Apply to be a member of the State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children

People with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, and professionals in the disability field can apply for the Ohio Department of Education's State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children (SAPEC). Nominations for membership will be accepted for a three year term beginning July 1, 2012. People can self-nominate or nominate people they know. The deadline to apply is February 29, 2012.

The purpose of SAPEC is to provide input to the Office for Exceptional Children regarding policies, practices and issues related to the education of children and youth with disabilities who are between the ages of birth through twenty-one. In addition to the required federal mandates for State Advisory Panel members, SAPEC will investigate best practices and anticipate future needs for special education in Ohio.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA) requires that every state establish an advisory panel to help guide it in ensuring the highest quality of education for students with disabilities. State Advisory Panel membership, as prescribed in IDEA, includes a variety of constituents which are listed in the attached membership application. The majority of members must be individuals with disabilities or parents of children with disabilities.

For more information: State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children Seeking Members