Releases Special Education Resource Guide for Parents, listing more than 20 areas of assistance and 150+ vendors
(New Orleans - December 2, 2020) – In observance of National Special Education Day, NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is proud to unveil a new comprehensive Special Education Resource Guide. The guide is a way to rapidly connect people in new ways to create real and impactful change in the lives of special needs students and their families.
“The guide was created to reduce and/or eliminate barriers for locating special education resources for caregivers. It’s available, in print and online, and it seeks to help families find assistance immediately,” said NOLA-PS Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. “With better information, not only can individuals and families use program resources more efficiently, but they can also be matched more effectively to their individual needs.”
After receiving input from NOLA-PS’ Special Education Advisory Council, the Enrollment Team, schools, parents, and other partners, the Exceptional Children’s Services Department (ECS) has been working tirelessly to compose a thorough set of resources, with embedded accessibility features, for diverse learners across the city of New Orleans. The Special Education Resource Guide is a living document that contains more than 20 areas of assistance, boasting more than 150 organization and providers.
The vision of NOLA Public Schools notes, “All students receive a high-quality education that fosters their individual capabilities, while ensuring that they thrive and are prepared for civic, social, and economic success.” With the unveiling of this new guide, NOLA-PS is proudly providing another resource that will ensure the execution of the District’s vision statement.
Printed copies of the guide can be picked-up at the following locations:
NOLA-PS Exceptional Children’s Services Departments / Family Resource Centers:
NOLA-PS Family Resource Center:
About National Special Education Day
On December 2nd, National Special Education Day commemorates the anniversary of the nation’s first federal special education law. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was signed into law on December 2, 1972.
IDEA made education available to all American children and this day honors the progress that has been made in special education. Before IDEA, many individuals with disabilities received little to no education. Schools were not required to make accommodations for children with disabilities. While some states offered special schools, the education and resources were not necessarily equal. Additionally, many parents couldn’t afford to send their children away to a special school.
The law stipulated that children with disabilities had a right to the same free education that every other child had access to. Between the ages of 3 and 21, there are 13 different areas where children may qualify under the IDEA for services. IDEA was instrumental in increasing graduation rates for students with disabilities.
IDEA resulted in many changes beyond bringing students equal education. The integration of students also helps to remove the stigma of disabilities. Another result of IDEA was the stimulation of technology for students with disabilities and for the classrooms. These technologies improved the education of all students.
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About NOLA Public Schools: NOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish. It includes the district’s administration and elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 76 public schools and is led by Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr.
For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.