttoaddress
StudythepublicationyoursquorewritingtobeforeyoubeginKnowthenameoftheappropriateeditortowritetoandbecomefamiliarwiththeformatthatpublishedletterstakeSomenewspapershavewrittenguidelinesfortheirlettersFollowingtheseguidelinescloselyisthebestchanceyouhaveofgettingpublished
Hereareafewmoretipstohelpyougetyourmessageacrossinalettertotheeditor
bullTiming is everything Respondtoanarticleornewsitemrightafterithappensorevenbetterifyouknowabillispassingoranarticleisbeingprintedsendyourlettertotheeditorbeforereadersknowanythingaboutit
bullShort and sweet JustaswhenwritingtoalegislatorkeepyourletterclearandconciseMakeonestrongpointandleave it at that Itrsquos a good idea to write a draft of your letter take a break and then look at it again That way you can makesurethatyouaresayingexactlywhatyouintend
bullCheck your facts BothyourcredibilityandthatofthepublicationhangontheaccuracyofyourletterandcredibilityiseverythingIfitturnsoutyoudidnrsquothaveyourfactsstraightitrsquosunlikelyyourletterswillbepublishedagain
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 16
bullMake it relevant Ifyouarewritingtoasmalllocalpaperexplainhowyourissueaffectsthecommunity(ieldquoIfCouncilmanWhorsquosresolutionpassesoneineveryfourthirdgradersatWhovilleElementarySchoolwillberdquo)IfyouarewritingtoalargerpublicationadaptyourtoneandscopetoitsaudienceLocalconnectionsforpapersbasedinmetropolitanareasarestillimportantevenforlargepapers
bullName names DonrsquotbeafraidtomentionpolicymakerrsquosnamesmdashthisisaneasywaytomakealetterrelevanttoalocalareaIfyouareaddressingaspecificpersonrsquospoliciesorintentionsbesuretosendacopyofthelettertothatpersonPoliticiansneedtoknowyouarepayingattentiontowhattheyaredoingthatwillhaveanimpactonchildrenwith LD
bullLet them know who you are AnylettertotheeditorshouldincludeallyourcontactinformationThepublicationmaynotprintitbutaneditormayneedtogetintouchwithyoutoverifysomeinformationortoaskyouquestionsJustaswithpolicymakersoneofyourgoalsistobecomeasourceofinformationforthemAlsoifyouhaveanycredentialsthatmakeyoumoreofanauthoritymentionthemYourexpertisewillmakeitfarmorelikelythatyourletterwillgetprinted
bullFollow up CallthepublicationtomakesuretheyreceivedyourletterandoffertohelpthemwithanystoriestheyhaveplannedonlearningdisabilitiesTheymighthavefeedbackforyouonyourletterormighttaketheopportunitytoaskyouafewquestionsabouttheissue
bullKeep trying EvenifyourletterdoesnrsquotgetpublishedwriteanotheronethenexttimeitrsquosappropriateTherecanbemanyreasonswhyapublicationdoesnrsquotprintanyoneletterandeducatingtheeditorialstaffofthepublicationisanimportanttasktoo
bullContrary point of view Letterstotheeditorwhichproposeaviewcontrarytotheviewinanarticlearemorelikelytobepublishedthanletterswhichagreewiththepaperrsquospointofview
Writing an Op-Ed PieceOp-edsareliketheuppercrustofletterstotheeditorTheyarewrittenbyreadersjustlikeletterstotheeditorbuttendtocomefrompeopleofauthoritysuchaspresidentsCEOsandevenlegislatorsOp-edscarryabylinesoinawaytheyarearticlesbutopinionatedonesIfyouarepartofanadvocacyorganizationitrsquosagoodideatogivethebylinetotheexecutivedirectororamemberoftheboard(withtheirpermissionofcourse)Whenwritinganop-edusetheguidelinesforletterstotheeditorandalsokeepinmind
bullTheformatforanop-edisveryspecificUsuallytheyrangefrom300-750wordsMakesureyouknowwhatthepublicationrsquosguidelinesareOp-edsaregenerallyalsoexclusivesosubmittheop-edtothepublicationthathasthelargestcirculationandthegreatestlikelihoodofpublishingyourworkTargetpublicationsthatpublishop-edsonthetopicuponwhichyouarewriting
bullThestrongestop-edsaretheonesthatmakereadersunderstand(1)whyanissueisimportanttothempersonallyand(2) what they should do about it The tone should not suggest that the issue is about you and your agenda but rather that yours is of broad concern and you are offering a suitable call to action
bullMakeitsimpleYourmessageshouldbeloudandclearsoagoodruleofthumbistofirsttellthemwhatyouaregoingtosaysayitandthentellthemwhatyousaidYourlanguageshouldbejargon-freeandunemotional
Tolearnmoreabouthowtoeffectivelyplaceyourop-edinthemajorpapersacrossthecountryvisittheCommunicationConsortium Media Centerrsquos site at wwwccmcorgnode16170
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 17
Approaching Editorial BoardsEditorialboardsaretheeditorsandstaffofapublicationwhodeterminewhatgoesintothepublicationGoingtoaneditorialboardisthebehind-the-sceneswaytogetyourmessageoutYourfirstgoalistogetaneditorialmdashtheofficialopinionofthepublicationmdashwrittenaboutyourissue(Newspapereditorialshavebeenknowntoswaypublicopinionstronglymdashpoliticiansworkhardtogetapapertoendorsethemduringelections)ConvincinganeditorialboardisalotlikeconvincingalegislatorMeetingwithaneditorialboardcanalsohavetheaddedbenefitofbringingthefocusedattention of the editors to your issue so that learning disabilities may get more coverage in the future
Prepareforavisitwithaneditorialboardjustlikeyouwouldavisittoalegislator
bullGoingaspartofateamisagoodideaparticularlyifyoucanselectapersonofauthorityandinfluenceastheleader
bullEditorsarealwaysbusysobereadytopresenteverythinginlessthan15minutes
bullBrainstormstoryideasthatrelatetoyourtightlywordedmessagetopresenttotheboard
bullWhenyoursquoredoneaskwhetherthepublicationwillbeabletowriteaneditorialsupportingyourpositionorfeatureanarticleonyourcauseIfnotbepoliteandgraciousandoffertowriteanop-edpieceThentryagainnexttime
Calling a Radio ShowAdvocating for the rights of children with LD on the air is similar to all the other forms of advocacy with one exceptionmdashthesoundofyourvoiceThereisalotofpowerinhearinganindividualrsquosvoiceonairandbeingonaradioprogramcanbeagreatopportunityforyoutohumanizetheissueyouwanttobringattentiontobutyouhavetobeprepared
bullKnow the program yoursquoll be on WhenyouareontheairyouareonthespotandtherersquosnogoingbacktoeditwhatyousayBesuretolearnhowthehosttalkstopeopleandhowheorsherespondswhencallersgetflustered
bullKnow your message inside and out Again radio is live so having notes in front of you to make sure you have thewordsyouneedtoexpressyourselfclearlyandsimplyiskeyTalkaboutaparticularbilloraparticularlegislatorbynameandexplainpreciselywhatyouaretryingtoachieve
bullThink about your audience WhenyouaretalkingthinkaboutwhoislisteningBespecificabouthowthisissueaffectsyourcommunityandtalkaboutthelocallegislatorsandwhattheycandoThegoalistoexpressthatthisisanissueaboutpeoplepeoplelikeyouandpeoplelikeyourlistenersDonrsquotuselanguageyoursquorenotcomfortablewithandbepreparedtoansweranyquestionsWhateverthequestionsmaybebringtheanswerbacktoyourmessage
bullPracticeIfyoursquoveneverbeenontheairbeforeitrsquosagoodideatopracticewithataperecorderandanotherpersonaskingyouquestionsUsingataperecorderwillallowyoutolistentobothwhatyoursquovesaidandhowyoursquovesaiditLongpausestothinkmaycomeacrossasindecisivenessAnervouslaughmaysoundpatronizingandldquoummsrdquoandldquoahhsrdquocandetractfromyourpointConductafewrehearsalsandyoursquollfeelmuchmoreconfidentFeelingrelaxedwhencallingcanonlybenefityourmessage
Preparing Press ReleasesPressornewsreleasesareconciseannouncementsoftime-sensitiveinformationregardinganimportantsituationoreventGenerallypressreleasesareissuedbyorganizationsbutindividualadvocatescanbenefitfromknowinghowandwhenapressreleaseissenttothemedia
ThemosteffectivepressreleasesfollowastandardformatandprovidenewsworthyinterestinginformationtojournalistsinaconcisemannerAgoodpressreleasecanbethebackboneofanarticleandreportersaregratefulforcondensedcopytohelpthemmakeanewsitemmorerelevantOntheotherhandifanindividualororganizationsendsoutapressreleasefornobetterreasonthansendingoutanotherpressreleasetheyallbecomeirrelevantInthemediacredibilityisextremelyimportantandsendingoutirrelevantpressreleasesisalotlikecryingldquowolfrdquo
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 18
Using Social MediaTheexplosionofonlinemediatoolshascreatedawholenewwaytogetyourmessageoutBesuretotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglypopularavenuesofcommunicating
SetupablogtopromoteyourissuesUsingtoolssuchasWordpress(wwwwordpresscom)orMovableType (wwwmovabletypecom)youcanquicklycreateablogforfreeBlogsallowreaderstopostcommentsgeneratingmoreinterestandinteractionAlsobesuretovisitotherblogsaboutyourissuessuchaseducationspecialeducationanddisabilityblogswhereyoucanpostrelevantcommentsthatkeepyourissuesattheforefront
EstablishingapresenceonsocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook(wwwfacebookcom) is a great way to get out informationandmessagesthatsupportyouradvocacyeffortsThesesitesofferavarietyoftoolsthatallowyoutocreateblogsconductforumsandpollsaddphotosaudioandvideofeaturesandmore
Increasetheimpactofyourblogandsocialmediapresencebyusingareal-timeinformationnetworklikeTwitter(wwwtwittercom)tocommunicatequickupdatesaboutwhatrsquoshappeningwithyourissuesDonrsquotforgettousehashtagstoconnectyourtweetstoothersonthesametopicEncourageotherstostayinformedaboutyourworkbyusingReallySimpleSyndication(RSS)mdashapopularmeansofsharingcontentacrosstheInternet
Remembertokeepyouronlinepresenceuptodatewithnewandinterestinginformationopportunitiestogetinvolvedandwaysthosewhosupportyourissuescanhelp
Lastlyconsiderusingotheronlinecommunicationtoolssuchaswebinarspodcastsandvideostoprovideinformationabout your issues and tell others how to get involved and take action
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 15
connectionsuchasachildorrelativewhohasalearningdisabilitysuchasdyslexiaJustasoftenthereportermightaskaboutLDwheninfacttheyareseekinginformationaboutotherdisabilitiessuchasADHDorautismspectrumdisordersBepreparedtousethosekindsofconnectionstoyouradvantagemdashyoucanbuildarelationshipbyofferingyourself as a resource
bullNeverassumethatanythingisldquoofftherecordrdquoItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtotakewhatyousayandturnitintoastorythatsellspapersTheonlywayyoucanmakesuretheyaretellingyourstoryisbystickingtoitDonrsquotthrowinlittlecommentariesevenifyouthinkyoursquorejustlighteninguptheconversationunlessyouarepreparedtoseetheminprint
bullldquoNocommentrdquoisacommentItdoesnrsquotimplythatyoudonrsquotknowitimpliesyouknowbutdonrsquotwanttotalkaboutitbecauseitmightbeaweaknessinyourargumentorgoagainstyourpoint
bullItrsquosokaytosayldquoIdonrsquotknowrdquoThebestthingtosayisldquoIdonrsquotknowbutIcangetbacktoyouonthatrdquoThenfindoutquicklyandcontactthereporterpromptly
bullDonrsquotletareportergettoyouItrsquosareporterrsquosjobtoaskquestionsandsometimesevenplaydevilrsquosadvocateAlwaysbepolitecalmandcollectedandmakesureyoustayontopic
bullDonrsquotletreportersputwordsinyourmouthItrsquosdangeroustoagreewithastatementtheymakeforyou(ieldquoSowouldyousaythatrdquo)ThequotesshouldcomefromyounotthemIfyoursquorenotsureheorshegotitrightitrsquosokaytoaskareportertoreadbackwhatyoujustsaid
bullPreparationisthebestwaytoensurethatyoucomeawayfromanyone-on-onesituationhavingclearlyandeffectively communicated your message
bullAlwaysthankthepersonwithwhomyouaredealingandfollowuptomakesureyourmessagesarebeingused
bullAskwhenthestorywillrunandrequestnotificationwhenitgoeslive
Letters to the EditorTheLetterstotheEditorsectionisalwaysoneofthemostpopularsectionsofanypaperormagazineThissectionisaneasywayforyoutoletpolicymakersknowyouropinionsandtoeducatereadersaboutissuesthatconcernyouLetterscanbeusedtocorrectorrespondtothefactsinanarticletopraiseorcriticizeopinionsexpressedinthepublicationortosimplybringattentiontotheissueyouwanttoaddress
StudythepublicationyoursquorewritingtobeforeyoubeginKnowthenameoftheappropriateeditortowritetoandbecomefamiliarwiththeformatthatpublishedletterstakeSomenewspapershavewrittenguidelinesfortheirlettersFollowingtheseguidelinescloselyisthebestchanceyouhaveofgettingpublished
Hereareafewmoretipstohelpyougetyourmessageacrossinalettertotheeditor
bullTiming is everything Respondtoanarticleornewsitemrightafterithappensorevenbetterifyouknowabillispassingoranarticleisbeingprintedsendyourlettertotheeditorbeforereadersknowanythingaboutit
bullShort and sweet JustaswhenwritingtoalegislatorkeepyourletterclearandconciseMakeonestrongpointandleave it at that Itrsquos a good idea to write a draft of your letter take a break and then look at it again That way you can makesurethatyouaresayingexactlywhatyouintend
bullCheck your facts BothyourcredibilityandthatofthepublicationhangontheaccuracyofyourletterandcredibilityiseverythingIfitturnsoutyoudidnrsquothaveyourfactsstraightitrsquosunlikelyyourletterswillbepublishedagain
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 16
bullMake it relevant Ifyouarewritingtoasmalllocalpaperexplainhowyourissueaffectsthecommunity(ieldquoIfCouncilmanWhorsquosresolutionpassesoneineveryfourthirdgradersatWhovilleElementarySchoolwillberdquo)IfyouarewritingtoalargerpublicationadaptyourtoneandscopetoitsaudienceLocalconnectionsforpapersbasedinmetropolitanareasarestillimportantevenforlargepapers
bullName names DonrsquotbeafraidtomentionpolicymakerrsquosnamesmdashthisisaneasywaytomakealetterrelevanttoalocalareaIfyouareaddressingaspecificpersonrsquospoliciesorintentionsbesuretosendacopyofthelettertothatpersonPoliticiansneedtoknowyouarepayingattentiontowhattheyaredoingthatwillhaveanimpactonchildrenwith LD
bullLet them know who you are AnylettertotheeditorshouldincludeallyourcontactinformationThepublicationmaynotprintitbutaneditormayneedtogetintouchwithyoutoverifysomeinformationortoaskyouquestionsJustaswithpolicymakersoneofyourgoalsistobecomeasourceofinformationforthemAlsoifyouhaveanycredentialsthatmakeyoumoreofanauthoritymentionthemYourexpertisewillmakeitfarmorelikelythatyourletterwillgetprinted
bullFollow up CallthepublicationtomakesuretheyreceivedyourletterandoffertohelpthemwithanystoriestheyhaveplannedonlearningdisabilitiesTheymighthavefeedbackforyouonyourletterormighttaketheopportunitytoaskyouafewquestionsabouttheissue
bullKeep trying EvenifyourletterdoesnrsquotgetpublishedwriteanotheronethenexttimeitrsquosappropriateTherecanbemanyreasonswhyapublicationdoesnrsquotprintanyoneletterandeducatingtheeditorialstaffofthepublicationisanimportanttasktoo
bullContrary point of view Letterstotheeditorwhichproposeaviewcontrarytotheviewinanarticlearemorelikelytobepublishedthanletterswhichagreewiththepaperrsquospointofview
Writing an Op-Ed PieceOp-edsareliketheuppercrustofletterstotheeditorTheyarewrittenbyreadersjustlikeletterstotheeditorbuttendtocomefrompeopleofauthoritysuchaspresidentsCEOsandevenlegislatorsOp-edscarryabylinesoinawaytheyarearticlesbutopinionatedonesIfyouarepartofanadvocacyorganizationitrsquosagoodideatogivethebylinetotheexecutivedirectororamemberoftheboard(withtheirpermissionofcourse)Whenwritinganop-edusetheguidelinesforletterstotheeditorandalsokeepinmind
bullTheformatforanop-edisveryspecificUsuallytheyrangefrom300-750wordsMakesureyouknowwhatthepublicationrsquosguidelinesareOp-edsaregenerallyalsoexclusivesosubmittheop-edtothepublicationthathasthelargestcirculationandthegreatestlikelihoodofpublishingyourworkTargetpublicationsthatpublishop-edsonthetopicuponwhichyouarewriting
bullThestrongestop-edsaretheonesthatmakereadersunderstand(1)whyanissueisimportanttothempersonallyand(2) what they should do about it The tone should not suggest that the issue is about you and your agenda but rather that yours is of broad concern and you are offering a suitable call to action
bullMakeitsimpleYourmessageshouldbeloudandclearsoagoodruleofthumbistofirsttellthemwhatyouaregoingtosaysayitandthentellthemwhatyousaidYourlanguageshouldbejargon-freeandunemotional
Tolearnmoreabouthowtoeffectivelyplaceyourop-edinthemajorpapersacrossthecountryvisittheCommunicationConsortium Media Centerrsquos site at wwwccmcorgnode16170
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 17
Approaching Editorial BoardsEditorialboardsaretheeditorsandstaffofapublicationwhodeterminewhatgoesintothepublicationGoingtoaneditorialboardisthebehind-the-sceneswaytogetyourmessageoutYourfirstgoalistogetaneditorialmdashtheofficialopinionofthepublicationmdashwrittenaboutyourissue(Newspapereditorialshavebeenknowntoswaypublicopinionstronglymdashpoliticiansworkhardtogetapapertoendorsethemduringelections)ConvincinganeditorialboardisalotlikeconvincingalegislatorMeetingwithaneditorialboardcanalsohavetheaddedbenefitofbringingthefocusedattention of the editors to your issue so that learning disabilities may get more coverage in the future
Prepareforavisitwithaneditorialboardjustlikeyouwouldavisittoalegislator
bullGoingaspartofateamisagoodideaparticularlyifyoucanselectapersonofauthorityandinfluenceastheleader
bullEditorsarealwaysbusysobereadytopresenteverythinginlessthan15minutes
bullBrainstormstoryideasthatrelatetoyourtightlywordedmessagetopresenttotheboard
bullWhenyoursquoredoneaskwhetherthepublicationwillbeabletowriteaneditorialsupportingyourpositionorfeatureanarticleonyourcauseIfnotbepoliteandgraciousandoffertowriteanop-edpieceThentryagainnexttime
Calling a Radio ShowAdvocating for the rights of children with LD on the air is similar to all the other forms of advocacy with one exceptionmdashthesoundofyourvoiceThereisalotofpowerinhearinganindividualrsquosvoiceonairandbeingonaradioprogramcanbeagreatopportunityforyoutohumanizetheissueyouwanttobringattentiontobutyouhavetobeprepared
bullKnow the program yoursquoll be on WhenyouareontheairyouareonthespotandtherersquosnogoingbacktoeditwhatyousayBesuretolearnhowthehosttalkstopeopleandhowheorsherespondswhencallersgetflustered
bullKnow your message inside and out Again radio is live so having notes in front of you to make sure you have thewordsyouneedtoexpressyourselfclearlyandsimplyiskeyTalkaboutaparticularbilloraparticularlegislatorbynameandexplainpreciselywhatyouaretryingtoachieve
bullThink about your audience WhenyouaretalkingthinkaboutwhoislisteningBespecificabouthowthisissueaffectsyourcommunityandtalkaboutthelocallegislatorsandwhattheycandoThegoalistoexpressthatthisisanissueaboutpeoplepeoplelikeyouandpeoplelikeyourlistenersDonrsquotuselanguageyoursquorenotcomfortablewithandbepreparedtoansweranyquestionsWhateverthequestionsmaybebringtheanswerbacktoyourmessage
bullPracticeIfyoursquoveneverbeenontheairbeforeitrsquosagoodideatopracticewithataperecorderandanotherpersonaskingyouquestionsUsingataperecorderwillallowyoutolistentobothwhatyoursquovesaidandhowyoursquovesaiditLongpausestothinkmaycomeacrossasindecisivenessAnervouslaughmaysoundpatronizingandldquoummsrdquoandldquoahhsrdquocandetractfromyourpointConductafewrehearsalsandyoursquollfeelmuchmoreconfidentFeelingrelaxedwhencallingcanonlybenefityourmessage
Preparing Press ReleasesPressornewsreleasesareconciseannouncementsoftime-sensitiveinformationregardinganimportantsituationoreventGenerallypressreleasesareissuedbyorganizationsbutindividualadvocatescanbenefitfromknowinghowandwhenapressreleaseissenttothemedia
ThemosteffectivepressreleasesfollowastandardformatandprovidenewsworthyinterestinginformationtojournalistsinaconcisemannerAgoodpressreleasecanbethebackboneofanarticleandreportersaregratefulforcondensedcopytohelpthemmakeanewsitemmorerelevantOntheotherhandifanindividualororganizationsendsoutapressreleasefornobetterreasonthansendingoutanotherpressreleasetheyallbecomeirrelevantInthemediacredibilityisextremelyimportantandsendingoutirrelevantpressreleasesisalotlikecryingldquowolfrdquo
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 18
Using Social MediaTheexplosionofonlinemediatoolshascreatedawholenewwaytogetyourmessageoutBesuretotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglypopularavenuesofcommunicating
SetupablogtopromoteyourissuesUsingtoolssuchasWordpress(wwwwordpresscom)orMovableType (wwwmovabletypecom)youcanquicklycreateablogforfreeBlogsallowreaderstopostcommentsgeneratingmoreinterestandinteractionAlsobesuretovisitotherblogsaboutyourissuessuchaseducationspecialeducationanddisabilityblogswhereyoucanpostrelevantcommentsthatkeepyourissuesattheforefront
EstablishingapresenceonsocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook(wwwfacebookcom) is a great way to get out informationandmessagesthatsupportyouradvocacyeffortsThesesitesofferavarietyoftoolsthatallowyoutocreateblogsconductforumsandpollsaddphotosaudioandvideofeaturesandmore
Increasetheimpactofyourblogandsocialmediapresencebyusingareal-timeinformationnetworklikeTwitter(wwwtwittercom)tocommunicatequickupdatesaboutwhatrsquoshappeningwithyourissuesDonrsquotforgettousehashtagstoconnectyourtweetstoothersonthesametopicEncourageotherstostayinformedaboutyourworkbyusingReallySimpleSyndication(RSS)mdashapopularmeansofsharingcontentacrosstheInternet
Remembertokeepyouronlinepresenceuptodatewithnewandinterestinginformationopportunitiestogetinvolvedandwaysthosewhosupportyourissuescanhelp
Lastlyconsiderusingotheronlinecommunicationtoolssuchaswebinarspodcastsandvideostoprovideinformationabout your issues and tell others how to get involved and take action
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 16
bullMake it relevant Ifyouarewritingtoasmalllocalpaperexplainhowyourissueaffectsthecommunity(ieldquoIfCouncilmanWhorsquosresolutionpassesoneineveryfourthirdgradersatWhovilleElementarySchoolwillberdquo)IfyouarewritingtoalargerpublicationadaptyourtoneandscopetoitsaudienceLocalconnectionsforpapersbasedinmetropolitanareasarestillimportantevenforlargepapers
bullName names DonrsquotbeafraidtomentionpolicymakerrsquosnamesmdashthisisaneasywaytomakealetterrelevanttoalocalareaIfyouareaddressingaspecificpersonrsquospoliciesorintentionsbesuretosendacopyofthelettertothatpersonPoliticiansneedtoknowyouarepayingattentiontowhattheyaredoingthatwillhaveanimpactonchildrenwith LD
bullLet them know who you are AnylettertotheeditorshouldincludeallyourcontactinformationThepublicationmaynotprintitbutaneditormayneedtogetintouchwithyoutoverifysomeinformationortoaskyouquestionsJustaswithpolicymakersoneofyourgoalsistobecomeasourceofinformationforthemAlsoifyouhaveanycredentialsthatmakeyoumoreofanauthoritymentionthemYourexpertisewillmakeitfarmorelikelythatyourletterwillgetprinted
bullFollow up CallthepublicationtomakesuretheyreceivedyourletterandoffertohelpthemwithanystoriestheyhaveplannedonlearningdisabilitiesTheymighthavefeedbackforyouonyourletterormighttaketheopportunitytoaskyouafewquestionsabouttheissue
bullKeep trying EvenifyourletterdoesnrsquotgetpublishedwriteanotheronethenexttimeitrsquosappropriateTherecanbemanyreasonswhyapublicationdoesnrsquotprintanyoneletterandeducatingtheeditorialstaffofthepublicationisanimportanttasktoo
bullContrary point of view Letterstotheeditorwhichproposeaviewcontrarytotheviewinanarticlearemorelikelytobepublishedthanletterswhichagreewiththepaperrsquospointofview
Writing an Op-Ed PieceOp-edsareliketheuppercrustofletterstotheeditorTheyarewrittenbyreadersjustlikeletterstotheeditorbuttendtocomefrompeopleofauthoritysuchaspresidentsCEOsandevenlegislatorsOp-edscarryabylinesoinawaytheyarearticlesbutopinionatedonesIfyouarepartofanadvocacyorganizationitrsquosagoodideatogivethebylinetotheexecutivedirectororamemberoftheboard(withtheirpermissionofcourse)Whenwritinganop-edusetheguidelinesforletterstotheeditorandalsokeepinmind
bullTheformatforanop-edisveryspecificUsuallytheyrangefrom300-750wordsMakesureyouknowwhatthepublicationrsquosguidelinesareOp-edsaregenerallyalsoexclusivesosubmittheop-edtothepublicationthathasthelargestcirculationandthegreatestlikelihoodofpublishingyourworkTargetpublicationsthatpublishop-edsonthetopicuponwhichyouarewriting
bullThestrongestop-edsaretheonesthatmakereadersunderstand(1)whyanissueisimportanttothempersonallyand(2) what they should do about it The tone should not suggest that the issue is about you and your agenda but rather that yours is of broad concern and you are offering a suitable call to action
bullMakeitsimpleYourmessageshouldbeloudandclearsoagoodruleofthumbistofirsttellthemwhatyouaregoingtosaysayitandthentellthemwhatyousaidYourlanguageshouldbejargon-freeandunemotional
Tolearnmoreabouthowtoeffectivelyplaceyourop-edinthemajorpapersacrossthecountryvisittheCommunicationConsortium Media Centerrsquos site at wwwccmcorgnode16170
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 17
Approaching Editorial BoardsEditorialboardsaretheeditorsandstaffofapublicationwhodeterminewhatgoesintothepublicationGoingtoaneditorialboardisthebehind-the-sceneswaytogetyourmessageoutYourfirstgoalistogetaneditorialmdashtheofficialopinionofthepublicationmdashwrittenaboutyourissue(Newspapereditorialshavebeenknowntoswaypublicopinionstronglymdashpoliticiansworkhardtogetapapertoendorsethemduringelections)ConvincinganeditorialboardisalotlikeconvincingalegislatorMeetingwithaneditorialboardcanalsohavetheaddedbenefitofbringingthefocusedattention of the editors to your issue so that learning disabilities may get more coverage in the future
Prepareforavisitwithaneditorialboardjustlikeyouwouldavisittoalegislator
bullGoingaspartofateamisagoodideaparticularlyifyoucanselectapersonofauthorityandinfluenceastheleader
bullEditorsarealwaysbusysobereadytopresenteverythinginlessthan15minutes
bullBrainstormstoryideasthatrelatetoyourtightlywordedmessagetopresenttotheboard
bullWhenyoursquoredoneaskwhetherthepublicationwillbeabletowriteaneditorialsupportingyourpositionorfeatureanarticleonyourcauseIfnotbepoliteandgraciousandoffertowriteanop-edpieceThentryagainnexttime
Calling a Radio ShowAdvocating for the rights of children with LD on the air is similar to all the other forms of advocacy with one exceptionmdashthesoundofyourvoiceThereisalotofpowerinhearinganindividualrsquosvoiceonairandbeingonaradioprogramcanbeagreatopportunityforyoutohumanizetheissueyouwanttobringattentiontobutyouhavetobeprepared
bullKnow the program yoursquoll be on WhenyouareontheairyouareonthespotandtherersquosnogoingbacktoeditwhatyousayBesuretolearnhowthehosttalkstopeopleandhowheorsherespondswhencallersgetflustered
bullKnow your message inside and out Again radio is live so having notes in front of you to make sure you have thewordsyouneedtoexpressyourselfclearlyandsimplyiskeyTalkaboutaparticularbilloraparticularlegislatorbynameandexplainpreciselywhatyouaretryingtoachieve
bullThink about your audience WhenyouaretalkingthinkaboutwhoislisteningBespecificabouthowthisissueaffectsyourcommunityandtalkaboutthelocallegislatorsandwhattheycandoThegoalistoexpressthatthisisanissueaboutpeoplepeoplelikeyouandpeoplelikeyourlistenersDonrsquotuselanguageyoursquorenotcomfortablewithandbepreparedtoansweranyquestionsWhateverthequestionsmaybebringtheanswerbacktoyourmessage
bullPracticeIfyoursquoveneverbeenontheairbeforeitrsquosagoodideatopracticewithataperecorderandanotherpersonaskingyouquestionsUsingataperecorderwillallowyoutolistentobothwhatyoursquovesaidandhowyoursquovesaiditLongpausestothinkmaycomeacrossasindecisivenessAnervouslaughmaysoundpatronizingandldquoummsrdquoandldquoahhsrdquocandetractfromyourpointConductafewrehearsalsandyoursquollfeelmuchmoreconfidentFeelingrelaxedwhencallingcanonlybenefityourmessage
Preparing Press ReleasesPressornewsreleasesareconciseannouncementsoftime-sensitiveinformationregardinganimportantsituationoreventGenerallypressreleasesareissuedbyorganizationsbutindividualadvocatescanbenefitfromknowinghowandwhenapressreleaseissenttothemedia
ThemosteffectivepressreleasesfollowastandardformatandprovidenewsworthyinterestinginformationtojournalistsinaconcisemannerAgoodpressreleasecanbethebackboneofanarticleandreportersaregratefulforcondensedcopytohelpthemmakeanewsitemmorerelevantOntheotherhandifanindividualororganizationsendsoutapressreleasefornobetterreasonthansendingoutanotherpressreleasetheyallbecomeirrelevantInthemediacredibilityisextremelyimportantandsendingoutirrelevantpressreleasesisalotlikecryingldquowolfrdquo
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 18
Using Social MediaTheexplosionofonlinemediatoolshascreatedawholenewwaytogetyourmessageoutBesuretotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglypopularavenuesofcommunicating
SetupablogtopromoteyourissuesUsingtoolssuchasWordpress(wwwwordpresscom)orMovableType (wwwmovabletypecom)youcanquicklycreateablogforfreeBlogsallowreaderstopostcommentsgeneratingmoreinterestandinteractionAlsobesuretovisitotherblogsaboutyourissuessuchaseducationspecialeducationanddisabilityblogswhereyoucanpostrelevantcommentsthatkeepyourissuesattheforefront
EstablishingapresenceonsocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook(wwwfacebookcom) is a great way to get out informationandmessagesthatsupportyouradvocacyeffortsThesesitesofferavarietyoftoolsthatallowyoutocreateblogsconductforumsandpollsaddphotosaudioandvideofeaturesandmore
Increasetheimpactofyourblogandsocialmediapresencebyusingareal-timeinformationnetworklikeTwitter(wwwtwittercom)tocommunicatequickupdatesaboutwhatrsquoshappeningwithyourissuesDonrsquotforgettousehashtagstoconnectyourtweetstoothersonthesametopicEncourageotherstostayinformedaboutyourworkbyusingReallySimpleSyndication(RSS)mdashapopularmeansofsharingcontentacrosstheInternet
Remembertokeepyouronlinepresenceuptodatewithnewandinterestinginformationopportunitiestogetinvolvedandwaysthosewhosupportyourissuescanhelp
Lastlyconsiderusingotheronlinecommunicationtoolssuchaswebinarspodcastsandvideostoprovideinformationabout your issues and tell others how to get involved and take action
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 17
Approaching Editorial BoardsEditorialboardsaretheeditorsandstaffofapublicationwhodeterminewhatgoesintothepublicationGoingtoaneditorialboardisthebehind-the-sceneswaytogetyourmessageoutYourfirstgoalistogetaneditorialmdashtheofficialopinionofthepublicationmdashwrittenaboutyourissue(Newspapereditorialshavebeenknowntoswaypublicopinionstronglymdashpoliticiansworkhardtogetapapertoendorsethemduringelections)ConvincinganeditorialboardisalotlikeconvincingalegislatorMeetingwithaneditorialboardcanalsohavetheaddedbenefitofbringingthefocusedattention of the editors to your issue so that learning disabilities may get more coverage in the future
Prepareforavisitwithaneditorialboardjustlikeyouwouldavisittoalegislator
bullGoingaspartofateamisagoodideaparticularlyifyoucanselectapersonofauthorityandinfluenceastheleader
bullEditorsarealwaysbusysobereadytopresenteverythinginlessthan15minutes
bullBrainstormstoryideasthatrelatetoyourtightlywordedmessagetopresenttotheboard
bullWhenyoursquoredoneaskwhetherthepublicationwillbeabletowriteaneditorialsupportingyourpositionorfeatureanarticleonyourcauseIfnotbepoliteandgraciousandoffertowriteanop-edpieceThentryagainnexttime
Calling a Radio ShowAdvocating for the rights of children with LD on the air is similar to all the other forms of advocacy with one exceptionmdashthesoundofyourvoiceThereisalotofpowerinhearinganindividualrsquosvoiceonairandbeingonaradioprogramcanbeagreatopportunityforyoutohumanizetheissueyouwanttobringattentiontobutyouhavetobeprepared
bullKnow the program yoursquoll be on WhenyouareontheairyouareonthespotandtherersquosnogoingbacktoeditwhatyousayBesuretolearnhowthehosttalkstopeopleandhowheorsherespondswhencallersgetflustered
bullKnow your message inside and out Again radio is live so having notes in front of you to make sure you have thewordsyouneedtoexpressyourselfclearlyandsimplyiskeyTalkaboutaparticularbilloraparticularlegislatorbynameandexplainpreciselywhatyouaretryingtoachieve
bullThink about your audience WhenyouaretalkingthinkaboutwhoislisteningBespecificabouthowthisissueaffectsyourcommunityandtalkaboutthelocallegislatorsandwhattheycandoThegoalistoexpressthatthisisanissueaboutpeoplepeoplelikeyouandpeoplelikeyourlistenersDonrsquotuselanguageyoursquorenotcomfortablewithandbepreparedtoansweranyquestionsWhateverthequestionsmaybebringtheanswerbacktoyourmessage
bullPracticeIfyoursquoveneverbeenontheairbeforeitrsquosagoodideatopracticewithataperecorderandanotherpersonaskingyouquestionsUsingataperecorderwillallowyoutolistentobothwhatyoursquovesaidandhowyoursquovesaiditLongpausestothinkmaycomeacrossasindecisivenessAnervouslaughmaysoundpatronizingandldquoummsrdquoandldquoahhsrdquocandetractfromyourpointConductafewrehearsalsandyoursquollfeelmuchmoreconfidentFeelingrelaxedwhencallingcanonlybenefityourmessage
Preparing Press ReleasesPressornewsreleasesareconciseannouncementsoftime-sensitiveinformationregardinganimportantsituationoreventGenerallypressreleasesareissuedbyorganizationsbutindividualadvocatescanbenefitfromknowinghowandwhenapressreleaseissenttothemedia
ThemosteffectivepressreleasesfollowastandardformatandprovidenewsworthyinterestinginformationtojournalistsinaconcisemannerAgoodpressreleasecanbethebackboneofanarticleandreportersaregratefulforcondensedcopytohelpthemmakeanewsitemmorerelevantOntheotherhandifanindividualororganizationsendsoutapressreleasefornobetterreasonthansendingoutanotherpressreleasetheyallbecomeirrelevantInthemediacredibilityisextremelyimportantandsendingoutirrelevantpressreleasesisalotlikecryingldquowolfrdquo
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 18
Using Social MediaTheexplosionofonlinemediatoolshascreatedawholenewwaytogetyourmessageoutBesuretotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglypopularavenuesofcommunicating
SetupablogtopromoteyourissuesUsingtoolssuchasWordpress(wwwwordpresscom)orMovableType (wwwmovabletypecom)youcanquicklycreateablogforfreeBlogsallowreaderstopostcommentsgeneratingmoreinterestandinteractionAlsobesuretovisitotherblogsaboutyourissuessuchaseducationspecialeducationanddisabilityblogswhereyoucanpostrelevantcommentsthatkeepyourissuesattheforefront
EstablishingapresenceonsocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook(wwwfacebookcom) is a great way to get out informationandmessagesthatsupportyouradvocacyeffortsThesesitesofferavarietyoftoolsthatallowyoutocreateblogsconductforumsandpollsaddphotosaudioandvideofeaturesandmore
Increasetheimpactofyourblogandsocialmediapresencebyusingareal-timeinformationnetworklikeTwitter(wwwtwittercom)tocommunicatequickupdatesaboutwhatrsquoshappeningwithyourissuesDonrsquotforgettousehashtagstoconnectyourtweetstoothersonthesametopicEncourageotherstostayinformedaboutyourworkbyusingReallySimpleSyndication(RSS)mdashapopularmeansofsharingcontentacrosstheInternet
Remembertokeepyouronlinepresenceuptodatewithnewandinterestinginformationopportunitiestogetinvolvedandwaysthosewhosupportyourissuescanhelp
Lastlyconsiderusingotheronlinecommunicationtoolssuchaswebinarspodcastsandvideostoprovideinformationabout your issues and tell others how to get involved and take action
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 18
Using Social MediaTheexplosionofonlinemediatoolshascreatedawholenewwaytogetyourmessageoutBesuretotakefulladvantageoftheseincreasinglypopularavenuesofcommunicating
SetupablogtopromoteyourissuesUsingtoolssuchasWordpress(wwwwordpresscom)orMovableType (wwwmovabletypecom)youcanquicklycreateablogforfreeBlogsallowreaderstopostcommentsgeneratingmoreinterestandinteractionAlsobesuretovisitotherblogsaboutyourissuessuchaseducationspecialeducationanddisabilityblogswhereyoucanpostrelevantcommentsthatkeepyourissuesattheforefront
EstablishingapresenceonsocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook(wwwfacebookcom) is a great way to get out informationandmessagesthatsupportyouradvocacyeffortsThesesitesofferavarietyoftoolsthatallowyoutocreateblogsconductforumsandpollsaddphotosaudioandvideofeaturesandmore
Increasetheimpactofyourblogandsocialmediapresencebyusingareal-timeinformationnetworklikeTwitter(wwwtwittercom)tocommunicatequickupdatesaboutwhatrsquoshappeningwithyourissuesDonrsquotforgettousehashtagstoconnectyourtweetstoothersonthesametopicEncourageotherstostayinformedaboutyourworkbyusingReallySimpleSyndication(RSS)mdashapopularmeansofsharingcontentacrosstheInternet
Remembertokeepyouronlinepresenceuptodatewithnewandinterestinginformationopportunitiestogetinvolvedandwaysthosewhosupportyourissuescanhelp
Lastlyconsiderusingotheronlinecommunicationtoolssuchaswebinarspodcastsandvideostoprovideinformationabout your issues and tell others how to get involved and take action
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 19
Glossary of Terms
Legislative Termsact AbillormeasureafteritpassesoneorbothchambersofCongressalsousedtodescribealawthatisinplace
adjournment The end of a legislative day and any business of that day different from recess which does not end the day
adjournment sine die AdjournmentwithoutformallysettingthenextmeetingtimeusedtocalltheendoftheCongressional session
advice and consent TheconstitutionalpowerSenatehastoweighinonandconfirmanyPresidentialappointmentsorinternational treaties
amendment AproposalbyamemberofCongresstochangethelanguageprovisionsorstipulationsinabillresolutionmotiontreatyorinanotheramendmentTheHouseRulesCommitteepre-determinesthenumberandtypeofamendmentsthatarerelevanttoaparticularbillwhenitgoestotheHousefloorIntheSenateanysenatormayofferanamendmentontheSenatefloor
appropriation Legislationthatprovidesfundsforaspecificpurpose
authorizationThelegislativeactionthatestablishesaprogramandthegeneralamountofmoneytofundthatprogramtheprogramisnotgivenfundsuntilthereisanappropriation
bill Aproposedlaw
conferees TheHouseandSenateappointconfereestoaconferencecommitteetoresolvedifferencesbetweenHouseandSenatepassedversionsofthesamelegislation
discretionary funds Fundsthatafederalorstateagencycanawardwithoutpublishingannualfundingpriorities
majority leaderTheleaderofthemajoritypartyintheSenateiscalledthemajorityleaderThemajorityleaderintheHouseissecondincommandofthemajoritypartyafterthespeaker
markup Theprocessbywhichcongressionalcommitteesandsubcommitteesdebateamendandrewriteproposedlegislation
minority leaderTheleaderoftheminoritypartyintheHouseorSenate
ranking member Thememberofthemajoritypartywhoranksfirstinseniorityafterthechaironacommitteeorsubcommittee
ranking minority member The highest ranking (and usually longest serving) minority member of a committee or subcommittee
recess AtemporaryinterruptionofbusinessunlikeadjournmentGenerallytheSenaterecesses(ratherthanadjourns)attheendofeachcalendardayTheHouseusuallyadjournsfromdaytodayTheSenateoftenrecessesthusmeetingon the same legislative day for several calendar days or even weeks at a time
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 20
resolution AformalstatementofadecisionoropinionbytheHouseorSenateorbothAsimpleresolutionismadebyonechamberandgenerallydealswiththatchamberrsquosrulesorprerogativesAconcurrentresolutionispresentedinbothchambersandusuallyexpressesaCongressionalviewonamatternotwithinCongressionaljurisdictionAjointresolutionalsorequiresapprovalinbothchambersandgoestothepresidentforapprovalSimpleandconcurrentresolutionsdonotgotothepresident
rider AaddedtoabillsoitmayldquoriderdquotoapprovalonthestrengthofthebillGenerallyridersareplacedonappropriationsbillsAlsoknownasldquoporkbarrelrdquolegislation
speaker of the house PresidesovertheHouseofRepresentativesElectedineffectbythemajoritypartyintheHousenextinthelineofsuccessiontothepresidencyafterthevicepresident
table a bill Aproposaltoremoveabillfromimmediateconsiderationoftenusedtokillameasure
unanimous consent Atime-savingprocedurefornon-controversialmeasureswherebymeasuresareadoptedwithoutavoteAmembersimplysaysldquoIaskunanimousconsentforrdquoandstatestheproposal
whip AlegislatorwhoischosentobeassistanttotheleaderofthepartyWhipsarechoseninboththeHouseandtheSenate
(ThefollowingdocumentsweregratefullyconsultedtocompilethisdocumentTheAssociationforSupervisionandCurriculumDevelopmentGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheAmericanAcademyofAdolescentampChildPsychologyGlossaryofLegislativeTermsTheCapitolnetGlossaryofCongressionalandLegislativeTerms)
Media Termsassignment editor Staffmemberofatelevisionorradionewsteamwhojudgeswhichstoriesideasareappropriateforreporterstocover
audience Agroupofspectatorslistenersviewersorreadersofaperformanceprogramorworkmdashthepeopleyouwant to reach
boilerplate Abriefparagraphdescribingwhoyouarewhatyoudoandhowyoudoitmdashcanbeusedasthefirstparagraphinabiographyorlastparagraphinanewsrelease
booker ThestaffpersonataTVradioorcableprogramwhoarrangesguestappearances
byline Thenameprintedbelowthetitleofanewspaperormagazinearticlecreditingtheauthor
circulation Thedistributionandortherateofdistributionofnewspapersmagazinesandotherprintpublications
ldquoclient paysrdquo wire service Aservicethatdistributesnewsorfeaturestoriesthatareprovidedandpaidforbyclientstotheprintandbroadcastmedia
clip or clipping Astorycutfromapublicationorasegmentcutfromavideooraudiotape
contributing reporter or writer A freelance or non-staff writer
copy editor Thelastpersontoseeandapprovewrittenmaterialbeforeitgoesouttoitsaudiencethepersonresponsibleforitsaccuracygrammarandlength
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 21
editing Theactofreadingviewinglisteningrewritingandcuttingprintpublicationsvideooraudioinordertofocusthe story
editor Thepersonwhoeditsstoriesforwritersandproducers
editorial Astatementofopinionfromaneditororpublisheranarticleorsegmentwherethenewsstaffopenlyexpressesabias
editorial calendar Theplanningguideforwhenapublicationwillfocusonspecifictopicsorspecialsections
exclusive Anewsitemorfeaturearticleprintedorbroadcastbyonlyonenewspapermagazineortelevisionstation
freelancer Awriterwhosellswritingservicesandisnottiedtoanyindividualpublicationororganization
frequency Thenumberoftimesapublicationisissuedinagivenperiod(iedailyweeklyquarterly)
ghostwriter Apersonwhowritesbooksarticlesetcforanotherpersonwhoclaimstobetheauthor
lead time Theamountoftimethatreportersandproducersneedtopreparestoriesandinformationforpublicationorbroadcast
letter to the editor Anopenletterwrittenbyreaderstoanewspaperormagazinetocongratulatediscussorcriticizeapreviousarticle
mastheadThelistofeditorspublishersandseniorreportersineachpublicationrsquosissuemagazineswillsometimesalsopublishanadvertisingmastheadlistingtheadvertisingstaff
media Allthemeansofcommunicationmdashsuchasnewspapersmagazinestelevisionradioonlinepublicationsmdashthatprovidethepublicwithnewsandentertainment
media outlet Apublicationorbroadcastprogramthatdistributesnewsandfeaturestoriestothepublic
network Agroupofbroadcastorradiostationsoperatingasaunitoftennetworkaffiliateswillusethesameeditorialmaterial
news Reportsofrecenteventsespeciallythosedistributedtransmittedthroughthemedia
news feature Aspecialstoryorarticleinaprintpublicationthatelaboratesontheideasandconceptsofanewsitem
op-ed page Thepageoppositetheeditorialpageofanewspaperusedforcolumnsandopinionarticleswrittenbystaffmembersorexpertsinthetopicdifferentfromletterstotheeditor
periodical Apublicationthatappearsatregularintervalsieweeklyormonthly
pitch letter Aletterwrittentoamemberofthemedia(ieeditorreporterproducer)suggestingastoryideaorsource
producer Thepersoninchargeofthecoordinationofalldetailsincludingeditorialcontentpertainingtoatelevisionorradioprogramorofanonlinepublication
publication Thegeneraltermforanewspapermagazineornewsletterwithinformationnewsandfeaturestoriesusually for sale
reach Thegeographicareaoftheaudienceamediaoutletcanaccessusuallyquantifiedasanumberofreaderslisteners or viewers
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 22
reporter Apersonwhogathersinformationandwritesreportsforpublicationinanewspapermagazinenewsletteror television and radio broadcast
round-up story Anarticleorfeatureintendedtoreviewasubjectoron-goingissueoverapastperiodoftimeiethelast month or year
sidebar Acolumnofcopyandorgraphicswhichappearsnexttoaprintarticletocommunicateinformationthatrelatestoorcomplementsthestory
social media Thetoolset(includingblogs)usedtopublishcontenttothewebincludingaudiovideophotostextfilesetc
spin Aparticularpointofvieworslantgiventoastorytomakeitmoreappealingortomakesomethingappearfavorable
specialized publication Industry-specifictradeorprofessionalpublication
syndicated Areportorarticlethatappearsinmorethanonemediaoutlet
syndicated columnist ApersonhiredbypublicationsorbroadcastorganizationstoproducewrittenorspokencommentaryaboutspecificfeaturesubjectsAsyndicatedprintcolumnisusuallypublishedinawidevarietyofnewspapersmagazinesoronmanylocalnetworks
wire serviceAsubscriptionservicethatprovidesnewsstoriesfeaturesetcdirectlytomediaoutlets
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 23
Additional Resources
General Advocacy Resources Tips for Effective Activism from SpeakOutcomToptenadvocacytipsfromSpeakOutcomtheplacetogotomakeadifferencespeakoutcomactivismtips
The Advocacy GuruFreetipsheetstutorialsandnewslettersfromaWashingtonlobbyistandformercongressionalaidewwwadvocacygurucom
Policy ResourcesCongressorgNonpartisannewsandinformationwebsitedevotedtoencouragingcivicparticipationwwwcongressorg
ThomasFederallegislativeinformationfreelyavailableviatheInternetCheckbillstatusrollcallvotesflooractionsandmorehttpthomaslocgov
Joseph P Kennedy Jr Foundation Federal Policy Guide Guidetopublicpolicyworkwithandonbehalfofindividualswithintellectualdevelopmentalandotherdisabilitiesand their familieswwwjpkforgJPKF-Policy-Guide
Media ResourcesCommunications Consortium Media CenterTipsonplacingop-edsandletterstotheeditorassemblingapresskitsettingupablogandmorewwwccmcorgblogtips-tools-training-trends
Association for Supervision and Curriculum DevelopmentAdvocacyGuidewwwascdorgASCDpdfsiteASCDpublicationsadvocacyguide_2009_webpdf
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 24
Statistics and Data ResourcesState of Learning Disabilities Comprehensivereportonthestatusofchildrenadolescentsandadultswithlearningdisabilities(LD)intheUnitedStates by the National Center for Learning DisabilitieswwwLDorgstateofld
Office of Special Education Programs at the US Department of Education Products and PublicationsAnnualreportsontheimplementationofIDEAwww2edgovaboutreportsannualosepindexhtml
IDEA Data WebsiteProvidespublicaccesstothemostrecentdataaboutchildrenwithdisabilitiesservedundertheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)wwwideadataorg
National Center for Education StatisticsProvidesstatisticsrelatedtoeducationincludingannualreportssuchasthe Condition of Education and the Digest of Education Statisticswwwncesedgov
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 25
Appendices
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004)An Overview
What is IDEA TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatprovidesforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesforchildrenagesthreethrough21withdisabilitiesIDEAwhichisbasedontheEducationofAllHandicappedChildrenActof1975waslastreauthorizedin2004IDEAensuresthatafreeandappropriatepubliceducation(FAPE)basedontheindividualneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesisavailableThelawalsoguaranteesrightsforchildrenwithdisabilitiesandtheirparents
How does a child qualify for services under IDEA TobeeligibleforspecialeducationservicesunderIDEAachildmustmeettworequirements
1 The child must have one or more of the following disabilities
bullAutism bullOtherhealthimpairment bullDeafness bullSeriousemotionaldisturbance bullDeaf-blindness bullSpecificlearningdisability bullHearingimpairment bullSpeechorlanguageimpairment bullIntellectualdisability bullTraumaticbraininjury bullMultipledisabilities bullVisualimpairment(includingblindness) bullOrthopedicimpairment
FormerlyknownasMentalRetardation
2 The childrsquos disability must affect how he or she child does in school
Ifparents(orguardians)believethatachildmeetsboththeserequirementstheyshouldrequestinwritingthatthechildrsquos school evaluate the child If a school thinks a child should be evaluated they may initiate an evaluation also IneithercaseparentalpermissionisrequiredforanevaluationtotakeplaceandtheschoolmustevaluatethechildatnocosttotheparentsIfachildrsquosschoolrefusestoevaluatethechilditmustprovideanexplanationinwritingInthisexplanationtheschoolmustalsogiveinformationaboutparentalrightsunderIDEAincludingwhatstepstotaketochallenge the refusal
Achildmaynotbefoundeligibleforspecialeducationservicessolelybecauseof
bulllimitedEnglishproficiencybulllackofinstruction
What does an evaluation involve AnevaluationisnotjustasimpletestWhenachildisevaluatedtheschoolmustconsideravarietyofinformationsuchasthechildrsquoshealthsocialandemotionalwellbeinggeneralintelligenceperformanceinschoolandhowthechildcommunicateswithothersInformationregardinghowthechildrespondstoscientificresearch-basedinstructionalandorbehavioralinterventionsmayalsobepartoftheevaluationinformation
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 26
TheevaluationshouldincludeinterviewswithparentsthechildrsquosteachersandotherswhoareclosetothechildTheevaluationteammayincludethefollowingpeople
bullParents(orguardians)bullThechildrsquosregularteachersbullSpecialeducationteachersbullSchooladministratorsbullSomeonewhocaninterprettheevaluationresultsandtalkaboutwhatinstructionmaybenecessarybullRepresentativesfromanyagenciesthatmaybepayingfororprovidingtransitionservicesbullOtherqualifiedprofessionals
OncealltheinterviewandtestinginformationisgatheredtheteamwillmeettodecideifthechildhasalearningdisabilityandifsowhatkindofspecialserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParentshavearighttobeapartofeverystepoftheevaluationprocessincludingdecidingthechildrsquoseligibilityforspecialeducationservices
What happens if a child is eligible for special education services Within30schooldaysofachildbeingdeterminedeligibleforspecialeducationservicesameetingmustbeheldtodevelopanIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)CreatinganIEPhastwogeneralgoals
bullTosetreasonablelearninggoalsforthechildbullTooutlinetheservicesthattheschooldistrictwillprovideandwheretheywilltakeplace
TheIEPmustincludeatransitionplaniftheplanwillbeineffectwhenthechildis16(orearlierifappropriate)Theplanwilladdresswhatservicesthechildmayneedtomovefromgradetogradeandeventuallywhatagenciesmaybeinvolvedinprovidingservicesoncethechildisoutoftheschoolsystem
AgainitisimportantthatparentsareapartofthisprocessasitistheirrightThechildalsohasarighttobepresentandcanbenefitgreatlyfrombeingpartoftheteamthatdesignshisorhereducationstrategy
IDEArequiresthatachildbetaughtintheleastrestrictiveenvironment(LRE)possibleThismeansthatwhendevelop-inganIEPkeepingthechildingeneraleducationclassroomswithchildreninhisorhergradeandagegroupisaprior-ityIfappropriateitispreferableforachildtobeinaregularclasswithin-classservicesandaccommodationsthaninaseparatespecialeducationclass
YourchildrsquosIEPmustbereviewedatleastonceayearMeetingscanberequestedbyeitherparentsortheschoolatanytimetodiscussifandhowthechildrsquosneedsarebeingmetAchildmustalsobere-evaluatedpriortoterminationofspecialeducationservices
What related services does IDEA provide for UnderIDEAachildmaybeeligibleforcertainrelatedservicesWhichservicesshouldbereceivedisdeterminedbytheIEPteamPossibleservicesinclude
bullTransportation bullRehabilitationcounseling bullSpeech-languagetherapy bullOrientationampmobilityservices bullAudiologyservices bullMedicalservicesfordiagnosticorevaluationpurposes bullPsychologicalservices bullIn-schoolsocialworkservices bullPhysicalandoccupationaltherapy bullParentcounselingamptraining
AchildmayalsobeeligibleforassistivetechnologydevicessuchascomputersorvoicerecognitionsoftwarethatcanhelpthechildlearnmoreeffectivelyIftheIEPteamdecidesthechildwouldbenefitfromanyoftheseservicestheschoolisresponsibleforcostsincludinganydevicesandthetrainingrequiredtousethem
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 27
What if a parent wants to put a child in private school IDEArequirespublicschooldistrictstoprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforallstudentswithdisabilitiesIfpublicschoolscannotprovideanappropriateeducationwithinthedistricttheymustprovideeducationalservicesoutsidethedistrictIftheschooldistrictfailstoprovideanappropriateeducationtoastudentwithadisabilityandtheparentmustplacethechildinaprivateschooltheschoolmayberequiredtoreimburseparentsforcostsIfafreeandappropriateeducationisavailablebutparentschoosetoenrolltheirchildinprivateschoolthedistrictisnotresponsibleforanycosts
What if parents disagree with decisions made about their child Parents have a right to disagree with the schoolrsquos decisions regarding their child If they are unable to resolve any disagreementinaninformalwaythereareformalstepsthatcanbetakenunderIDEA
bullMediation Parentsandschoolpersonnelsitdownwithanimpartialthirdperson(amediator)andattempttocometo an agreement
bullDue process Parentsandtheschoolpresentevidencetoanimpartialthirdperson(ahearingofficer)andheorshemakesadecisiononhowtoresolvetheissueIftheissueisnotresolvedparentsmaycontinuetochallengetheschoolrsquos decision in court
FormoreinformationonIDEAvisittheIDEAParentGuideat wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesidea-parent-guide
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 28
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973An Overview
What is Section 504 Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isacivilrightslawthatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisabilityinprogramsandactivitiespublicorprivatethatreceivefederalfinancialassistanceThelawdoesnotprovidefundingforspecialeducationorrelatedservicesbutitdoespermitthefederalgovernmenttotakefundingawayfromprogramsthatdonotcomplywiththelaw
How does an individual qualify as disabled under Section 504 ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinSection504howeverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheor she
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UndertheregulationlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityAsageneralruleifachildiseligibleforservicesunderIDEAheorshequalifiesforprotectionunderSection504HowevernotallstudentscoveredbySection504areeligibleforIDEArelatedservicesSection504hasmuchbroaderdefinitionsofdisabilityandsoitpertainstomanymorepeople
What does an evaluation involve Forschool-agechildrenifparents(orguardians)believetheirchildshouldqualifyforprotectionsunderSection504 they should contact their childrsquos school about an evaluation The law mandates that an evaluation must include avarietyofassessmenttoolsthatwillaccuratelydemonstratethechildrsquosspecificareasofeducationalneedTheevaluationprocessshouldalsoconsidervariousotherfactorssuchasteacherrecommendationsphysicalconditionsocialandculturalbackgroundbehaviorandanyindependentevaluationsEvaluationandservicedecisionsaremadebyamultidisciplinaryteamofpeoplefamiliarwiththechildwhounderstandthemeansofevaluationandthespecialserviceoptionsSection504requirestheuseofevaluationproceduresthatensurethatachildisnotmisclassifiedunnecessarilylabeledashavingadisabilityorincorrectlyplacedThechildmustbere-evaluatedperiodically
What happens if a child is eligible for services under Section 504 IfachildisconsidereddisabledunderSection504schooldistrictpersonnelmaycreateaSection504planIfthatchildisalsoeligibleforservicesunderIDEAtheninmostcasestheIndividualizedEducationProgram(IEP)willtaketheplaceofaSection504planSomeschooldistrictsuseaseparateform
Inordertodeterminewhatkindofserviceswouldbemostappropriateforachildateamofregularandspecialedu-cationteachersaswellastheschoolprincipalwillmeettoconsiderthechildrsquosdisabilityhowitaffectsthechildrsquoseducationandwhatserviceswouldbemosthelpfulParents(orguardians)shouldbepresentforallplanningsessionsregarding their child
What services are available under Section 504 Section504clearlystatesthatafreeandappropriateeducationmustbemadeavailabletoallqualifiedstudentswithdisabilitiesTheeducationalneedsofstudentswithdisabilitiesmustbemetasadequatelyastheneedsofstudentswithout disabilities
AchildmaybeplacedinregulareducationclasseswithaccommodationssuchasataperecorderextendedtimefortesttakingorspecialservicessuchasafterschooltutoringModificationsinacademicrequirementsandexpectationsmay also be considered In each case the individual educational needs of the child should be addressed in the least restrictiveenvironment(LRE)possible
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 29
What is the role of a parent under Section 504 UnderSection504achildrsquosschooldistrictmustreceivepermissionfromaparent(orguardian)toevaluatethechildParentsshouldalsoasktoparticipateinallaspectsofplanninganddecision-makingforthechildrsquoseducation
Onceachildhasbeenevaluatedtheschoolmustnotifytheparents(orguardians)abouttheresultsandanydecisionsthataremadeIftheparentsdisagreewithanydecisionsthechildrsquosschoolmakestheyhavetherighttoappealthedecisionthroughanimpartialhearing
Note SignificantchangesweremadetoSection504throughpassageoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActAmendments Act of 2008 For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amendments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 30
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)An Overview
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)isacivilrightslawthatprotectsindividualswithdisabilitiesfromdiscriminationintheworkplaceaswellasschoolandothersettingsADAdoesnotprovidefundingforservicesoraccommodationsTheADAwasamendedin2008whenCongresspassedtheADAAmendmentsActtocorrectthenarrowinterpretationofdisabilitybythecourtssinceitspassagein1990
Who is eligible ThereisnospecificmentionoflearningdisabilitiesinADAHoweverthelawdefinesapersonasdisabledifheorshe
bullhasaphysicalormentalimpairmentwhichsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivitiesbullhasarecordofsuchanimpairmentorbullisregardedashavingsuchanimpairment
UnderthelawlearningisconsideredamajorlifeactivityThisappliestolearningdisabilitiesthataffectworkactivitiestooIfastudentiseligibleforservicesunderIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActof1997(IDEA)heorshequalifiesforprotectionunderADA
ADA and school ADAmandatesthatreasonableaccommodationsmustbeprovidedtoeligiblestudentsldquotoperformessentialfunctionsofthejobrdquoInotherwordsaschoolisrequiredtoprovideastudentwithdisabilitieswiththoseaccommodationsthathelphimorherlearnmosteffectivelyTherequirementsthislawsetsforschoolsaresimilartotheexpectationssetinSection 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
UnlikeSection504andIDEAADAdoesnotmakeschoolsresponsibleforthefreeandappropriateeducationofallchildrenHowevertheprotectionsthatareguaranteedbyADAapplytopublicandprivateschoolsequallyTheseprotectionsdonotextendtoorganizationscontrolledbyreligiousgroups
ADA and the workplace ADAprohibitsdiscriminationagainstldquoqualifiedindividualswithdisabilitiesrdquoinallemploymentpracticesincludingjobapplicationprocedureshiringfiringadvancementcompensationandtrainingAldquoqualifiedindividualwithdisabilitiesrdquoisanemployeeorjobapplicantwhomeetsalllegitimateskillexperienceeducationandotherrequirementsofapositionandcanperformtheessentialfunctionsofthepositionwithorwithoutreasonableaccommodation
AnemployermaynotaskaboutalearningdisabilitywithoneexceptionIfanemployerhasaffirmativeactionrequirementsaspartofafederalcontractajobapplicantmaybeaskedtoldquoself-identifyrdquoHowevertheemployermustkeepallinformationregardingdisabilitiesinaseparateconfidentialfileapartfromregularpersonnelfiles
IfanemployeerequiresaccommodationsinordertoperformajobheorshemustdiscloseinformationaboutthedisabilityandtheneedforspecificaccommodationstotheemployerEvenafterdisclosureanemployerisnotrequiredtomakeanaccommodationthatwouldproveanldquounduehardshiprdquo
ThesafeguardsregardingdiscriminationagainstindividualswithdisabilitiesareunderthesameproceduresapplicabletoracecolorsexnationaloriginandreligiousdiscriminationundertheCivilRightsActsof1964and1991ComplaintsagainstemployerswhoviolatetheADAshouldbefiledwithEqualEmploymentOpportunityCommissionor the designated state human rights agencies
For more information see Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act and Section 504 at wwwncldorgpublications-a-moreparent-advocacy-guidesunderstanding-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-amend-ments-act-and-section-504-of-the-rehabilitation-act
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold
LD Advocate wwwLDadvocateorg LD Advocates Guide 31
Your Advocacy Notes
The National Center for Learning Disabilitiesrsquo (NCLD) mission is to ensure success for all individuals with learning disabilities in school at work and in life Webull Connectparentsandotherswithresourcesguidanceandsupportsotheycanadvocateeffectivelyfortheirchildrenbull Deliverevidence-basedtoolsresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmenttoeducatorstoimprovestudentoutcomesbull Developpoliciesandengageadvocatestostrengtheneducationalrightsandopportunities
National Center for Learning Disabilities IncPublic Policy Office
1101VermontAvenueNW400bullWashingtonDC20005-3521bull703-476-4894bullwwwLDorg
New York City Office 381ParkAvenueSouthSuite1401bullNewYorkNY10016bull212-545-7510
copyNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesInc2012AllrightsreservedThispublicationisprovidedfreeofchargebytheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesWidedisseminationisencouragedCopiesmaybemadeanddistributedinkeepingwiththefollowingguidelinesThepublicationmustbereproducedinitsentiretyincludingpagescontaininginformationabouttheauthorandtheNationalCenterforLearningDisabilitiesCopiesofthepublicationmaynotbesold