Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) November 14, 2015

TO: Special Education Directors
FROM: Special Education Division
DATE: November 6, 2015
SUBJECT: Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) November 14, 2015

The White House and U.S. Department of Education are inviting interested individuals to view live celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on Saturday, November 14, 2015.

From 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the White House, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Delegated Deputy Secretary John King, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) Assistant Secretary Michael Yudin, and OSERS’ Office of Special Education Programs Director Melody Musgrove join the stage with youth impacted by IDEA, experts who will speak about the history and progress of IDEA, and families and teachers from the field who will provide their unique perspectives and celebrate this landmark legislation. View this event on the White House website.

From 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., a panel of distinguished researchers including Sharon Vaughn, Lynn Fuchs, Rob Horner, Lise Fox, Michael Wehmeyer, Lisa Dieker and David Test will share the state of evidence in special education and look towards the future for promoting even greater educational achievement by students with disabilities. View the IDEA Symposium on the EdStream website.

The U.S. Department of Education is also looking for stories from children, youth and other individuals with disabilities, parents, teachers, researchers and all other IDEA stakeholders about the personal impact this law has had on them. Submit art, photographs and stories by November 10, 2015 to the IDEA 40th Anniversary Web site for possible use for upcoming events in Washington, D.C. celebrating the 40th Anniversary of IDEA.

For more information, contact Robyn Widley at 651-582-1143 or robyn.widley@state.mn.us.