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Bullying in Schools Could Violate Anti-Discrimination Laws

/in /by The Arc

The Department of Education issued guidance last week to support educators in combating bullying in schools by clarifying when student bullying may violate federal education anti-discrimination laws. The guidance comes in the form of a “Dear Colleague” letter sent to schools, colleges and universities, explaining educators’ legal obligations to protect students from student-on-student racial and national origin harassment, sexual and gender-based harassment, and disability harassment. President Obama also recorded a message about the problem broadcast on YouTube.

The White House and Department of Education also announced next steps to address bullying and harassment in schools. Early next year, the White House will host a conference to raise awareness and equip young people, parents, educators, coaches and other community leaders with tools to prevent bullying and harassment. This conference will build upon efforts led by the U.S. Department of Education and other federal agencies to spark a dialogue on the ways in which communities can come together to prevent bullying and harassment.

“We’ve got to dispel the myth that bullying is just a normal rite of passage, or an inevitable part of growing up. It’s not,” said President Obama. “We have an obligation to ensure that our schools are safe for all of our kids. Every single young person deserves the opportunity to learn and grow and achieve their potential, without having to worry about the constant threat of harassment.”

Following the release of today’s guidance, the Department plans to hold technical assistance workshops around the country in early 2011 to help educators better understand their obligations and the resources available to take prompt and effective steps that will end harassment and bullying in schools and on college campuses.

The Obama administration launched a Stop the Bullying Now campaign and www.bullyinginfo.org, a national database of effective anti-bullying programs. Read the “Dear Colleague” letter here or hear the President’s message here (or view it above).

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The Arc of Indiana’s John Dickerson on the “Real Problem”

/in /by The Arc

On Wednesday, the Associated Press reported that some state workers in Indiana suggested leaving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at homeless shelters if they can’t be cared for at home due to decreased funding for support services.

The Arc of Indiana’s John Dickerson wrote on his blog about the “real problem.”

He said:

No family who cares for a loved one with a developmental disability—such as autism, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy—should ever be told that a homeless shelter is an option. But, punishing state employees will not address a very real problem.

The real problem is that viable options are not being made available to families due to Indiana’s revenue short fall and changes in state policy. Families in need are facing a crisis in receiving critical services.

What can you do to help?

  • Learn a bit more about what we do.
  • If you’re in Indiana, join The Arc and contribute to the solution.
  • Or you can make a donation, and know that it will go a long way in helping create solutions to this pressing issue.
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Indiana Ends Food Aid for People With Developmental Disabilities

/in /by The Arc

The Arc of Indiana’s John Dickerson, the chapter’s executive director, says:

We’ve got to have some sort of a way to cover people in the meantime because otherwise this new food policy could leave people without any food budget at all.

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Top 10 Reasons to Attend The Arc’s National Convention in Florida

/in /by Shelly DeButts

Convention Speaker image1. Get an overview of the newly established Autism NOW! Center funded by a $1.87 million grant from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities.

2. Hear from Sharon Lewis, Commissioner of the ADD, and Melody Musgrove, Director of the Office of Special Education, U.S. Department of Education. Both are speaking at this year’s plenary session.

3. Attend the closing dinner to celebrate Paul Marchand’s 38-year career and contributions to The Arc.

4. Take advantage of networking at the single biggest gathering of the year for self-advocates and families, members of The Arc, employees, board members, experts, and disability professionals.

5. Celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Arc and get excited about the next 60 years.

6. Witness the unveiling of The Arc’s new brand identity.

7. Enjoy sunny Florida and dance the night away at a party hosted by The Arc of Florida.

8. Tell your story and be part of The Archive as we record the oral histories of people involved in the intellectual and developmental disability movement.

9. Let Hammer Travel handle the headache of getting there with special travel arrangements personalized for people with disabilities.

10. Have your voice heard and participate in the future of The Arc through elections, forums, roundtable sessions, and more.

To register, visit the Convention website.