A group of New Jersey democratic lawmakers have introduced a bill that would require the NJDOE to develop and maintain a comprehensive searchable website concerning educational programs and resources available to special education students. The website’s purpose is to provide current and complete information on disability resources in one easily accessible location.
Under the bill, NJ A1525, the website will include information on approved in-state and out-of-state private schools for students with disabilities; other approved receiving schools that provide programs for students with disabilities, including educational services commissions, jointure commissions, regional day schools, county special services school districts, and public college operated programs for students with disabilities; special education programs operated by school districts that also serve out-of-district students; publicly or privately operated educational programs for special education students in the State that are specialized for particular disabilities; assistive technologies for students with disabilities; and support resources, including public and nonprofit organizations, that serve students with disabilities and their families. The information on the website will be electronically searchable by multiple criteria including keyword, type of disability, and geographic location of the educational program.
The bill directs the department to consult with the New Jersey State Special Education Advisory Council to assist in developing and maintaining the website. The department would be required to work with the council on a continuing basis to ensure that the website contains complete and current information that is updated annually.
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