Students with Disabilities

2023 Special Education Minnesota Legislative Changes

Legislative Updates, Special Education, Students with Disabilities

The Minnesota legislature made substantial changes to Minnesota’s education laws, policy and funding during the 2023 legislative session. Many of these changes will benefit children with disabilities and their families. In this post, we will try to highlight the expansive changes this session.  For further information please review the statutory language and/or contact a school […]

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Providing Students with Disabilities Free Appropriate Public Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Addressing the Need for Compensatory Services Under Section 504

COVID-19, Students with Disabilities

PDF What is 504? A Federal Law that prohibits disability discrimination and guarantees students with disabilities equal access to educational opportunities, including free appropriate public education (FAPE) in public elementary and secondary schools. 504 During COVID-19? Responsibility for schools to comply with Section 504 during COVID-19 continues regardless of how schools provide education: virtually, in-person,

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New Guidance OCR and OSERS

OCR, Students with Disabilities

New guidance from the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) was released today addressing the discriminatory use of student discipline. The new guidance is the most comprehensive guidance on the civil rights of student with disabilities concerning student discipline to date. The new resources

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Supporting Child and Student Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Mental Health Needs

Students with Disabilities

For states, districts, schools, and programs to support child and student social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs there are numerous recommendations from the U.S. Department of Education. A list follows: Prioritize wellness for each child, student, educator, and provider Enhance mental health literacy and reduce stigma and other barriers to access Implement a continuum

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Apply for Partners in Policymaking!

Students with Disabilities

The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities is accepting applications for the Partners in Policymaking Class 40. Partners in Policymaking was created 35 years ago by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. The program is designed for parents and legal guardians of young children with developmental disabilities and adults with disabilities. Through informative and

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U.S. Department of Education issues a new fact sheet doubling down on the responsibilities to provide compensatory services to students with disabilities

Students with Disabilities

A rise in complaints has led federal education officials to publish a new fact sheet to remind school of their duties under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The COVID-19 pandemic has not changed those obligations. Children with disabilities have a right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) “regardless of the challenges

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Ideas and Suggestions for Schools and Restorative Practitioners

Education, Students with Disabilities

Deepen Your Practice Regular circle practice provides a way to build relationships and practice social emotional learning skills. When the learning environment is disrupted, it provides a practice to reach for. Disruptions can come from within the school or classroom like when frustration spills over into harm. Or it can come from outside the school

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Online Learning and Students with Disabilities FAQ Available

Education, Students with Disabilities

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has prepared a document of frequently asked questions about online learning for students with disabilities. This is to assist school districts and charter schools in continuing to provide equitable access to online learning programs and high-quality special education and related services. You can view the document here.

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COVID-19 Vaccination Information for Children with Disabilities

COVID-19, Students with Disabilities

The Minnesota Department of Health has released two fact sheets with information about COVID-19 vaccinations for children with disabilities and those who work with and care for them. “Information for Caregivers” includes facts about the vaccines, side effects and accommodations that can be requested at vaccination sites. It states, “the known benefits of COVID-19 vaccination

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