A bill under consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives would require more to be done to educate parents about their right to have others assist them in individualized education program meetings. (think stock)
Legislation designed to ensure that parents of students with disabilities are aware of a key right during individualized education program meetings is advancing in Congress.
The measure known as the Think Differently About Education Act was unanimously approved by the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce late last week.
The bill would require schools to notify parents before their child’s first IEP meeting each academic year of their right to include experts and other third parties in those meetings. That could mean inviting a lawyer, therapist or other expert in the field or even a family member who knows the child.
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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act already gives parents the right to involve third parties in IEP meetings, but most families don’t know this, according to Rep. Marc Molinaro, R.N.Y., who sponsored the bill. Of law.
“I am pleased to announce that progress is being made to ensure that every student of all abilities has the opportunities and resources to succeed in school,” Molinaro said. “Having attended IEP meetings with my family, I understand how discouraging and confusing the experience can be. “My bipartisan bill will help guide and empower families on this journey.”
The legislation now goes to the full House.
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