Melissa Shang is only in 8th grade but she’s already written a highly-rated novel and led an online petition that went viral. The young, talented writer and wheelchair user recently wrote an opinion essay for the New York Times that defends her preference for a positive perspective while writing about characters with disabilities. Check out her essay ‘Stories About Disability Don’t Have to Be Sad’ by clicking here.
K-12
Op-Ed: How Latest SCOTUS Decision Impacts Students with Disabilities
A new Supreme Court decision could make a major impact on services for students with disabilities. Read more
Black Children With Disabilities More Likely Targets of Discipline at Public Schools
An NBC investigation reveals that disciplinary actions in America’s public schools are far more likely to affect black children with disabilities than any other group. Read more
U.S. Dept. of Ed: New Guidance on Civil Rights of Students with Disabilities
Journalists might find story ideas in three new sets of guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, which provide assistance in interpreting federal civil rights laws governing students with disabilities. Read more
Texas Education Agency Demands Schools Educate Students with Disabilities
Facing criticism over enrollment targets, Texas’ education agency is directing schools to provide special education services for students with disabilities. Read more
Houston Chronicle Examines the Students “Denied” Special Education
A new series from the Houston Chronicle exposes problems in special education across the state of Texas. Read more
In Mississippi, A Battle Over Vouchers and Special Education
While school choice is a major point of contention in this year’s presidential campaign, the practice in action is causing problems for students with intellectual disabilities in Mississippi. Read more
Department of Justice Sues Georgia for Segregating Students with Disabilities
The Department of Justice is alleging that by separating students with behavioral disorders from other students, the state of Georgia illegally segregated schools. Read more
Parents Urge NYC Mayor to Improve Services for Students With Disabilities
At a rally this week, a group of New York City parents and educators came together to call for changes to services for students with disabilities in the city’s schools, including faster evaluations for children with special needs. This comes after a report released by New York’s education department found many of the city’s students with disabilities are vastly underserved. Read more
#NCDJChat: The National Center on Disability and Journalism’s First-Ever Twitter Chat
On November 30, the National Center on Disability and Journalism held its first ever Twitter chat with Heather Vogell, the winner of this year’s Katherine Schneider Journalism Award for Excellence in Reporting on Disability.