To: Parents and Advocates for Students using Special Education Services and Supports

From: Liz Bauer

On August 12, 2008 the State Board of Education approved the Standards for Extended School Year Services (ESY) in Michigan. The Standards will be embedded in Administrative Rules for Special Education. Michigan Department of Education submitted a request for rulemaking on June 16, 2008. It is anticipated that this rule change will be presented for public comment in the fall of 2008. However, the statute is already clear that Extended School Year Services and supports MUST be considered for EVERY Student with a disability of any characteristic or degree at EACH Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team Meeting. ESY services must be provided if the IEP team determines that such services are necessary for the provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to the student. Read the rest of this entry »

NDSS and NDSC Submit Joint Comments to Protect High Academic Expectations For Students with Intellectual Disabilities!

BACKGROUND: NCLB is an important educational law that requires accountability for the academic performance of all students, including students with disabilities. Under NCLB, students with the most significant cognitive disabilities can take assessments on alternate academic achievement standards instead of assessments on grade-level or modified academic achievement standards. All these achievement standards are supposed to be aligned to the grade-level State content standards to ensure high academic expectations. Regulations are issued to provide detailed directions to States on how to implement the statute. First, proposed regulations are issued. Then, following a public comment period, the final regulations are issued. Read the rest of this entry »

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

You are invited to participate in a study conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health and the Johns Hopkins University.

Why is this study being done?

To learn more about how caregivers adjust to having a child with Down syndrome (DS). We are interested in hearing from caregivers who may be learning to adjust and also from caregivers who feel well-adjusted.

Who can take part in this study?

You must be 18 years of age or older and must be the primary caregiver for a child with DS. Please fill out only one survey per household.

Read the rest of this entry »

Please take a moment to go to http://buddywalk.kintera.org/dsgsemi and register today.

Costs will remain the same at $10 and $25.

Look for your Buddy Walk brochure in the mail in July for more details.

We look forward to having you join us at this very special event!