| News for special education professionals |  |
- Rights groups: Ban corporal punishment of students with disabilities
 Children with disabilities suffer physical punishment at school disproportionately in comparison to their peers without disabilities, according to a study by Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union. "Corporal punishment is just not an effective method of punishment, especially for disabled children, who may not even understand why they're being hit," said the author of the report. Twenty states allow corporal punishment. The groups are calling for a national ban on physically punishing students with disabilities. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
(8/10)      
- Massachusetts school district creates inclusive preschool
A Massachusetts school district is opening an inclusive preschool, educating 4-year-old children with and without disabilities in the same classes. The Timberlane Regional School District's intent is to improve the communication skills of children with disabilities and teach all students tolerance and acceptance, a district official said. Funded for two years by federal stimulus money, the program will eventually charge tuition to students without disabilities. The Eagle-Tribune (North Andover, Mass.)
(8/11)
 | Increase Student Achievement Through Research-Based Literacy — AbleNet's MEville to WEville fosters reading and writing development for students with significant disabilities. The multi-year curriculum aligns to state content standards, as outlined under Title 1, Part A and fulfills ARRA spending on quality literacy curriculums. Learn more. |
| Educational Leadership |  | |
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- Shriver, influential advocate of people with disabilities, dies
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who died today at 88, left a long legacy of raising awareness and acceptance of people with disabilities. Her advocacy was inspired by a sister with mental disabilities. Shriver founded the Special Olympics in 1968 and successfully sought federal support for programs for people with mental disabilities. President Barack Obama said Shriver "taught our nation -- and our world -- that no physical or mental barrier can restrain the power of the human spirit." Los Angeles Times
(8/12)
- Vietnamese man puts students on path to independence
A 34-year-old Vietnamese man with severe polyarthritis works to make independence a reality for others with disabilities. Pham Hoai Phuc, a lecturer at the Saigon Institute of Information Communications Technology, offers free classes in electronics repair to students who are poor or have disabilities, at his shop in Ho Chi Minh City. Thanh Nien (Vietnam)
(8/11)
| Technology Trends | | |
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- Funds for 911 upgrades slip back into general state budgets
Cell phone bills include fees up to $1.50 meant to fund the upgrade of 911 systems to accept text messages, but some states are diverting the funds for other uses during tight budget times. The modernization of 911 is vital, a National Emergency Number Association official said, because people with speech or hearing impairments currently must use tele-typewriters or telecommunications devices to contact emergency operators. The Philadelphia Inquirer
(8/11)
 | Looking for better resumes? The top candidates are reading SmartBrief every day. Post your jobs in CEC SmartBrief through the CEC Online Job Board and reach more than 64,000 top teachers. Select the SmartBrief upgrade to make sure your job posting gets maximum reach. Start your focused recruiting campaign now! |
| Policy News | | |
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- Some fear stimulus funds will be a 1-shot boost to special education
Detroit parents of children with disabilities fear that using federal stimulus funds for special-education services is a short-term solution that will leave local programs underfunded in a few years. With the federal funding, districts may redirect some local special-education funds. After stimulus funds are depleted, schools are allowed to keep spending at reduced levels, but officials say all required services will remain in place. Detroit Free Press
(8/11)
- Youths with mental illness flood juvenile-detention system
Statistics show that nearly two-thirds of U.S. juvenile inmates have at least one mental illness. Although experts say therapy and treatment would be more effective, incarceration is often the only option as states cut mental health programs. "We're seeing more and more mentally ill kids who couldn't find community programs that were intensive enough to treat them," said a Texas child psychiatrist. "Jails and juvenile-justice facilities are the new asylums." The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
(8/9)
| Eye on Exceptionalities | | |
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- Movies often veer from reality in portraying people with autism
How realistic are film depictions of characters with autism? A BBC News Magazine story takes a critical look at past and current movies, pointing out a tendency to unrealistically portray people with autism as having savant skills, a rare occurrence according to experts. "I have spoken to many families who say that they feel really depressed and devastated when they get this portrayal," says a London professor of cognitive development. BBC
(8/10)
- British woman with visual disability speaks out about her parenting skills
 British mother Amie Slavin, who has been unable to see 1997, shares a first-person account of caring for her two daughters, 15-month-old Jihana and 3-year-old Sophie. Slavin writes how she changes diapers, makes meals and cleans by touch and smell. The greatest challenge, in her opinion, is overcoming the public perception that visual impairment prevents her from being a capable parent. The Guardian (London)
(8/8)
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Plan your next career move with CEC's Online Job Board
Looking for a new job? CEC's Online Job Board is the perfect place to post your resume. And watch for the latest special-education career opportunities featured right here in CEC SmartBrief. Find out more.
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Nominate a deserving student for a "Yes I Can!" Award
CEC's "Yes I Can!" Awards honor students with disabilities who excel in one of nine categories. Every student nominated receives a certificate of achievement. Nominations are due Oct. 9. Find out more.
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