DDC joins campaign to boost funding for special education

By MARIAN A. MARAYA

Staff Reporter

The Governor’s Developmental with Disabilities Council is spearheading a drive to collect 500 signatures in support of a nationwide petition to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

The council is currently routing the petition in various public and private agencies, hoping to gather more signatures that could push President Clinton and the U.S. Congress to increase the current IDEA federal funding from 13 to 40 percent.

According to the National Campaign to Fully Fund the IDEA group, the 13 percent federal share falls far short of the funds needed to assist states and territories in providing special education and related services to students with disabilities.

At the current rate, each pupil with disabilities is only entitled to $770 per year whereas a 27 percent hike from the existing share could raise each child’s yearly allotment to $2,511.

“Sometimes, IDEA even gets less than 13 percent depending on the availability of the funds. We need more funds to assist children with disabilities get quality and adequate education,” said DD Council Executive Director Thomas J. Camacho.

The nationwide campaign has also gained the support of local leaders and institutions.

The House of Representatives early this month has passed a resolution urging President Clinton and the U.S. Congress to fully fund the IDEA to ensure that all children with disabilities have free access to education with emphasis on special education and related services designed to meet unique needs and prepare them for employment and independent living.

The Senate also approved a resolution promoting the rights of people with disabilities, also recognizing the 10th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as well as the 25th anniversary of IDEA.

Legislators also vowed to back the full implementation of and compliance with federal civil rights laws (ADA and IDEA), increase outreach and technical assistance so that people with disabilities and families are educated on their rights under these laws, and provide adequate funding for monitoring, oversight, and enforcement of ADA and IDEA.

Meanwhile, the Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council yesterday presented to various disability-oriented service providers a resolution recognizing their efforts for providing excellent and valuable services to individuals with disabilities in the CNMI.

The recognition was presented to the GDDC, the Vocational Rehabilitation, the Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy System Inc., the Northern Marianas College’s University Affiliated Program as they mark the annual celebrations of the IDEA and ADA.