Legislative Win on Short School Days
Disability Rights Oregon, concerned parents, and others have fought for years to limit the ability of school districts to shorten the school days of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities because of behavior problems. That’s what happens when they don’t get the help that they need.
Oregon State Law Limits Short School Days, but Falls Far Short of What is Needed
What the State Law Does
Ensures that parents are informed about their rights to object to shortened school days
Limits the ability of a district to shorten a child’s school day without:
an IEP meeting and
notice to the parent that shortened days should be a last resort
As a result of our advocacy SB 263 was enacted by the Oregon Legislature. This law that provides families of children with disabilities some notice of shortened school days, but falls far short of what is needed. The law went into effect on July 1, 2017.
Requirements of this new law have made a difference for many parents and their children, but there is much more to be done if we are to make sure that every Oregon child gets what he or she needs to attend school safely and successfully.
Ongoing Advocacy on Short School Days
Access to education is a cornerstone of preparing young people for life. A growing number of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state are being excluded from the classroom and school because of behaviors stemming from their disabilities. Some districts have dealt with behavioral issues by excluding students from school and substituting as little as one hour of tutoring per day at home.
Meet our Clients
Zack’s Story
Zack has behavioral needs related to his disability. When his needs weren't met, he wasn't allowed to attend a full day of school. Eventually, his education was reduced to five hours a week of tutoring at home. That meant he was isolated and missed out building his social skills with his peers.
His mother Lana works in Clackamas as an ambulance emergency medical technician. When Zack was pushed out of school, she was forced to take unpaid leave to care for him - an unsustainable situation that many Oregon families face.
Lana looked for in-home care workers that would allow her to return to work. But she couldn't find any with the skills needed to care for Zack.
Unable to afford to be at home without any income, she made the heart-wrenching decision to place her son in a Salem group home for boys who experience autism.
