In 1975, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Under this act all individuals with a disability ages 3-22 are guaranteed free and specialized education to address their specific needs. As stated by the National Dissemination Center for Children with disabilities, there are currently more than 6 million children receiving special education services in the United States. Some of these individuals will be able to get work after graduation, but what about the others who may not have the skills or ability to hold full time or even part time jobs. Unfortunately, there is a lack of services targeted towards those who are unable to work or live on their own due to more severe deficits.
For those individuals with more severe disabilities, it is essential to provide them with the skills and opportunities after graduation so that they are able to live a fulfilling and supportive life.
Federally funded Continuing Education Programs implemented across the US would give these individuals the life, social, and work skills needed to achieve independence and employment in the future.
By signing this petition, we will be speaking out for the 70% of individuals with intellectual disabilities who are currently unemployed (U.S Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 2011) and may benefit from Continuing Education Programs.