LINCOLN, Neb. – As Nebraska moves further into the school year, the ACLU of Nebraska and Education Rights Counsel are reminding school and state leaders that Nebraska students with disabilities must receive equal access to education even as distance learning presents challenges.
The advocacy organizations sent a cosigned letter to Governor Pete Ricketts and Commissioner of Education Matt Blomstedt on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
More than 55,000 children with disabilities live in Nebraska. The letter notes the compounding challenges that came with the COVID-19 pandemic for these children and their families, including a loss of access to federally mandated services and support programs, such as occupational therapy or one-to-one aides.
“Under ordinary circumstances, disabled students are a vulnerable population. However, the challenges they face have multiplied during the pandemic,” the letter reads in part. “We urge you to act now—quickly, decisively, and with every resource at your disposal— to ensure our students receive the equal access to education to which they are entitled.”
The letter includes a detailed list of specific recommendations to enhance in-person and distance learning for students with disabilities, such as diversifying schedules to meet family needs. It also recommends extending access to special education and related services during school breaks and next summer.
The letter in full is available for download online.
As part of its work defending civil rights and civil liberties, the ACLU strives for an America free of discrimination against people with disabilities; where people with disabilities are valued, integrated members of society. For ACLU media requests, please email Sam Petto at spetto@aclunebraska.org.
Education Rights Counsel provides special education and student discipline legal services and support to Nebraska’s low-income families and the community as part of its mission to make education better for all students and families. For ERC media requests, please email Lauren Micek Vargas at lmv@educationrightscounsel.org.
