Relates to instruction on the history of people with disabilities

4 Co-sponsors

• Patrick M. Gallivan
• Timothy M. Kennedy
• William J. Larkin Jr.
• Catharine Young

BILL NUMBER:S2962

Title of bill

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

Purpose or general idea of bill

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 available to elementary schools suitable curriculum materials to aid in the instruction on the understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities. This amendment seeks to make available educational materials to the department to provide these resources to secondary schools.

Summary of specific 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 educational 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 citizenship. With the rise of bullying and violence in schools this bill will influence and change how students view and interact with others of differing abilities.

Current law requires the NYS Board of Regents to create a curriculum that promotes mutual respect and understanding of people with disabilities to elementary school students. The intent of chapter 265 is to make available instructional materials for teachers to teach tolerance and, acknowledge the impact and contributions that individuals with disabilities have had on society.

When students learn that people with disabilities are more similar than different; that they have strengths and talents and want to participate in school activities, a foundation for good citizenship begins to develop.

Disability history and sensitivity will provide a forum for discussion, which will inspire 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.

The "Museum of Disability History" located in Western New York has worked with teachers, special educators, advocates and parents of children with disabilities to establish a educational materials for grades K-12 that highlights the history of people with disabilities, with a strong focus on awareness, sensitivity and diversity. Pilot programs in Western New York area schools have shown these educational materials are highly effective in the classroom.

These educational materials are free and readily accessible on the web, adding no cost to schools or the state.

Prior legislative history

2013-2014: S.1703-A/A. Passed Senate. 2011-2012: S.2352/A.8466 Passed Senate. 2009-2010: S.7930/A.10652 died in Education.

Fiscal implications

None to the state.

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.