SPECIAL EDition — Winter 2002

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State News

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Courtesy Reminders

Addressing Accessible Parking For Texans With Disabilities Now Available

Austin - Courtesy reminders addressing the use of parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities are now available through the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities. The reminders, which can be placed under the windshield wipers of inappropriately parked vehicles, educate individuals about accessible parking responsibilities under Texas law. Reminders contain information about utilizing access aisles, parking across ramps, and parking in van-accessible spaces. Eligibility to use parking placards and guidelines for transporting a person with a disability is also covered.

"Accessible parking provides a path of travel to work, shop, eat and much more for an estimated four million Texans with disabilities," said Pat Pound, executive director of the committee. "It is our hope that these reminders will educate more Texans on the laws of this state and how extremely important these spaces are to people with disabilities."

Courtesy reminders can be used without formal training or participation in a volunteer parking program. To protect the safety of all concerned, use of the reminders is recommended only when a vehicle is not occupied. To order courtesy reminders call the Governor's Committee at 512-463-5739 or dial 711 for Relay Services. For technical information about accessible parking and the Texas Accessibility Standards, visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website at:

http://www.license.state.tx.us/ab/abtas.htm.

"Van-accessible parking allows me room to let my wheelchair lift down in an access aisle, so that I am free to access restaurants, stores and other public areas," said Shane Whitehurst of Austin, a member of the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities. "It is a valuable asset and lets me accomplish tasks, such as a quick trip to the grocery store."

The Governor's Committee recommends changes in disability policies and programs in the areas of access, communication, education, health, housing, transportation, and workforce. In addition to evaluating the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the committee supports a network of committees on people with disabilities and issues awards as a way to promote greater awareness.

(The following information is provided by the Texas Education Agency [TEA]).

Special Education Complaints Management Unit

Role of the Complaints Management Unit

Parents Information Line: 1-800-252-9668 (toll free)

This toll free message line is reserved for parents and other family members who have questions about student rights and regulatory requirements as they relate to special education complaint investigations, mediations, and due process hearings. Calls are returned by trained professionals during normal business hours.

Brochures on the Complaints and Mediation Process English and Spanish versions of information about the complaints and mediation process are available through TEA’s website for download in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.

(The following information is provided by the Texas Education Agency [TEA]).

TEA's Internet Resources for Special Educators Available on the Texas Education Agency Web Site

http://www.tea.state.tx.us
Divisions At TEA
Rules & Regulations

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/special.ed/rules Special Education Rules & Regulations Side-by-Side

Federal Regulations

State Law

Commissioner's Rules for Special Education

State Board of Education Rules for special Education

Funding

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/special.ed/funding

Monitoring

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/special.ed/monitor

PEIMS (Public Education Information Management System

Technical Assistance

Join the SPECIAL_ED_UPDATES Listserv!

Go to http://www.tea.state.tx.us/list/

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SPECIAL EDition, Winter 2002