Letter to Parents

Dear Parents,
My name is Jessica Burns and I will be teaching your children this semester. There are a few things would like you to know about the class, and how I plan to involve everyone in my teachings. There are three different acts surrounding education and working with the disabled. They are: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA], Americans with Disability Act [ADA], and the Assistive Technology Act [ATA].
I am sharing this with you so that you may feel comfortable speaking with me or another member of the staff if you are having any problems or concerns with your children. IDEA is an act that provides guidelines and requirements for each state. Each state must provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to receive an education and various other services. The state then helps them to build an Individualized Education Program [IEP]. With this the individuals can then receive the education, and time that is needed to have a better future. If you would like to know more about this funding you may contact me or another qualified professional to see if you meet the requirements and the steps that should be taken. There are also links at the bottom of this letter if you would like to get more information on anything.
The ADA act was put into place to help Americans with disabilities to not be discriminated against. If a person with a disability applies for a job and meets the qualification requirements, they shall have an equal opportunity for employment. It is my job as a teacher to help your children get the most out of this school year and I intend to do just that. If there is any special assistance needed please don’t hesitate to ask. My goal is to give everyone an equal start to their bright futures.
The ATA act was passed with the knowledge that technology is becoming a big part of education and people’s everyday lives. With this knowledge Congress passed this law stating the government will fund Assistive Technology, AT. AT is used to help individuals with disabilities in their personal lives and to become more involved. With this act we are able to use government funding for any type of educational requirement that a student might need to receive. It is important that you let me know so I am able to assist you and your child in receiving the best education possible
In short, I am implementing all of these into my class room. I am able to help provide you with a person that can draw up the IEP’s and can help us to apply for the appropriate funding. If you have any questions or need anything don’t hesitate to let me know. I am here to provide the best learning and environment for learning that I am capable of. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Jessica Burns

List of group members posts
http://jiamarieacree.blogspot.com/
http://cfdraw.blogspot.com/
http://heatherdavis202edtech.blogspot.com/
http://jocelynstearns.blogspot.com/
http://ryleemcclellan.blogspot.com/
http://timyoungblood.blogspot.com/
http://trush-trush.blogspot.com/
http://willwardwell.blogspot.com/


All About IDEA
http://specialed.about.com/od/idea/a/ideadefined.htm
The Americans with Disabilities Act,
Http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/ada.html
ATA source
http://www.section508.gov/docs/AT1998.html