Testimony on IDEA Noncompliance
Hello,
My name is (YOUR NAME HERE). I live in (LOCATION HERE). I am the mother of Kyle, who is 7 years old and has cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder.
I am here today to discuss the issue of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the need for accountability and solutions to the fact that none of the 50 states, (OUR STATE) of course included, has fully implemented IDEA.
Children are continuing to be pulled out of the classroom to receive Physical, Occupational, Speech and other therapies. This violation of Least Restrictive Environment is just one of many. I have first hand knowledge of this violation. My son, Kyle, has been pulled out of the classroom for the last two years to receive Physical and Occupational Therapies, when they could have easily provided these services within the classroom.
IDEA has been in effect since 1975 with amendments and clarifications added in 1997. Noncompliance is a big issue that needs attention. I would appreciate your help in setting up an investigational/policing agency that would keep an eye on the school districts in (YOUR STATE HERE) to make sure they are fully implementing IDEA and that children are receiving the services they need and for which they qualify.