SPECIAL EDUCATION
From its beginnings, the cornerstone of MAC?s work has been helping children with disabilities. MAC?s first report in 1970 found that children with disabilities were being unfairly and systematically excluded from school in Massachusetts? groundbreaking law, Chapter 766. However, just because the Legislature enacted a law didn?t mean that school districts would follow it. By the late 1970s, MAC had to sue the Boston Public Schools to live up to its obligations. That lawsuit was in force for over 20 years to assure that the needs of children were met.
In the late 1990s, in face of efforts in the Legislature to weaken Chapter 766, it was MAC that played a lead role in organizing a statewide coalition of parents, teachers, school superintendents and others to preserve essential services, protections and funding. MAC continues to actively advocate for the rights of children with disabilities.
Goal of the Inclusion Project:
MAC's goal is to ensure that children with disabilities receive the services and accommodations necessary to participate in the mainstream of public education and receive equal educational opportunities.
Objectives:
1. To provide information to parents of children with disabilities, advocates and educators regarding rights to receive services and accommodations necessary to participate in the mainstream of public education and receive equal educational opportunities.
2. To provide parents with technical assistance, referral and advocacy services.
3. To retain, improve and enforce provisions of the state special education law, regulations and policy to provide equal educational opportunities for children with disabilities.
4. To ensure that children with disabilities participate fully and fairly in Massachusetts education reform initiatives, with a focus on policies and practices pertaining to MCAS, which students with disabilities must pass in order to graduate.
MAC supported special education bills
-An Act addressing bullying of children with autism spectrum disorder (H.3804)
Bill
Fact Sheet
-An Act to Improve Teacher Training in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (S.223)
Bill
Summary
Fact Sheet
Testimony
-An Act to Provide Short Term Objectives for Students with Disabilities (S.222)
Bill
Fact Sheet
-An Act to Provide Fair Process for Students with Disabilities (S.227)
Bill
Summary
-An Act to Provide Equal Opportunities for Students with Disabilities (H.487)
Bill
Summary
Fact Sheet
-An Act to Ensure Students with Disabilities Succeed as Adults (H.493)
Bill
Fact Sheet
Testimony
Contact us for further information about this program.
TRANSITION LAW
Transition Law Implementation Alert for Professionals
Transition Law Implementation Alert for Parent of Children with Disabilities
Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Grant Program
