Bill of Rights for Students with Autism Approved by House

HARTFORD — Parents of children receiving special education in Connecticut will now be entitled to a bill of rights outlining educational and transitional services available to them.

House Bill 6737, An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The PRI Committee Concerning Transitional Services For Youth And Young Adults With Autism, passed today in the House Chamber.

Rep. Christie Carpino (Cromwell, Portland) Chair of the Program Review and Investigations Committee cosponsored this bill and oversaw its development from its start as a proposal.

“We are a leader in educating our students, including those on the autism spectrum. The bill of rights, required by this legislation, will guarantee that our students and families are receiving the information and options they need to make appropriate decisions for their future,” said Rep. Carpino.

The State Board of Education will be required to draft this bill of rights for parents of children receiving special education services to guarantee that their rights are protected.

The right to request transition services for a child receiving special education who is between ages 18 and 21; the right to create a student success plan for the child, and the right of the child to receive realistic and specific post-graduation goals as part of his or her individualized education program will all be included.

HB 6737 will also require the Division of Autism Spectrum Disorder Services to report annually to the Legislature on new initiatives and proposals, a description of unmet needs of persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and information concerning the types of waiver services provided.

The next step for HB 6737 is the State Senate.