"Your current safe boundaries were once unknown frontiers."
Author: Unknown
Breaking News: New GAO Report: More Needs to be Done to Provide Physical Education Opportunities for Children with Disabilities
The General Accountability Office of the federal government has released a new report on the limited opportunity for physical education for students with disabilities. By way of background, it should be noted that IDEA, the federal special education law, specifically includes physical education within the definition of special education. IDEA § 601(29)(B). Moreover, the federal regulations clarify that the school district must provide PE, if provides it to students without disabilities. 34 C.F.R. §300.108.
The
GAO report found that students with disabilities participate in physical education but at a lower rate than their non-disabled peers. the report recommends that the Secretary of Education promote ways of sharing information among states and school districts concerning ways to provide additional physical education opportunities for children with disabilities. In addition, GAO recommended that the department of education clarify the legal responsibilities of the schools under federal law. The Department of Education agreed with both recommendations. You can read the
report here.
Here is a one page
synopsis of the report.
Hospital to Home
Bringing a new baby home is full of wonder and fear. This is an exciting and busy transition step for families involving many considerations; family roles will be redefined, the home environment rearranged, and everyone’s schedule adjusted. Being prepared and considering needs and resources before the event occurs is the best way to make this transition time as smooth and stress free as possible for all children and families (this website also includes information and resources for medically fragile children and children with disabilities.) Some issues to focus on may include:
- Equipment Needed
- Parent Physical and Mental Health
- Child’s Physical and Mental Health
- Safety Considerations
- Social Relationships
- Recreation
- Support Services and Community Resources