The special ed teacher crisis, a controversial federal proposal affecting pay for Direct Support Professionals, a Hallmark Christmas movie shines a light on autism and more news for the week ending Nov. 18, 2023.
Spotlight
The number of students in special education has doubled over the past four decades so, which helps explain the growing shortage of special ed teachers nationwide. This week, The 74, a nonprofit news organization, has several reports that show the scope of the challenges and workarounds:
- Incentives to fill empty special ed teacher slots are “a band-Aid on a bullet hole”;
- Minneapolis is robbing its special ed classes of teachers to fill general ed vacancies;
- a potential change to Minnesota’s teacher licensure system could wreak havoc on special ed;
- and Alabama has a plan to give stipends to special ed teachers.
New York
Disability groups rally for higher wages, citing thousands of vacant positions Read about the Capitol rally that called on Gov. Kathy Hochul to invest in the Direct Support Professional workforce. (Times Union)
Inside the Pleasantville Cottage School controversy Another (very measured) look at Pleasantville Cottage School, a residential center for vulnerable and troubled children and teens that also serves individuals with I/DD. (lohud)
Outside of New York
Maine Rarely Sanctions Residential Care Facilities Even After Severe Abuse or Neglect Incidents From 2020 to 2022, residential care facilities were cited for rights violations and hundreds of other deficiencies. (propublica.org)
Knoxville Police Department launches program to improve safety for those with developmental or cognitive disabilities Another city helps smooth communication between first responders and the disability community. (wbir.com)
DSPs
Disability Providers Warn Federal Overtime Pay Rule Could Jeopardize Services A new proposal could address one problem while creating others. (Disability Scoop)
Medicaid
At Least 2 Million Children Have Lost Medicaid Insurance This Year (New York Times)
Techology
A New Tool Helps Disabled People Track—and Shape—Laws That Impact Them Plain-language documents can make information more accessible to people with disabilities that affect cognition and memory. (Mother Jones)
Milestones
Runner Among First with Down Syndrome Ever to Finish NYC Marathon: ‘Victory Dance at the Finish Line’ 33-year-old Kayleigh Williamson, who has also run 20 half-marathons, completed the iconic race with her mom by her side. (msn.com)
Entertainment
Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Shines a Light on Autism in ‘A World Record Christmas’ They’re heeeere and by that, I mean Hallmark’s Christmas movies. (Parade)
