Testimony on Monday June 11th for proposed changes in IDEA.....we are speaking.....

WHAT: On May 9, 2007, the proposed rules for Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) were published in the Federal Register. The proposed regulations would implement changes made to the IDEA by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004. In proposing to amend the regulations, the Department seeks to ensure that states make early intervention services available to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families in a timely and effective manner. Early identification of children in need of early intervention services and provision of those services in a timely and effective manner are critically important to ensuring the future success of infants and toddlers with disabilities. The proposed Part C regulations would revise Part C of the IDEA to increase flexibility for, and require accountability of, states in their provision of early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. The proposed rules would restructure the current regulations to align with statutory requirements, increase state flexibility and options, provide needed clarification on complex provisions, reduce administrative burdens on states, ensure state accountability for child find and service provision, and align the IDEA Part C regulations, where practicable, with the IDEA Part B regulations, while creating a freestanding document. Comments on the proposed Part C regulations are welcome and will be considered by the Department in its development of the final regulations. You may submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov, or via postal mail, commercial delivery, or hand delivery. In addition, OSERS is holding a series of public meetings to seek comments and suggestions on the proposed Part C regulations. WHEN: Monday, June 11, 2007 4:00 p.m.—7:30 p.m. WHERE: Indiana Government Center South Conference Center (Auditorium) 402 W. Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 DETAILS: There is no advanced registration for these public meetings, nor any cost. Registration will take place at the door. The meetings are accessible to individuals with disabilities. CONTACT: Katherine Race, 202-245-6443, katherine.race@ed.gov www.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/part-c/nprm/