Students downstate on the autism spectrum, such as seventh-grader Liberty, struggle to receive services when their school districts are not part of the Delaware Autism program. Rep. Earl Jacques says a new bill that involves hiring specialists to train teachers will help districts affordably offer autism resources.
Delaware students with disabilities who receive a “certificate of achievement” rather than a high school diploma are fearful of not meeting qualifications for jobs and college applications. A bill introduced by Rep. Kim Williams would replace the certificate with a “State of Delaware High School Diploma of Modified Performance Standards.”
Equipment for the accessible Preston’s Playground has arrived in Delaware and construction in the playground will begin this spring. The playground will feature rubber play surfaces and accessible entrances that accommodate children who have mobility challenges.
In the National Review, a writer criticizes the Delaware bill legalizing physician-assisted suicide (PAS). He says some people with intellectual disabilities do not have the capacity to give informed consent and may be swayed by health care professionals with pro-PAS agendas.
The Delaware Department of Education named 15 schools 2017 Recognition Schools, an honor that comes with an $8,000 award. Three schools cited their PBS team as one of the reasons for their success.