OSEP Update
OSEP Recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). NDEAM, led by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, is a nationwide campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of our work at OSEP. As we strive towards fulfilling our mission to lead the nation's efforts to improve outcomes for children with disabilities, ensuring access to fair, equitable, and high-quality education and services, we continue to do so with our vision in mind: a vision for a world in which individuals with disabilities have unlimited opportunities to learn and to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives. For all children, including those with disabilities, entry into the workforce is a prominent marker of post-school success.
In support of State Education Agencies, Local Education Agencies, students with disabilities and their families, here is a list of resources from the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services and the Office of Special Education Programs, National Technical Assistance Providers, intended to assist transition age youth to identify and move toward their postsecondary goals, including the area of employment:
To learn more about National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways to promote its messages — during October and throughout the year — visit www.dol.gov/NDEAM.
New Documents Regarding Personnel Qualifications under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). (Oct. 4, 2022)
OSEP recognizes that states are facing many challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including worsening the impact it has had on the shortage of special education teachers and related services providers across the country. We also understand that in an effort to address these challenges, some states have policies and procedures in place that may not be consistent with IDEA requirements. OSEP believes it is critical to ensure that state educational agencies (SEAs) are fully aware of the IDEA requirements related to personnel qualifications and alternate certifications. The attached memo describes these requirements and also provides information about resources available to support states’ efforts in meeting them
Addressing the Needs of Children with Disabilities and IDEA’s Discipline Provisions
On July 19, 2022, the U.S. Department of Education announced the release of new guidance from its Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) to help public elementary and secondary schools fulfill their responsibilities to meet the needs of students with disabilities and avoid the discriminatory use of student discipline.
These newly released resources are the most comprehensive guidance on the civil rights of students with disabilities concerning student discipline and build on the Department’s continued efforts to support students and schools through pandemic recovery.
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