A&M International Slates Forum on Disabilities Education Act

Parents, school administrators, supervisors, teachers, and professionals responsible for ensuring that students with disabilities receive effective services are invited to register for a forum on the legal and practical applications of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The forum, which is sponsored by Texas A&M International University's Office of Continuing Education, will be held at the University on Tuesday, April 21 from 3 - 7 p.m. in Bullock Hall room 204.

Tuition is $50 per participant. Interested persons may register for the forum by visiting the University's Office of Continuing Education located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 332.

Presenters will be two A&M International faculty members, Dr. Brigido Lopez, assistant professor of Educational Administration, and Dr. Randel Brown, assistant professor of education.

The forum will focus on the legal and procedural mandates regarding the federally legislated IDEA and Section 504. IDEA is intended to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for employment and independent living. Section 504, which is broader in scope than the IDEA, applies to any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Issues surrounding the legislation will be examined and ways to effectively and efficiently implement IDEA and Section 504 within the school setting will be discussed.

For more information on the forum, please call the Office of Continuing Education at 326-2700, or visit offices in the Killam Library room 332. Office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Information may also be secured by email at ojmunoz@tamiu.edu.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu