| SB 6743-S - DIGEST |
| (DIGEST AS ENACTED) |
Requires the office of the superintendent of public instruction, in collaboration with the department of health, the department of social and health services, educational service districts, local school districts, the autism center at the University of Washington, and the autism society of Washington, to distribute information on child find responsibilities under Part B and Part C of the federal individuals with disabilities education act, as amended, to agencies, districts, and schools that participate in the location, evaluation, and identification of children who may be eligible for early intervention services or special education services. |
Requires the office of the superintendent of public instruction, in collaboration with the department of health and the department of social and health services, to develop posters to be distributed to medical offices and clinics, grocery stores, and other public places with information on autism and how parents can gain access to the diagnosis and identification of autism and contact information for services and support. |
| VETO MESSAGE ON SSB 6743 |
| March 28, 2008 |
| To the Honorable President and Members, |
| The Senate of the State of Washington |
| Ladies and Gentlemen: |
| I am returning, without my approval as to Section 1, Substitute Senate Bill 6743 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to autism awareness instruction for teachers of students with autism." |
| This bill provides for training and guidelines for teachers of students with autism. |
| Section 1 includes an extensive listing of items for an autism guidebook that is being developed by the Caring for Washington Individuals with Autism Task Force with staff support from the Department of Health. These items are very specific regarding possible strategies and activities that could be included to support children with autism in our public schools. |
| The OSPI already has a guide developed as a resource for both educators and parents, produced by the Autism Outreach Project, which maintains an informational web site as well as an e-mail address for communication with individuals with specific questions and concerns. I believe that this guide is the most appropriate document to address the many issues raised in Section 1. |
| Therefore, I have asked the OSPI to update its guide and to emphasize tools for parents to use. I have also asked that this updated guide be distributed to educational service districts, school districts, appropriate school employees and parent advocacy groups. |
| Additionally, I have asked the Professional Educator Standards Board and the OSPI to develop recommendations for autism awareness instruction and methods of teaching students with autism that will strengthen learning for students. The recommendations will address appropriate content in teacher preparation and professional development. These reports will be completed by December 1, 2008. |
| For these reasons, I am vetoing Section 1 of Substitute Senate Bill 6743. |
| With the exception of Section 1, Substitute Senate Bill 6743 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Christine Gregoire |
| Governor |