Press Releases: 2005 Releases

After 30 Years of Success, Landmark Special Education Law is in Jeopardy (11/29/2005)

Washington, DC, November 29, 2005 - The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act turns 30-years-old on November 29, 2005. The landmark civil rights law provides access to public education to millions of young Americans with disabilities.

Statement from Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy:

“Just thirty years ago, school districts nationwide routinely denied public education to millions of children with disabilities. Families with special needs children had few options and many sent children to live in state-run institutions that inhibited their independence and inclusion in society.

“Today, more than six million students with disabilities are learning in America’s public schools thanks to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These children will soon join generations of Americans with disabilities as productive citizens contributing to their communities.

“Nevertheless, special education in America faces fierce challenges despite the law’s legacy of success. A regressive Supreme Court ruling just weeks ago and years of inadequate federal funding may soon roll back decades of progress by parents, policymakers, and advocates.

“First, the recent United States Supreme Court Schaffer v. Weast decision places another burden on parents by forcing them to prove schools are not properly educating their children with disabilities. As a result, low and middle income families who cannot afford an attorney will be unable to challenge inappropriate education plans.

“Second, the White House and Congress have recommended funding IDEA below normal growth and inflation in fiscal year 2006, further aggravating years of inadequate support. Making matters worse, the House of Representatives placed the program in limbo earlier this month by failing to approve an appropriations bill that would fund IDEA.

“Each of these problems can be corrected by Congress. As Members return to Washington next week to face a multitude of tasks, they should take a moment to examine their commitment to children with disabilities.

“United Cerebral Palsy and its nationwide network of affiliates urge Congress and the Administration to move quickly to fully fund IDEA. At minimum, Congress should increase, not decrease, the federal role in helping school systems finance special education. Second, we advise the Congress to review legislative remedies that empower parents as schools craft an appropriate education plan for their child with a disability.

“Millions of young Americans, including 10,000 children participating in United Cerebral Palsy programs everyday, are looking to our nation’s leaders to keep the 30-year promise of IDEA.”

About United Cerebral Palsy

United Cerebral Palsy is one of the nation’s leading organizations serving and advocating for the more than 54 million Americans with disabilities. Most UCP consumers are people with disabilities other than cerebral palsy. Through its nationwide network, United Cerebral Palsy offers services to individuals, families and communities such as job training and placement, physical therapy, individual and family support, early intervention, social and recreation programs, community living, state and local referrals, and instruction on how to use technology to perform everyday tasks. For more information, visit www.ucp.org or call (800) 872-5827.

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