IDEA ALERT - Congress Needs Your Help on House Bill 1350!

The House of Representatives is considering a bill to reauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. We understand that this bill is on a fast track and may be voted on by the House in less than a week.

If you are the parent of a child with a disability, you represent your child's interests. You need to stay informed about changes to the law that may affect your child. If you are a teacher or special education service provider, the reauthorized law is likely to affect you and your job.

The National Association of Protection and Advocacy Systems (NAPAS) developed an Analysis of Proposed Changes to IDEA as a "side-by-side" table that compares the current IDEA with the proposed bill. We converted this Analysis of Proposed Changes to IDEA into a pdf file for easy printing and distribution.

NAPAS reports that critical IDEA protections are threatened by the bill, and calls on parents and the public to contact members of Congress.

We encourage you to read the Analysis of Proposed Changes to IDEA by NAPAS - this document will help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of the bill. Share your concerns with your members of Congress.

Please distribute this Alert: http://www.wrightslaw.com/nltr/03/al.0331.htm

Tips for Writing Letters to Congress

Here are some tips about writing letters to members of Congress.

1. Personal stories are important. Explain how your child, or a child for whom you advocate, will be hurt by the proposed changes.

2. Explain why the bill may turn back the clock, harm children, or lead to increased costs to society if children with disabilities don't get the education they need to "prepare them for employment and independent living" (§1400(d) Purposes of IDEA statute)

3. Keep your letter short. Focus on one or two key points. Every member of Congress gets hundreds of letters a day. Their staff do not have time to wade through long letters.

4. Offer to follow-up with a phone call or visit.

5. Send your letter by fax or email.

Download this Directory of Members of Congress for contact info, including phone numbers.

To send an email to your member of Congress, use this nifty tool from the National Center for Learning Disabilities (just plug in your zip code and GO!)

Tip: If you send your letter by email, type RE: H.R. 1350 in the subject line.

Include your name and address at the top of your letter - and sign it.