Piscopo Applauds Bill of Rights for Students with Autism

HARTFORD —  State Rep. John Piscopo (R-76) said that parents of children who receive special education in Connecticut will now be entitled to a bill of rights outlining educational and transitional services available to them.

Piscopo joined his colleagues in the state House of Representatives in unanimously passing House Bill 6737, An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The PRI Committee Concerning Transitional Services For Youth And Young Adults With Autism.

Rep. Piscopo, a co-sponsor of the bill, added, “For parents of adolescent children who have Autism, the transitional period of aging out of school and into post-graduation placement can be a difficult and stressful time as they seek services.  This will provide parents with information to help them make decisions that are in the best interest of their children’s future.”

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.

The measure 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 bill now awaits further action by the Senate before heading to the governor’s desk.

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