SUMMARY
The laws and systems are in effect, as described in this booklet,
which will allow your child to receive a free, appropriate public
education. Your actions, as your child's advocate, can assure
that the process is completed as intended by those who drafted
the laws. IDEA has achieved major accomplishments in getting
children with disabilities into the schools. It is our shared
responsibility to help the school system also recognize that
serious problems have arisen as school districts strive to meet
their various mandates and provide a quality educational
experience for all children, especially in times of shrinking
budgets. We need to let them know that we'll accept nothing less
than the fact that all children are entitled to a free,
appropriate, integrated, public education.
To do this, you must form relationships and consequently teach or
persuade those in power that children with disabilities have
value, visibility, and voice.