Special Education Legislative Summit Brings Advocates to Washington, DC

This week, more than 200 advocates from 45 states came together in Washington, DC at the Special Education Legislative Summit (SELS). SELS, which is a collaborative policy and advocacy conference jointly presented by CEC and the Council of Administrators of Special Education, focused on three pressing policy issues impacting special education- annual funding, personnel shortages, and mental health. Participants learned about the federal role in addressing these issues and attended sessions on how to build an effective case before lawmakers and their staff. Valerie Williams, Director of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs opened the conference with encouraging and inspiring remarks, thanking participants for their work in the field and urging them to let their “passion for our kids shine through” on Capitol Hill. The event culminated in a day of advocacy on Capitol Hill, where participants met with members of Congress and their legislative staff to share their experiences and draw their attention to federal policy impacting special education. 

To view a roundup of SELS action, check out the Twitter hashtag #SELS2022