Conference moira::parenting_v3

691.0. "ALERT - Mass. parents" by ISLNDS::AMANN () Fri Feb 08 1991 14:14

    Your educationally handicapped child's rights to the best 
    possible education may be substantially ended in Massachusetts
    by February 21, the date Governor Weld has asked the state
    legislator to approve his "fiscal recovery act,"  unless you and
    others get involved and contact the Governor and your local 
    representatives.  The "fiscal recovery act" will result
    in Massachusett's educationally handicapped children returning to
    the "good old days" when schools could warehouse these youngsters
    in "special needs" rooms and provide them with whatever the local
    school officials felt was an "appropriate" education.
    
    The Weld Administration envisions legislation that will change the
    eligibility standard for students by eliminating children with attention
    defecit disorders, behavior disorders, non-specific learning
    disabilities and socially maladjusted children.
    
    Equally as frightening is the plan to remove the Massachussetts
    law's requirement of providing educationally handicapped youngsters
    with an education that provides "maximum feasible benefit."  Instead,
    these children will get an "appropriate education," and parents
    of handicapped kids with memories dating back to the 70's will 
    have chilling memories of what our state and local school 
    authorities considered "appropriate."
    
    I'm planning to hold a meeting at my home (Stow, Ma) with other
    parents of educationally handicapped youngsters.  Let me know if
    you'd like to come.
    
    Dick
    (508) 897-7924
    DTN 229-7818
    

    Whatever happened with this situation?