Update - March 2024

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Greetings AJE families! It has been a busy time, so we wanted to share some recent developments!


  • **UPDATED** OSSE-DOT announced an extension to the application timeline for their parent stipend program - the new deadline is MARCH 22, 2024 and more information about that is below.



Because AJE received so many questions about the stipend program we created a short Q&A for families - you can watch it here.



  • **ICYMI** The Children's Law Center and the Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights have filed a class action lawsuit against the District of Columbia on behalf of the ARC and several DC families about OSSE's ongoing failures to provide safe and reliable transportation to students with disabilities.


If you want to share your transportation story with the team working on this class action, you can do so by clicking here. Remember that AJE is always available to answer your questions about transportation.


Keep reading for more events and information and don't forget, we have a Parent Café this weekend.



Update from OSSE-DOT


Earlier this month OSSE-DOT posted on their website an important update about the stipend - they are accepting applications NOW and applications are now due MARCH 22. Below is more information from OSSE-DOT.



Monthly Parent Stipend Program


The Office of the State Superintendent of Education is launching a new program to provide a monthly payment to eligible parents or guardians who choose to opt out of OSSE-DOT provided vehicle or bus and self-transport their student to and from school daily. Here are some things to think about if you are considering applying -


Not all families who apply will be selected to participate.


Eligible families who are approved to participate in the program will receive $400 per month to provide transportation.


If you are selected to participate, OSSE-DOT will NOT provide transportation. instead, you will receive $400 per month to do it yourself. In this way, the program is like a voucher.


Families can only receive ONE stipend per household, even if multiple children are eligible.


AJE encourages families to apply as soon as possible to be considered for OSSE’s Monthly Parent Stipend. The deadline to apply is March 22 at 11:59 p.m.


Prior to April 1, OSSE will contact the parents who are selected to participate in this program.


OSSE-DOT has provided these documents (Parent Information, Required Documents) with additional information for families, we encourage families to review them closely.


This is multi-page document - click on it to see the whole document.


All about the Transportation of Students with Disabilities with OSSE-DOT (parents might also want to check out our short Q&A about the Stipend program)


Accessing the Lottery as the Parent of a Student with a Disability


Accessing Aftercare for Your Student with a Disability


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About AJE:
Advocates for Justice and Education is the federally designated Parent Training and Information Center and the Health Information Center for DC. AJE seeks to empower families, youth, and the community to be effective advocates to ensure that children and youth, particularly those who have special needs, receive access to appropriate education and health services.
 
Our passion is empowering families by equipping parents and students with disabilities with the tools they need to be their own advocates.

Have questions? We are here to educate, advocate and empower. Contact us today!
Advocates for Justice and Education, Inc.| (P) 202.678.8060 | (F) 202.678.8062 |

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