NH SPED public hearings

YOUR PARTICIPATION IS URGENTLY NEEDED
to Ensure the NH Rules Continue to Include Critical Protections for Children with Disabilities

The State Board of Education will hold 3 public hearings (in the Northern half of the State, Southern tier, and in Central NH) to hear what you want to be included in the revised NH Rules for the Education of Children with Disabilities (state special education regulations). Your input is very important, and may be the only way that the State Board of Education will have a real understanding of the rights and protections that parents believe are important and why those rights matter to you and your child with a disability.

If parents and others who care about maintaining critical protections for children with disabilities do not participate in this rulemaking process, there is a very real risk that the State Board will only hear from those individuals and organizations that want NH to adopt the minimum requirements allowed by Federal law for special education. This could mean significant changes in what is included in the IEP, how long a school district can take to evaluate a child with a disability, and parental consent rights. A list of some of the key issues, along with a brief explanation for each is included at the end of this alert (2nd page).

If we want to maintain the rights and protections currently provided for children with disabilities and parents, it is essential that you participate in this process. The stakes are very high - NH has never lowered our standards to the absolute minimum. A strong showing by parents, friends, neighbors and extended family members of children with disabilities, as well as by youth/young adults with disabilities at the scheduled public hearings will make a tremendous impact on the State Board.

Public Hearings:
Tuesday, August 21, 2007 – 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm & 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

White Mt. Regional High School Auditorium, 127 Regional Road in Whitefield

(This 1st hearing will set the tone for the others – let’s have a great turn-out !!!)

Tuesday, September 11, 2007 – 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm & 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Manchester Memorial High School, 1 Crusader Way, Manchester, NH

Wednesday, October 10, 2007 – 11:30 am at the NH Department of Education

Londergan Hall, 101 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH

People who are unable to attend a public hearing, or those who wish to provide additional written input after they have testified, may send their written comments to: Mary Mayo at mmayo@ed.state.nh.us 101 Pleasant Street, Concord NH 03301. Comments will be accepted until 4:00 pm on Friday, October 26


TO READ THE FULL BULLETIN CLICK HERE