TO: NDSC Members and Affiliated Parent Groups
FROM: Susan Goodman, Director
Governmental Affairs
DATE: January 2, 2008

Federal Efforts Make a Difference

NDSC’s presence in Washington, D.C. reflects the organization’s commitment to influence federal laws and other federal activities that have a great impact on the type of services our children receive. Although it is often difficult to imagine how efforts in Washington, D.C. affect us individually, federal laws and funding determine the availability and quality of services which help prepare our children to live productive, independent lives. Below are some of the highlights of legislative activity this year:

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – Thanks to the efforts of parent advocates and our work in the House of Representatives, the IDEA Fairness Restoration Act (H.R. 4188) was introduced on Tuesday, November 13, 2007. Congressman Pete Sessions (R.TX) and Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D.MD) are the co-sponsors of this bill which would allow prevailing (winning party) parents to recoup expert fees and related costs in litigation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Our efforts are now focused on finding co-sponsors in the House of Representatives. We encourage you to contact your Representative and ask him or her to co-sponsor H.R. 4188.

No Child Left Behind—This law, which attempts to hold schools responsible for academic gains made by students through testing was supposed to be reauthorized this year. NDSC advocates for strong accountability standards and access to the regular curriculum for all students with disabilities and opposes efforts to weaken accountability systems for students with disabilities.

It is seen as unlikely that the law will be reauthorized in the election year. It appears that candidates are making the law a campaign issue. Changes will have to wait until after the election.

Employment—NDSC continues working to make more employment opportunities available for adults with Down syndrome. A great deal of our effort is focused on ensuring that individuals with Down syndrome will have the long-term support needed to be employed in meaningful jobs.

We will be working on the reauthorization of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act, the law that provides funding for adults to receive employment related services as well as other initiatives that promote jobs and the appropriate supports for individuals with disabilities.

Community Living Services – NDSC remains vigilant in efforts to increase funding for support services that make it possible for our children to live independently in the community. Nearly all funding for these services comes through Medicaid, which is usually the subject of contentious budget negotiations.

We also encourage efforts to make services “person centered” allowing an individual to make the choices about where he or she will live, work and enjoy all the opportunities of his or her non-disabled peers.

Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act—This bill, known as the Kennedy-Brownback bill, which is being closely followed by NDSC is designed to, among other things, improve information parents receive after a Down syndrome diagnosis.

This law will be “marked up” by the Senate in January. We will follow all activity closely so that readers can focus advocacy efforts at a time when they will be most effective.

Often advocacy efforts are needed to prevent harmful changes to programs. NDSC is guided by the values and principles of the organization. Your input is always encouraged.

If you have questions or comments about federal legislative activity, please contact Susang1961@aol.com.