According to Wrightslaw, http://bit.ly/wrightslaw_sap, the State Advisory Panel is the "The Most Powerful Advocacy Tool in IDEA 2004." It is also one of the most overlooked tools parents have. The panel provides the state department of education with guidance about special education and related services for children with disabilities. Notably, a majority of the members of the panel must be individuals with disabilities or parents of children with disabilities.
In Washington State the State Advisory Panel is known as SEAC or Special Education Advisory Council. In prior years, the SEAC has not been very active in providing the advisory function that is required by IDEA. WAAA has met with OSPI's new Assistant Superintendent for Special Education, Glenna Gallo, and is hopeful that OSPI as well as SEAC are allowing parents to have a stronger voice in SEAC.
Attorney Mary Griffin, WAAA's Special Education Program Director, will be traveling to Tumwater on Thursday, July 19 to attend SEAC's last meeting of the year. Mary will be there for the entirety of the meeting. Mary previously has written a letter to SEAC concerning reporting of restraint and isolation statistics. This issue will be discussed at the meeting between 9 and 10 am. Parent and others can provide input on matters related to special education by attending the meeting and commenting during the commenting period from 2:15 to 3:15. Parties interested in providing public comment may also contact the SEAC Executive Assistant at 360-725- 6075 or by email at SEAC@k12.wa.us by July 16.
Come and say "Hello" to Mary at the meeting! If you have any questions, please contact Mary Griffin in the WAAA office at 425-894-7231 or via email at mary@washingtonautismadvocacy.
WHAT: SEAC meeting
WHERE: The Capital Event Center, ESD 113, 6005 Tyee Dr SW, Tumwater, WA.
WHEN: Thursday, July 19, 2018 from 8:30 am to 4 pm
AGENDA: http://bit.ly/SEAC_Jul_2018
PARENT COMMENTING: 2:15 - 3:15 pm OR via email or phone (as above)