Amanda and Vickie explore more deeply the COVID-19 event and share with you the changes they’ve observed, both in California and on a federal level.

During their last Corona Virus update in Episode 123, Congress was still in the process of putting together the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, the stimulus package designed to bring relief and stimulate the U.S. economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the concerns at the time involved some Congressmen requesting waivers of the IDEA (Individuals With Disabilities Education Act) rights and rumors were flying about what was or was not going to pass.

Listen in as Amanda and Vickie bring you updated information on what’s happening right now, how you can help protect IDEA rights and the observations they’ve made regarding distance learning.

Be sure to join them tomorrow, Wednesday, April 22nd at 6pm PST, on Instagram and Facebook LIVE! Amanda and Vickie will be doing a Q&A regarding distance learning!

Show Highlights:

• Amanda provides an overview of a provision in the CARES Act regarding waivers of the IDEA or the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
• Only Congress can waive IDEA and Title IV provisions.
• As of the date of recording this show (April 20, 2020), there have been NO waivers and nothing in terms of changes to your rights, so everything stands as it did before COVID-19, on the Federal level.
• Your ability to request IEP meetings still stands, but there are some caveats.
• Check your state education code to see if your Governor has issued any changes or orders regarding timelines.
• It is up to the states to request these waivers.
• CALL TO ACTION: Call your congressional representatives and make it known that you want these rights protected. Also, call your state governor and representatives because it will be them that requests the waivers or not.
• Amanda and Vickie have posted sample letters on their Facebook and Instagram that you can utilize.
• Please Sign! An Open Letter to the US Department of Education: http://saveidea.org Sign the petition and sign up to receive alerts via email.
• Vickie addresses Senate Bill 117 that passed in April.
• Trial and error on distance learning: the IEP teams need to come together and talk about what’s working and what’s not working. 
• Amanda and Vickie discuss the two different camps of students that they have observed.
• Students have unique needs and unique circumstances, and we have to consider the effect that this is having on them.
• Tomorrow, WEDNESDAY, April 22nd at 6pm PST, Amanda and Vickie will be on Instagram and Facebook LIVE doing a Q&A regarding distance learning. Please join them!!

Links/Resources:

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

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Suggested Episode:

COVID-19 and Its Effect on School Closures [IEP 123]

Please Sign! An Open Letter to the  U.S. Department of Education: 

http://saveidea.org

Tomorrow, WEDNESDAY, April 22nd at 6pm PST, Amanda and Vickie will be on Instagram and Facebook LIVE doing a Q&A regarding distance learning. 

Please join them!!