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Eighteen percent of children in the United States have a disability or condition that requires some supplemental intervention or support. That is six million students. In public schools, most children with disabilities spend the majority of their days in an inclusive classroom. These children are flourishing. They are learning. …
The Individuals with Disabilities Act was passed in 2004. It has not been around for long; however, it has created a difference in the lives of students in public schools. Students have their own Individualized Education Plans that help promote their learning.
Private schools obviously do not have to abide by this law; they do not get any funding from it.
A Jewish education and an inclusive education are not interchangeable. Jewish private schools need to work harder to include students with disabilities. What really matters is that a child with a disability who comes to a school should not have to pay more for services. It has already cost the family enough to get testing and to diagnose a child. … If a child needs services for a disability and also wants a Jewish education, he or she should be able to get one. … I am encouraging you to help these students and to make sure that all Jewish students in our community feel included.
Jessica Cohen
Baltimore
