The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has made public education accessible to millions of students with disabilities
Alumni and professionals in the field of special education are invited to join National University in the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) this month.
Passage of the federal legislation in 1975 provided access to a quality public education for a growing population of children with disabilities. Today more than 6 million students are benefiting directly from that landmark legislation.
To mark IDEA's 30th anniversary, Congress has passed a resolution reaffirming support for the law's principles that all children with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.
As California's leading source for teachers with special education credentials, National University is also marking the 30th anniversary of IDEA with a series of events throughout the state.
In San Diego, former California State Senator Dee Dee Alpert will serve as keynote speaker at a November 29 event to celebrate the impact and legacy of the federal legislation upon special education and disabled students. Ms. Alpert will join National University Provost Cathleen Greiner, School of Education Dean Gloria Johnston and others at the Spectrum Academic Center at 4 p.m. on the 29th to mark the historic landmark in public education. Alumni are encouraged to attend.
Patricia Hitchen will be the keynote speaker at National University in San Bernardino on November 29. She is a special needs student who earned a bachelor's and master's degree from National University.
Mary Ellen Peterson of Parents Helping Parents will speak at the IDEA celebration at the academic center in San Jose on November 29. There will also be a puppet show by Kids on the Block, an ensemble that promotes special education awareness.
There will also be a reception at National University in Fresno on the 29th.
For more information on IDEA 30th anniversary celebrations in your community, contact Jane Duckett, chair of the department of special education and technology in the School of Education. She can be reached at jduckett@nu.edu
