Image via WikipediaI predicted back in July 2007 that bullying based upon disabilities was a hot button issue in special education law. Unfortunately, disability based bullying seems to be increasing rather than decreasing.
Last month a number of advocacy groups issued a report: "Walk a Mile in Their Shoes." You can review the report on the abilitypath.org website.
Last week the President and First Lady convened an anti-bullying summit at the White House.
This week Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) convened a briefing on the issue of bullying of kids with disabilities. Reports note that Rep. Speier is planning on introducing legislation requiring school districts to report bullying and to spell out the number of bullying incidents that involve kids with disabilities as targets.
A new government website provides students, teachers, administrators and other with tools to end bullying. Visit www.stop.bullying.gov/
More next week on the legal issues raised by bullying in Part II of this series.
