June 1st - IAASE Blog: In depth look at the Federal Committee

     The Federal Committee is currently composed of 12 members and is tasked with “monitoring

federal legislation, identifying and informing the membership of current national laws and

issues.” The committee is to study and make recommendations of actions to be taken on behalf

of IAASE and individual members.

    One of the best ways of getting our voices heard at the federal level is to participate in the

Special Education Legislative Summit (SELS). I had the honor of going to Washington, DC for

SELS 2019 as part of Team Illinois. The conference was an amazing opportunity to make a

difference for children with special needs, to have personal conversations with legislators and

staffers, and to build relationships with like minded educators from around the country. In 2019,

Team Illinois met with a member of Congress from every district in Illinois to ask for full funding

for IDEA. We were able to share personal stories with those in charge to see how the shortage

of funding impacts our students who need the most services. Many legislators signed on to the

full funding bill as sponsors as a result of our efforts. We also left our contact information and

offered to be resources for legislators if ever they needed to hear from the field.

    Due to the pandemic, SELS 2020 looked different and was adapted. It was not as glamorous as

Team Illinois lobbied from our home offices by phone or computer. However the passion for

helping students with disabilities continued. Just as it was in person, we joined together to be

briefed on the issues facing special education across the country. We contacted our legislators

and had those personal conversations in spite of the travel restrictions.

Although the conference will again be virtual, I will return to have my voice heard. I encourage

all members to participate. You may be worried that you are not as knowledgeable on

legislative matters as you think would be needed to participate. This is simply not the case.

CEC/CASE will provide the background knowledge that you need and prepare you for those

conversations. Team Illinois will provide all the scaffolding that you need to feel confident in

your lobbying efforts. No one will go alone and experienced members will virtually accompany

those who are new to the process. IAASE members bring the most important knowledge to

SELS and it isn’t political. Our membership is passionate about doing what is right for children

with disabilities. We have lived experiences to share and we are ready to educate those in

power who can help our students.

    In closing, I would like to encourage all members to sign up to participate in SELS. We need

representation from every part of the state. Please join me at SELS 2021 to have our voices

heard.

You may register for free at:

https://exceptionalchildren.org/sels