MAAPS celebrates 50 years of IDEA!
the Massachusetts Association of Approved Special Education Schools (MAAPS) brought together nearly 400 policy leaders, students, families, educators and special education advocates at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Boston to celebrate 50 years of the landmark Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). One of the nation’s most important civil rights laws, IDEA became federal law in November 1975 and guarantees every child in the U.S. access to a free and appropriate public education, regardless of their ability.
Speakers and supporters:
Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Rep. Alice Peisch, Sen. John Keenan, Student Rebecca Yelle (Children's Center for Communication Beverly School for the Deaf), Parent Lyla Puggioni (Campus School at Boston College)
Additional Statements of support from:
Rep. Katherine Clark, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Susan Collins, Sen. Ed Markey, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Rep. Ayanna Pressley
Photo Credit: Andrea Spano at AK Photography