Senate Bill 856 created section 1003.4205, Florida Statutes, entitled “Disability History and Awareness Instruction,” and was signed into law by Governor Crist on June 13, 2008. The law requires school districts to designate the first two weeks of October as Disability Awareness and History Weeks. The bill promotes providing instruction for students in all K-12 public schools to expand student knowledge, understanding, and awareness of individuals with disabilities and disability rights history. The attached Resolution for Hillsborough County Public Schools has been prepared for recognition by the School Board.

The Department of Exceptional Student Education provides all students with disabilities the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to realize their potential through the provision of specially designed instruction and related services. The goal of the district is to provide equal opportunities for the identification, evaluation, and education of students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment and to offer a range of placement options with priority consideration for using general education classrooms and adapting them to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Hillsborough County Public Schools continues to provide exemplary educational opportunities for all students and the Department of Exceptional Student Education is proud of the dedication and professionalism of all individuals who provide services and support to students with disabilities.

In recognition of “Disability History and Awareness Weeks,” our schools will provide intensive instruction on disability history, people with disabilities, and the disability rights movement, especially during the first two weeks of October, and periodically throughout the school year, and encourage other institutions to conduct and promote educational activities on those subjects.

All District Goals and Critical Success Factors

This agenda item has no additional cost to the District.