Relates to instruction on the history of people with disabilities

1 Co-sponsor

• Michael Cusick

35 Multi-sponsors

• Peter Abbate
• James Bacalles
• Jonathan Bing
• Daniel Burling
• Nancy Calhoun
• Joan Christensen
• William Colton
• Vivian Cook
• Jane Corwin
• Janet Duprey
• Joseph Giglio
• Deborah Glick
• Richard Gottfried
• Aileen Gunther
• Ellen C. Jaffee
• Micah Kellner
• David Koon
• Donna Lupardo
• Alan Maisel
• John McEneny
• Thomas McKevitt
• Marcus Molinaro
• Robert Oaks
• Amy Paulin
• Audrey Pheffer
• Jack Quinn III
• Michelle Schimel
• Frank Skartados
• Mike Spano
• Robert Sweeney
• Fred Thiele
• Louis Tobacco
• Darryl Towns
• Harvey Weisenberg
• David Weprin

BILL NUMBER:A10852

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to instruction on the history of people with disabilities

Purpose

This bill would promote greater awareness and understanding of people with disabilities by amending current education law (Chapter 265 of the Laws of 2000) which requires the NYS Education Department to make avail- able to elementary schools suitable curriculum materials to aid in the instruction on the understanding and acceptance of people with disabili- ties. This amendment will require the department to provide the curric- ulum to secondary schools.

Summary of provisions

Subdivision 5 of section 801 of the education law is amended to include grades seven to twelfth grades in the instruction in the understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities.

Justification

Chapter 265 of the laws of 2000 was enacted to promote the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act which requires a less restrictive educa- tional environment for students with disabilities. As more students with disabilities are placed in mainstream classrooms, the need to promote tolerance and acceptance is a core component of teaching good citizen- ship. With the rise of violence in schools this bill will influence and change how students view and interact with others of differing abili- ties.

Current law requires the NYS Board of Regents to create a curriculum that promotes mutual respect and understanding of people with disabili- ties to elementary school students. The intent of chapter 265 is to teach tolerance and, acknowledge the impact and contributions that indi- viduals with disabilities have had on society. When students learn that people with disabilities are more similar than different, have strengths and talents, and want to participate in school activities, a foundation for good citizenship begins to develop. Disability History curriculum will provide a forum for discussion and inspires respect for individual differences and ultimately provides a roadmap for creating an accepting society.

It is the state's responsibility to provide a sound basic education to all students. Included in the NYS Board of Regents learning standards are goals to provide the educational framework that promotes citizenship and civic responsibility. Chapter 265 made it possible for elementary schools (grades kindergarten through sixth grade) to better prepare young students to be more tolerant to the differences that make each of us unique.

This legislation would continue in that spirit by requiring secondary schools to teach a disabilities curriculum in seventh through twelfth grades.

The "Museum of Disability History" located in Western New York has worked with teachers, special educators, advocates and parents of chil- dren with disabilities to establish a curriculum for grades K-12 that highlights the history of people with disabilities, with a strong focus on awareness, sensitivity and diversity. Pilot programs in WNY area schools have shown the curriculum to be effective in the classroom. This curriculum is free and readily accessible on the web, adding no cost to schools or the state.

Legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law, and shall apply to all school years which commence on or after its effective date.