Special education is one of DRI’s FY 2026 Agency Areas of Focus. DRI seeks to ensure that K-12 students with disabilities remain in school and progress in the curriculum. DRI will educate lawmakers on the impact of bills related to the removal of students with disabilities from the K-12 classroom, the benefits of graduating from high school, and the positive outcomes that are possible from attending postsecondary programs.
Disability Rights Iowa’s special education policy focus:
- Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) outline the educational services and supports crucial to student success. DRI will educate policymakers on the importance of ensuring schools develop and include appropriate positive behavioral intervention goals in students’ IEPs to keep students in their classroom. Appropriate positive behavioral intervention plans will also identify how to avoid use of restraints, seclusion, and permanent removal from an inclusive classroom setting.
- In partnership with the Developmental Disabilities Council and other key stakeholders, DRI will educate policymakers on the impact of supporting and investing in opportunities for Iowa students with developmental disabilities to attend comprehensive programs helping students move through graduation and postsecondary programs that develop their skills for independent, community-based living, as well as opportunities to pursue higher education, and avoid unnecessary placement in restrictive or institutional settings.
High Impact
Disability Rights Iowa may address “High Impact’ bills with DRI written and/or in-person summary of the impact of that bill on Iowa’s Disability Community, personal contacts, and education on the impact of the proposed bill.
There are no High Impact Voting Focus Bills at this time.
Medium Impact
DRI may address Medium Impact bills with letters, often in conjunction with other disability partners.
There are no Medium Impact Voting Focus Bills at this time.
Tracking Impact
Bills DRI classifies as Tracking Impact., will be closely followed but DRI will generally not take action or a position on these bills.
There are no Tracking Impact Voting Focus Bills at this time.
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