2017 0512 Barbara Raimando - Co-author HR 1120 - Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act - info for Connections Beyond Sight & Sound Advisory Committee Mtg - Columbia, MD

1. Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan
Macy Act, H.R. 1120
Barbara Raimondo, Esq.
Connections Beyond Sight and Sound
May 2017

2. Why is H.R. 1120 needed?
IDEA intends to ensure that the educational
needs of all eligible students are met – but
– Deaf, blind, and deafblind students are small in
number and diverse in characteristics
– School districts do not have necessary expertise or
resources

3. Cogswell/Macy Act = Enhanced IDEA
Ensure that all deaf, blind, and deafblind students are counted
as deaf, blind, or deafblind, regardless of co-occurring
disabilities
State plans to support deaf, blind, and deafblind and students –
States to address evaluations, personnel, education and
related services
Data tracking for deaf, blind, and deafblind students
“Special factors” - language and communication needs and
other unique learning needs, Expanded Core Curriculum

4. Cogswell/Macy Act = Enhanced IDEA
U.S. Department of Education to monitor on these
requirements
U.S. Department of Education regularly update policy
guidance for deaf, blind, and deafblind students
Part C early intervention provisions on natural
environment and meeting language and communication
needs
Teachers of deafblind students, interveners

5. Sponsors
Introduced in House 2/16/17
Sponsor: Matt Cartwright (PA)
15 Original Cosponsors, 15 additional Sponsors
Maryland: Reps. Cummings and Delaney

6. Strategy
Continue to meet with House to obtain more co-sponsors
Obtain Senate original sponsors and introduce in Senate
Educate Congress and the public about the needs of deaf, blind
and deafblind students
Obtain changes to law and policy necessary to fulfill IDEA’s
requirement of providing a Free Appropriate Public Education
to deaf, blind and deafblind students

7. Capitol Hill Advocacy Day
• 150 advocates
• 29 states
• 150 meetings
• Special appearance from Rep. Cartwright
• Several new cosponsors
• Next year save the date – February 28

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWmCwx
QPM1c
Video created by National Association of the
Deaf

9. Questions
• How much will it cost?
• What does the U.S. Department of Education
think?
• Is there opposition to this bill?
• When will IDEA be reauthorized?
• Should IDEA be reauthorized in these times?

10. Links
• Info about the bill from www.congress.gov
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-
congress/house-
bill/1120/cosponsors?q=%7B%22cosponsor-
state%22%3A%22Maryland%22%7D
• Web site to be live soon
www.cogswellmacyact.org

11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVS3H9Z2
FHM&feature=em-share_video_user
Video created by Heather Withrow