Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act over three decades ago. The law is specifically designed “to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education . . . designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living,” and “to ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and parents of such children are protected.” COPAA is committed to making these two purposes a reality for the millions of children with disabilities and their parents.

Today, there are 7.1 million children with disabilities in America. Many students with disabilities receive good educations; however, far too many receive educations that are weak and inadequate. School districts fail to identify children with disabilities and provide ineffective services to others. IDEA’s enforcement depends on the right of parents to seek a hearing before an impartial hearing officer. This right is only meaningful if parents can exercise it. But parents, whom Congress envisioned as equal partners in developing their children’s educational programs, face a playing field that is neither level nor fair. COPAA is committed to creating a level playing field for parents, and to ensuring that children with disabilities receive the same high-quality education as all children. The time for equal opportunity for children with disabilities is now.

COPAA’s Public Policy work, primarily at the national level, is steered by our Governmental Affairs Committee, under the direction of the COPAA Board.  Read more about the public policy priorities approved by the Board for the current year.