Brief Description: Recognizing disability history in the public education system.

Sponsors: Senators McAuliffe, Rasmussen, Tom, Delvin, Shin, Kohl-Welles, Fairley and Fraser.

Hearing Date: 2/26/08

Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195).

Background:

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2002 about 18 percent of Americans said that they had a disability and 12 percent had a severe disability. Over the last two decades, there has been growing emphasis on research, teaching, and scholarship on the history of people with disabilities, as well as the history of disability and related social and civil rights movements.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature finds that annual recognition, throughout the public education system, of disability history will:

• increase awareness and understanding of the contributions that people with disabilities have made to the state, nation, and world;
• increase respect and promote acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities;
• inspire students with disabilities to feel a greater sense of pride;
• reduce harassment and bullying; and
• help keep students with disabilities in school.

Public schools and public institutions of higher education are required to conduct or promote educational activities that provide instruction, awareness, and understanding of disability history and people with disabilities. These activities shall take place annually during the month of October. They may include, but are not limited to, school assemblies or guest speaker presentations.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.