OT: Protest Speaker List: June 26th. 11-2PM Michigan Capitol for Special Education

[Guest guest]

We have a growing list of speakers for the special education rally,

March for Michigan's 249,000 + " Special Kids " on June 26 from 11-2

on the east steps of the Michigan Capitol that includes State Board

of Education President Kathleen Straus, State Board of Education

member Bauer, Senator Gilda s, Representative Tim

Melton (Tim is Chair of the House Education Committee), Mark

Mc the Education Director for Michigan Protection &

Advocacy, Roger McCarville (Disabilities Today Show), Potter

from UCP and others! If you have an interest in speaking in the

Rally contact Marcie Lipsitt- ASAP.

If any group(s)or individuals are interested in renting a table at

the June 26th March for Michigan's 249,000 + " Special Kids " on the

east steps of the Michigan Capitol. Please contact Marcie - ASAP at:

(willowgreen1(at)ameritech.net) or her cell number: or

home number: .

We will put an order in: (1) 6x18 table is $7.00, tablecloth is

$3.25 (optional), and each chair is $1.00 to rent. Trash cans are

$2.00 each. You can bring your own goodies to sell; pop and snacks,

etc. Set up a table for your organization or family and friends.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

We will have live music by Roger McCarville (Disabilities Today

Show) and other local Irish musicians. We will have face painting

for the children and other fun activities. We are encouraging

children, parents, families, friends and advocates to voice their

opinions.

Please, please spread this information on to other organizations

within Michigan!

Protest Highlights:

Lobbying the Michigan Legislature and especially members of the

House and Senate Education committees to " object " to the special

education rule revisions. Lobby Governor Granholm to rescind the

1996 executive orders and restore a check-and-balance system for

Michigan's students and especially those with disabilities. Lobby

the Michigan Legislature, MDE and Governor Granholm to bring

Michigan's Special Education rules into compliance with IDEA 2004

pursuant to " private placement at public expense 34 CFR 300.145,

300.146 & 300.147; and Extended School Year services. Design " both "

a modified and alternate assessment that aligns with Michigan's

standards/benchmarks and the general education curriculum and stop

allowing the use of the MI-Access " all 3 Functional, Supported

Independence and Participation " that set such a low bar even a limbo

expert couldn't climb under it. I'm open to discussion on all issues

that parents/stakeholders feel need addressing!

People this is our opportunity to improve the educational lives of

all of our children. Let's not blow it! We are an accomplice when we

don't use our voices, pens and e-mails to fight for our children's

civil rights to meaningful educational benefit for a lifetime of

maximum productivity