To the editors:
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Although the statements which are quoted in the article under my name are generally accurate–I was disappointed that hardly any of the statements which I made in support of inclusion during our long interview appeared in the article. The one-sided picture which was drawn from my statements is thus providing an erroneous impression that I, personally, and the organization I represent, the Family Resource Center on Disabilities (FRCD), are opposed to inclusion and the placement of children with disabilities with their nondisabled peers in regular classes.
As the article stated, IDEA states specifically that students with disabilities must be evaluated, and placement decisions must be made on a case-by-case basis, based on the individual needs of each child–with a continuum of alternative placements available. IDEA also requires parental participation in the decision-making process through the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each child.
I hope these comments will clarify our position–and will help people understand that we support the inclusion of children with disabilities–but that we are also very aware of pitfalls which are likely to put their services at risk.
