Legislative Updates

 

The  IDEA Fairness Restoration Act (H.R. 4188) was recently introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Pete Sessions.  This bill is important to parents and students because, if passed, it would allow prevailing (winning party) parents to recoup expert fees and related costs in proceedings under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

The reason I am urging you to act is because without proper evaluations, expert testimonies and documentation many families are not able to present a strong case on behalf of their child.  Right now parents have to pay for these resources out-of-pocket, making it nearly impossible for many to afford to fight for their child’s educational rights no matter how worthy and justified their case may be.  Every child is guaranteed a free, appropriate education -- it is not acceptable for those rights to be taken away based on family income.

I ask you to take a few minutes of your time today to ensure parents have access to every resource they need to ensure their child receives a free, appropriate education. Visit our Legislative Action Center to learn more about this important issue. Then send a message to your elected official today!

Thank you for your continued support on behalf of those with learning disabilities.  Your voice always makes a difference!

Sincerely,

Laura Kaloi
Director of Public Policy
National Center for Learning Disabilities

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MCAT Final Decision Rules In Favor of Accommodations for Dyslexics in Alameda County, CA. 

In a groundbreaking decision, California's Superior Court ruled on October 31 that individuals with learning disabilities such as Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ("ADHD") are entitled to extra testing time and/or other accommodations on the Medical College Admission Test ("MCAT) as defined by existing California law.

Follow this link to read and download the entire decision . . . 

What does this important judicial ruling mean for People with learning disabilities? According to IDA legal experts, the decision requires AAMC to stop its practice of denying accommodations to individuals with well- documented dyslexia and other learning diabilities based solely on the individuals' high level of achievement or intelligence, a practice that was based on common misconceptions about learning disabilities.

According to Roger Heller, an attorney and IDA member, by allowing more individuals to receive the accommodations that they need on the MCAT, this decision will help ensure that IDA members and other individuals with learning disabilities will have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills on the MCAT and a fair chance to pursue their dreams in the medical field.