Educating Girls with Disabilities
AAUW, in accordance with its 2007-2009 Public Policy Program, is committed to ensuring "adequate and equitable funding for quality public educational opportunities for all students."1 For girls, and those with disabilities in particular, additional safeguards and precautions may be necessary to ensure that their unique needs are not overlooked. AAUW is concerned that, while Congress and the states have historically sought to provide adequate funds to meet the needs of children with disabilities, there may be an underlying issue that is not addressed by current legislation.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act gave public schools a high bar for accountability in order to demonstrate they are serving all students equally. The underlying presumption, however, is that IDEA funds and standards adequately serve the right students. AAUW is concerned that many girls with disabilities may not qualify for IDEA services — not because they do not need special education, but because of potentially inadequate assessment of disability status.
For more information, call 202/785-7793 or e-mail VoterEd@aauw.org.
AAUW Public Policy and Government Relations
1 2007-09 AAUW Public Policy Program (approved July 2007).
