Education

Disability Rights Center advocates for students with disabilities to enforce and protect their rights to special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Section 504. We do this through individual advocacy, state complaints, due process and collaboration with other special education advocacy organizations, to ensure that students with disabilities have access to a continuum of placement options in the least restrictive environment possible.

Disability Rights Center advocates for individuals to acquire or maintain devices or services that empower them to be successful in employment, education, community life and independent living. Of particular need are students with disabilities in the public school system who are receiving special education services but have been denied appropriate evaluations or services in the area of assistive technology.

August Challenge

Stay tuned for the August challenge from the education team "How to Stop Discrimination in the Public School Setting".

Part B - Annual State Application for Public Comment

In accordance with the federal regulations governing Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as amended in 2004, the Annual State Application under Part B and Interactive Worksheet (Updated 3/11/08) from the Arkansas Department of Education was available for public review and comment from March 11, 2008 until May 9, 2008. Comments were submitted to Ms. Marcia Harding, Associate Director, Arkansas Department of Education, Special Education Unit, 1401 West Capitol, Suite 450, Little Rock, AR 72201.

News

The Supreme Court has ruled, per curiam, that it was affirming the Second Circuit decision in Tom F. The Second Circuit had ruled in favor of the parents that 1997 amendments to the IDEA did not require that parents must first place a student in a public school before being able to seek reimbursement for a unilateral private school placement. [more] (pdf)

Education Links

Arkansas Department of Education, Special Education Unit

http://arksped.k12.ar.us

Northwest Arkansas Parent Support Group (Harrison)

http://www.ozarktuff.com

Arkansas Autism Network

An online support and discussion group

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ArkansasAutismNetwork

Arkansas Governor's Developmental Disabilities Council

http://www.ddcouncil.org

NAIMI Arkansas

A non-profit, grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons with severe mental illness, their families, and their communities

http://ar.nami.org

AR Disability Coalition/Parent Training & Information Center (PTI)

The Parent Network forms support groups, parent mentoring, and provides parent training. There are links for educational and legal resources as well as regional information on service providers.

http://www.adcpti.org

National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities.

http://www.nichcy.org/

Calendar and Announcements

Parents Educating Arkansas about Children with Epilepsy (PEACE)

FREE Public Meeting, "Were All In This Together". Monday May 12th 2008, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Partners for Inclusive Communities, Memorial Plaza Building, 2001 Pershing Circle, Suite 300, North Little Rock AR 72114-1841. Special opening speaker: Senator Gilbert Baker. Special Guest Speaker: Larry Stang, President & CEO of United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas. Free educational materials on epilepsy, autism, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities available, refreshments, and door prizes to be given away. This meeting is open to anyone interested in learning more about children with disabilities and parents needing support/advocacy. For more information & driving directions to the meeting site please visit their web site at www.peaceinark.com or Contact: Tina L. Alexander at 501-470-5185, or Mandy Ochoa at 501-563-5211.

NAIMI Walks

Burns Park, North Little Rock, on May 24, 2008. Check in for this 5K run is 9:00 a.m. Start time is at 10:00 a.m. For more information contact Kim Arnold by email at karnold[at]nami[dot]org or by phone at (501) 661-1548.

Epilepsy and Autism Free Fun Fishing Derby

Sponsored by the Parents Educating Arkansas about Children with Epilepsy (PEACE). Saturday June 7, 9am to 1pm, Lake Cherrywood Park, Sherwood. Ever wanted to learn how to fish like the pros? Then mark your calendars to fish with the Women's Bassmaster Tour Pros from around the state. Families will have the opportunity to obtain autographs, take pictures, and fish with many of Arkansas' best. Lunch will be provided along with give aweay prozes and other fun stuff. To learn more contact PEACE, P. O. Box 224, Vilonia AR 72173, call (501) 470-5185 or (501) 563-5211, or visit their website at www.peaceinark.com.

Beat Behavior Before It Beats You: Behavioral Issues For The Special Needs Child

A one-day seminar designed for parents, special education teachers and directors, principals, classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, counselors, social workers, nurses and case managers. First Baptist Church/Christian Life Center, El Dorado. Friday, June 20, 2008, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm. Speakers include Dr. Althea T. Conley, MD/PhD, South Arkansas Regional Health Center, and Kristi Cushing, OTR/L Hope Landing. 6.0 hours of continuing education credit are offered. Registration for professionals is $30.00, students are $15.00, and parents are $5.00. Register today by calling 870-862-0500.

Special Show 2008

"The Future Is Now", Hot Springs Convention Center, July 23-25, 2008. Visit http://arksped.k12.ar.us for more information.

"SHIPS AHOY!!!"

The 4th Annual Fall Family Festival in the Park is October 4, 2008, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m at Sherwood Forest. WOW!!! It's that time again already. We are looking forward to our 4th Annual Fall Family Festival in the Park and we need YOU!!! This fun filled and rewarding event cannot be successful without you. This afternoon Picnic is a chance for families of children and adults with disabilities to share stories, get to know one another, and have a support system. We invite you to provide a booth to include not only information regarding your agency and resources, but also an activity of your choice that will add to the festivities of this event. Contact Brenda L. Mercerat, Family Services Coordinator the Arkansas Governors Developmental Disability Council, 1-501-661-2589 or 1-800-462-0599 ext 661-2589 (V/TTDD). You may also email her at brenda[dot]mercer[at]arkansas[dot]gov.

Youth Transition Conference

The Southwest Local Transition Team is proud to announce that we are currently planning our annual Youth Transition Conference set for October 7, 2008 at the University of Arkansas Community College in Hope, Arkansas. The conference is for juniors and seniors from area high schools and their families. The counties included are Hempstead, Miller, Lafayette, Nevada, Sevier, Howard, Little River, Montgomery and Polk. Last year we had over 200 participants. For more information please contact Kay Sirmon, Transition Consultant, DeQueen-Mena Co-op, P.O. Box 110, , 305 S. Hornberg Ave., Gillham, AR 71841, or visit their website at www.highschoolmatters.com.