1350 HAS PASSED THE HOUSE, BUT WE CAN STILL DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE SENATE BILL (

[Guest guest]

Dear Members of the List:

The Faces and Facts about IDEA -- Call to Action

The House has passed HR1350. At this point, there are only

two ways to change the outcome on this issue:

One is to generate as much media attention to the House?s

irresponsible actions. The second is to mobilize action

toward to Senate.

The Faces and Facts about IDEA -- Call to Action

Insider sources in Washington (individuals and

organizations concerned about the IDEA reauthorization)

have made it clear that Congress does not want to give

IDEA the same protracted consideration it received in

1997. We have been told that they really aren't listening

to anybody at this point, outside of their own caucus

members in Congress. The education lobby carried the day

in the House drafted bill, HR 1350, and that we will be

under the gun to affect any changes between now and

Memorial Day, which is the targeted Senate passage day for

the IDEA reauthorization. In other words, IDEA is in

trouble. But, we can't stop fighting now, just as our

parents in the 50s and 60s.

The April 29th ?action day? was used against our cause.

HR 1350 opponents used their propaganda machine to

mischaracterize the outcry against HR1350 as

the " spreading false and misleading information. "

To counter act this misrepresentation of the facts, the

following has been suggested by a few individuals close to

this issue (Thanks to Debbie Hosseini and Sandy from

Illinois- who also wrote parts of this letter).

Take your thoughts and concerns (along with your vote and

campaign contributions) DIRECTLY TO YOUR SENATORS.

Families, advocates and individuals with disabilities must

take it upon themselves to schedule appointments or to

drop in at both of their US Senators' state offices. Each

Senator has office in most of the major population area

within their jurisdiction. (To locate them, go to

http://www.senate.gov/,selectyour state and click on the

name of the Senator. This should take you to their home

page which will have a listing of their State offices or a

link to contact them!)

Supporting Senators need ammunition to counter the

arguments of those forces trying to weaken IDEA. Opposing

Senators need to put a human face to the decisions they

are about to make. They must know that there will be

consequences to their actions. Take your children with

you. Bring a picture that you can give them. Write your

story and tell them where IDEA has made the biggest

positive difference for your child and your family. Make

the appointment at a time that works best for you.

To the extent possible, try to tell stories that stress

the need to

(a) continue positive behavior supports and functional

assessments of behavior; ( annual IEPs and continuation

of short term objectives;

© manifestation determination meetings;

(d) continue emergency access to administrative due

process [no 30 day

delay];

(e) equity in attorney fee provisions; and

(f) strong protections that don't allow schools to

intimidate families into

accepting less than satisfactory services.

This strategy is proposed because mailing pictures and

stories takes too long

to get to the Senators. Emails and faxes, while allowing

more rapid

communication, don't provide the direct contact and

accountability that the

Senators and their staff need to see and feel. The

personal visit works

because:

(a) Senators know that those who take the time to visit

the office also

take the time to visit the polls on election day;

( Senators know the lobbyists' faces. They need to see

and know the

faces of their constituents;

© Face-to-face contact with Senators or their staff

give them the chance

to see IDEA in action;

(d) Face-to-face meetings give you the flexibility to

decide which issues

to hit on and how passionately to present them;

(e) Senators and their staff get to see and feel that

passion;

(f) Senators and their staff will look you in the eyes

when you ask who

to follow-up with after the Senate vote, and will know

they are going to be

held accountable;

(g) Opposing Senators and staffs need to hear from

someone other

than an educator, educational lobbyists, school

administrator or school

principals.

(h) Supporting Senators need to hear and remember the

stories and faces

they will be fighting for and using in the Senate debate.

Make no mistake about it! We are at a critical juncture

for our children, Special Education and the entire

educational infrastructure.

IDEA as we know it is at death's door.

We cannot give up! Quick, aggressive and passionate action

is critical if there is to be any impact at all in the

Senate. Make phone calls, send emails and faxes, but most

importantly -- TAKE YOUR FACE TO THEIR PLACE.

It is hoped that some national publicity around this

campaign to save IDEA can be generated quickly. If you

have any contacts-NOW IS THE TIME TO REACH OUT TO THEM.

Hopefully, the media will present the truth in this matter

and help focus additional attention on the strategies that

families are using to ensure their faces -- and voices are

heard.

The best letters are those you write yourself and deliver

in person to your Senator's office. Let them see your face

and HEAR OUR VOICES

This is a critical time that will make a difference in the

lives of ALL CHILDREN.

STEP UP AND MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD AND OUR PRESCENCE KNOWN!

Marc Share

Executive Director

Research Institute & Parent Coalition

Many thanks to the various individuals who helped compile

this letter. Your comments and thought are always welcome.

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