Effective citizen involvement is the key to protecting the rights of children with disabilities. You can write, call and meet with members of Congress and their staff to advocate for the rights of children with disabilities.

Meeting with members of Congress and their staff.
Forming relationships with staff in Congressional offices is important. You don’t have to come all the way to Washington.  Meeting regularly with staff in local Congressional offices helps keep them abreast of special education issues and legislation of importance to you. You can find local offices in the blue pages of your phone book or through the websites of your Congressional Representatives (go to www.house.gov/ and use the Find Your Representative function in the upper left corner) and Senators (go to www.senate.gov and click on Senators).

Important Congressional Committees.
Two Committees have primary jurisdiction over matters related to special education. The Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP) is chaired by Senator Tom Harkin; the ranking member is Senator Michael B. Enzi. The House Education and Labor Committee is chaired by Representative George Miller and the ranking member is Buck McKeon. The two committee websites have full lists of the membership.

Track Legislation.
Once legislation is introduced, you can look up bills and track them on the Library of Congress’ website, www.congress.gov.

Overview of Congressional Process.
Learn the process by which Congress passes pending legislation into law.

Communication Tips
Read some tips on writing effective emails and letters to Congress here (courtesy of Leaders in Disability Policy).