February 2005

To: Individuals Interested in the Education of Students with Disabilities

From: Rebecca H. Cort 

Subject:Announcement of Information and Public Comment Sessions on the Reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act - PDF (58KB)

The New York State Education Department, Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), has scheduled three “Information and Public Comment Sessions” on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as reauthorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004.  Most of the requirements in IDEA 2004 become effective on July 1, 2005.  A copy of the law may be accessed at: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/idea/home.html

Following each IDEA Information Session, individuals will have an opportunity to provide comments and recommendations regarding New York State's implementation of the new requirements in IDEA 2004, including required changes to State law and regulations and provisions that are at the option of the State to implement.  

At these sessions, we are also inviting comment on New York's "Special Education Regulatory Reform" proposal, which was presented to the Board of Regents in November 2004.  The intent of this proposal is to improve results and increase participation in the general education curriculum for students with disabilities, promote compliance with regulatory requirements and recognize high performing school districts.  Additional information on this topic is available from the Board of Regents website at: http://www.regents.nysed.gov/2004Meetings/November2004/1104emscvesidd2.htm.

You may also provide written public comment and recommendations on these topics by writing to:  VESID, Special Education Policy and Partnerships Unit, Room 1624 One Commerce Plaza, Albany, New York 12234, Attention P. Geary.  If you prefer, you may post your comments through the Internet using the following address: http://discus.nysed.gov/cgi-bin/discus-mando/discus.cgi.  Comments may also be faxed to 518-473-5387.

The sessions are scheduled as follows:

• Pre-registration is not required.  However, room capacity is limited as indicated above.
• You must bring photo identification and follow sign-in procedures, which may include a security scanning, as required at the door.
• Individuals may register to comment at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.  Comments can be oral or written.  Written comments that accompany oral remarks are optional.
• The meeting rooms are accessible to individuals with disabilities.
• Individuals who need accommodations for a disability in order to attend the meeting (i.e., interpreting services and material in an alternative format) should notify Carol Northrup, cnorthru@mail.nysed.gov, at 518-473-2878 no later than two weeks before the scheduled meeting date. 

Please check the following two VESID websites prior to the meeting dates for materials and any changes regarding these meetings:

http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/timely.htm and
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/idea/home.html

Questions regarding the IDEA Information and Public Comment Sessions may be directed to Lisa Luderman or Pat Geary at 518-473-2878.