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

[Guest guest]

!!! URGENT ACTION !!!

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST! IT IS LONG BUT CRITICAL

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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 focused media attention on the House's

irresponsible actions.

****The second is to mobilze action toward to Senate.******

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. It has been stated 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 we are now 'Under The

Gun' to affect any changes between now and Memorial Day,

the targeted Senate passage day for the IDEA re-

authorization. In other words, IDEA is in serious trouble.

But, we can't stop fighting now, just as parents

didn't quit fighting in the 50s and 60s.

The April 29th 'action day' turned into an opportunity for

HR 1350 proponents to warn Congressional representitives

that 'We' were calling, and to characterize our contact

efforts as " spreading false and misleading information. "

In light of this fact, as well as the long delays in mail

processing (due to security issues), ***** it is suggested that

families, advocates and individuals with disabilities take

it upon themselves to schedule appointments or to drop in

at both of their US Senators' state offices. ***** All Senators

have local state office in various cities within their

jurisdiction.

Senators supporting stronger support and protection of

IDEA will 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 how IDEA has made 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 their 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! 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.

We hope to generate some national publicity around this

campaign to save IDEA and the strategies that families are

using to ensure their faces -- and voices are heard. Your

comments and questions are welcome.

What we are being told, however, is the best letters are

those you write yourself and deliver in person to your

Senator's office.

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!

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

>>>> PLS NOTE: I have been working with the California Autism Coalition,

a recently formed advocacy organization made up of over 20 California

Organizations. We are working on a consensus position paper but time is short so

I urge you to get started IMMEDIATELY. Make your call and setup your

appointments to have your Senator HEAR YOUR VOICE!

Thank-you,

Marc Share

Executive Director

Research Institute & Parent Coalition

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