Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 4 · column 2 of 6 · from the scan, no model involved
tervention are less likely to be “normalized” into society as adults and that taxpayers will bear the cost in the form of institutionalization, daycare programs and unemployment. Given that it costs the state at least $35,000 a year to institutionalize a handicapped person, special education is remarkably cost effective.
Public Law 94-142 and corresponding Virginia regulations guarantee each handicapped child between the ages of two and 22 a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. The law requires the local school district to prepare an individualized education plan based on the student’s unique needs and provides for parental participation.
On paper, this was a mtqor victory for handicapped children. Parents slept better knowing that their children were protected by federal legislation. Little did they know they would have to work as hard to enforce the law as they did to ensure its passage. More than 10 years since the enactment of the law it is apparent that many local school districts are still not complying with the legislation.
This is not to say that Public Law 94-142 has not had an impact on special education in Virginia. The situaJ tion is much improved. But particularly in light of Gov. Gerald Baliles’ recent emphasis on excellence in education, it is a shame that many parents must fight so hard to obtain services to which their children are entitled.
The reality is that special education is an investment which pays off for all citizens, not just handicapped children and their parents.
Ms. Brandt is associate director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia.
■sesa*-.
95.1%