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RIGHTS HANDBOOK
FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
CHILDREN
A demonstration project in advocacy
for physically handicapped children
CHILD ADVOCACY PROJECT
GRANT #OEG-0-72-5315
Easter Seal Society for Crippled Children and Adults
of Massachusetts, Inc.
National Easter Seal Society for Crippled Children
and Adults, Inc.
CHILD ADVOCACY PROJECT STAFF
William D. Power, Project Director
Bonnie Adams
Betsy Anderson
Clementina Brown
Ellen Kaplovitz
Janet Minch
Anne Pratt
Judy Riegelhaupt
Ellen Wozniak
Martha Ziegler
Chairman of Task Force on Rights Handbook :
Henry Porter, Esq.
Logo Design by George Favreau
RIGHTS HANDBOOK
FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
CHILDREN
CHILD ADVOCACY PROJECT
GRANT #OEG-0-72-5315
The project presented or reported herein was
performed pursuant to a Grant from the U. S.
Office of Education, Department of Health,
Education, and Welfare. However, the opinions
expressed herein do not necessarily reflect
the position or policy of the U.S. Office of
Education, and no official endorsement by the
U.S. Office of Education should be inferred.
Easter Seal Society for Crippled Children and Adults
of Massachusetts, Inc.
National Easter Seal Society for Crippled Children
and Adults, Inc.
ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK
This handbook tells about many of the laws which may
be of interest to handicapped children in Massachusetts
or their parents. One intent is to bring these laws
to your attention. Many of the laws and examples may
not apply to your specific situation. Some guidelines
to securing your rights or developing further rights
are included. However, if you find your legal rights
are being questioned or denied, legal advice should be
sought from a lawyer.
If you desire additional information (fact sheets, new
legislation which is relevant to parents of handicapped
children), please detach and return this form.
Mail to: Child Advocacy Project
Easter Seal Society
14 Somerset Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
All or any portions of this handbook may be
reproduced or reprinted by any person or
groups of persons by written permission of
the Child Advocacy Project, Easter Seal
Society of Massachusetts, Inc.
Name
Street Address
CHILD ADVOCACY PROJECT
City
State
Zip
Easter Seal Society for Crippled Children and Adults
of Massachusetts, Inc.
Parent
National Easter Seal Society for Crippled Children
Agency or Organization Affiliation
and Adults, Inc.
Comments:
14 Somerset Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
April, 1974
65
New England Association of Parents for Visually Handicapped
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Children and Adults
c/o Perkins School for the Blind, 175 North Beacon Street,
Watertown 02172
INTRODUCTION
1
North Shore Parents and Friends of the Handicapped
PART I. LAWS AFFECTING ALL HANDICAPPED CHILDREN
2
170 Bridge Street, Beverly 01915 927-2725
Chapter 1. Education
2
Osteogenesis Imperfecta Association
51 Orchard Street, Lowell 01854
Chapter 766 - The Bartley-Daly Law
2
Placement Before September, 1974
2
Ostomy Association of Boston
Regular Public School Classroom
3
138 Newbury Street, Boston 02116 267-3665
Evaluation
3
Education Plan and Program Placement
4
Parents and Children Together (PACT)
(parents of children
Disagreement with the CET and Other Problems
4
with cardiac problems)
Special Education Class
5
623 Randolph Avenue, Milton 02186 696-6685
Home Tutoring
6
The Right to Special Education Services
6
Prescription Parents (parents of children born with cleft
Private Day School
7
lip or cleft palate)
Other Rights
7
P. O. Box 855, Quincy 02169 482-3396
Legal or Other Assistance
7
Transportation
7
Rubella Parents Association
Annual Re-evaluation
7
4 Denfield Road, Westborough 01581 366-8183
Children in State Institutions and Other
Residential Care
8
Task Force on the Handicapped
Right to Remain in Present Program
8
Hurley Building, Room 245B, Government Center, Boston 02114
Language Other Than English
8
727-6451
Records of Confidentiality
8
Protection for Parents of Handicapped
Children
8
Expanded Age Range for Special Education
Services
9
Sources for More Information Concerning
Chapter 766
9
Education Handbook for Students, Parents
and Professionals
9
Chapter 2. Medical Affairs
10
Health Insurance
10
Individual Policy Coverage
10
Group Policy Coverage
11
General Information
12
Access to Hospital Records
13
Medicaid
14
Who Is Automatically Eligible?
14
Persons Who May Be Eligible
14
What Are the Benefits?
14
How to Apply
15
Right to Appeal
16
For More Information
16
i
64
Chapter 2. Medical Affairs (con't.)
APPENDIX E
Handicapped Children Services
16
Care Provided
17
PARENT AND SELF-HELP GROUPS
How to Apply
17
Chapter 3. Social Security Benefits and
Action for the Prevention of Burn Injuries to Children
Supplemental Security Income
18
(APBIC) 45 School Street, Boston 02108 484-5780
Social Security Benefits
18
Association for Brain-Injured Children
The Child's Insurance Benefit
18
48 Newport Avenue, Braintree 02185 843-8829
End of Benefits
19
Mother's Insurance Benefits
19
Association for Mentally Ill Children (AMIC)
How to Apply
20
251 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington 02174 648-1813
How to Appeal
20
Supplemental Security Income
21
Association to Overcome Multiple Sclerosis (ATOMS)
Who Can Qualify?
21
79 Milk Street, Boston 02109 542-5909
How to Apply
21
Blind Leadership Club
Chapter 4. Rights Concerning Employment and
18 Constitution Avenue, Revere 02151 566-2282
Vocational Training
22
Children in Hospitals
Rights Concerning Employment and Vocational
31 Wilshire Park, Needham 02192 449-0155
Training
22
How to Apply
22
Intercampus Committee for Handicapped Students
Who Is Eligible?
22
75 East Newton Street, Boston 02118 266-4981
How Is Employment Potential Determined?
22
What Services Are Provided?
23
Massachusetts Association for Children with Learning
Other Things to Know About MRC
23
Disabilities (MACLD)
What to Do If Your Son or Daughter Is Not
Box 908, 1296 Worcester Road, Framingham 01701 872-6880
Accepted for Rehabilitation
24
Exemption from Minimum Wage Laws
24
Massachusetts Association of Paraplegics (MAP)
Right to Nondiscrimination
25
12 Elm Brook Circle, Bedford 01730 275-6078
Request for Workman's Compensation Exemption
25
Massachusetts Association for Retarded Citizens (MARC)
Chapter 5. Federal Income Tax
26
381 Elliot Street, Newton Upper Falls 02164 965-5320
Federal Income Tax Exclusions and Deductions
26
Massachusetts Council of Organizations of the Handicapped
Medical Expense Deduction
30
(MCOH)
Dependent Care Deduction
30
P. O. Box 153, 15 St. Rose Street, Jamaica Plain 02130
The Charitable Deduction
31
Keep Proof
32
Massachusetts Council of Organizations Serving the Deaf
Standard or Itemized Deduction?
32
P. O. Box 531, 68 Brentwood Circle, Needham 02192
Additional Exemption for People Who Are Blind
33
Filling Out the Forms
33
Massachusetts Parents Association for the Deaf and Hard
of Hearing
Chapter 6. State Income Tax
34
Box 303, Boston 02101 729-8585
Types of Income
34
Massachusetts Spina Bifida Association (MSBA)
Massachusetts Deductions
35
90 Hammond Street, Cambridge 02138 491-7577
Exemptions
35
Filling Out the Forms
35
ii
63
TAXATION, FEDERAL
PART II. RIGHTS TO SPECIAL SERVICES FOR SPECIFIC
HANDICAPS
36
Internal Revenue Service
Chapter 1. Children with Visual Impairment
36
Taxpayer Assistance & Information
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
Commission for the Blind
36
Government Center
Additional Rights of Blind Children
37
Boston, MA
(617) 223-3431
Chapter 2. Children with Hearing Impairments
38
Taxpayer Assistance & Information
Chapter 3. Children with Epilepsy
39
Federal Building - Courthouse
Worcester, MA 01601
Marriage
39
(617) 791-2314
Driving License
39
Taxpayer Assistance & Information
Chapter 4. Children with Physical Handicaps
40
Federal Building - Courthouse
Springfield, MA 02301
Automobile Plates
40
(413) 781-2380
Automobile Excise Tax
40
Automobile Sales Tax
40
Check your phone book in your local area in case there may
Curb Cuts
41
be a service center closer to your home.
Use of Public Buildings
41
Information Regarding Accessibility
42
TAXATION, STATE
Voting
42
Department of Corporations & Taxation
Chapter 5. Further Rights of Physically
Income Tax Division
Handicapped Children
43
Desk Audit Section
100 Cambridge Street
Housing
43
Boston, MA 02202
State
43
(617) 727-4545
Room 207
Federal
44
Sun Building
Parental Support
44
(Regional Offices)
8 Merrimack Street
Unemployment Compensation
44
Lowell, MA 01852
Recreation
44
25 Belmont Street
(617) 458-8426
Talking Books
45
Brockton, MA 02401
(617) 586-4875
74 North Street
Appendix A. These Are Your Rights
It's
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Up to You to Use Them
46
1670 President Avenue
(413) 499-1560
Fall River, MA 02720
Appendix B. Legal Resources
47
(617) 678-2844
10 Colonial Road
Salem, MA 01970
References
48
Room 418
(617) 744-0210
Legal Help
48
Safety Fund Bank Building
Legal Information
52
470 Main Street
235 Chestnut Street
Fitchburg, MA 01420
Springfield, MA 01103
Appendix C. Legislation
53
(617) 345-6301
(413) 737-1424
Local
53
143 Falmouth Road
75 B Grove Street
State
53
Hyannis, MA 02601
Worcester, MA 01605
Federal
53
(617) 775-6442
(617) 753-4763
Filing Massachusetts Legislation
53
Communicating with Legislators
54
iii
62
55
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission Offices
55
141 Milk Street
70 Main Street
57
Boston, MA 02108
Milford, MA 02148
(617) 357-8137
(617) 324-7160
63
196 Main Street
9 Mercer Road
Brockton, MA 02401
Natick, MA 01760
(617) 583-1530
(617) 653-1105
2464 Massachusetts Avenue
558 Pleasant Street
Cambridge, MA 02140
New Bedford, MA 02740
(617) 492-0360
(617) 993-1787
10 Purchase Street
511 Washington Street
Fall River, MA 02720
Norwood, MA 02062
(617) 678-9041
(617) 769-5950
76 Summer Street
6 Clinton Avenue
Fitchburg, MA 01420
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(617) 345-1713
(413) 499-1600
624 Main Street
1073 Hancock Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
Quincy, MA 02169
(413) 774-2326
(617) 471-1600
560 Dwight Street
306 Martin Luther King, Jr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Blvd.
(413) 536-8200
Roxbury, MA 02119
(617) 442-5510
147 Falmouth Road
Hyannis, MA 02601
399 Main Street
(617) 775-6131
Southbridge, MA 01550
(617) 765-5968
46 Amesbury Street
Lawrence, MA 01840
16 Fort Street
(617) 685-1731
Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 736-7296
97 Central Street
Lowell, MA 01852
10 Faraday Street
(617) 457-7544
Worcester, MA 01605
(617) 754-1757
31 Exchange Street
Lynn, MA 01901
(617) 593-6604
33 Dartmouth Street
Malden, MA 02148
(617) 324-7160
61
Region VII
Southeast Massachusetts
INTRODUCTION
168 Main Street
Brockton, MA 02401
(617) 588-4567
The purpose of this handbook is to help parents of handi-
capped children understand and use legislation which exists
PUBLIC HEALTH
to open the door to opportunities in a variety of areas:
education, training, medical services, and tax and social
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
security benefits. A disabling condition should not and
39 Boylston Street
does not deny an individual rights to life, liberty and
Boston, MA 02116
the pursuit of happiness. Parents, armed with a knowledge
(617) 357-5002
of the law, can more effectively advocate for the rights
of their children.
(Regional Offices)
This handbook is an effort to research Massachusetts law
Northeast Regional Public Health Office
and appropriate federal legislation. It provides background
Tewksbury Hospital
to securing rights and services for physically handicapped
Tewksbury, MA 01876
children. Some agencies with whom parents will come in
(617) 851-7261
contact may be unfamiliar with the legislation and it may
be a long, hard effort to secure a child's rights. In the
Southeast Regional Public Health Office
long run it will be worth the effort.
Lakeville Hospital
Lakeville, MA 02346
In the back of the book, you will find a list of parent
(617) 947-1060
groups which have had experiences dealing with bureaucra-
cies. This resource of support is invaluable to an
Barnstable County Health Department
individual parent. Parent groups also provide opportunities
Barnstable County
to find non-legal solutions for mutual problems.
MA 02639
(617) 362-2511
Part I of the Book deals with the law as it affects all
physically handicapped children and may apply to other
Central Regional Office
children with special needs. Part II focuses on rights to
Rutland Heights Hospital
special services for specific handicaps. The Appendices
Rutland, MA 01543
are designed to help parents use the book most effectively.
(617) 386-6111
Included is information on how to secure your rights and
suggestions on how to develop new rights.
Western Regional Health Office
University of Massachusetts
The use of this book may reveal the need for additional
Public Health Unit
legislation, changes in existing service structures, or
Amherst, MA 01002
group action to break down barriers to equal opportunity.
(413) 545-2563
The Child Advocacy Project of the Easter Seal Society for
Crippled Children and Adults of Massachusetts, Inc. will
Pittsfield District Health Office
try to assist parents in meeting these needs.
246 North Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Bradford H. Johnson, J.D., researched and compiled the
(413) 443-4476
legal information. Child Advocacy Project staff primarily
responsible for the writing of the handbook were Janet
REHABILITATION COMMISSION
Minch, Coordinator; Betsy Anderson and Martha Ziegler.
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
296 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 727-2183
1
60
PART I. LAWS AFFECTING ALL HANDICAPPED CHILDREN
Massachusetts Department of Labor and Industries
Division of Industrial Safety
100 Cambridge Street
CHAPTER 1. EDUCATION
Boston, MA 02202
(617) 727-3461
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SPECIAL EDUCATION AGENCY RE-
SOURCES, SEE APPENDICES D AND E.
Regional Offices - same as those listed under
Division of Minimum Wage
By law, every child in Massachusetts has the right to a
free, publicly supported education. That right belongs to
OFFICE FOR CHILDREN
handicapped children as well as to others. Furthermore,
that right to an education means an education that meets
Office for Children
the child's needs.
Central Office
120 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
CHAPTER 766 - THE BARTLEY-DALY LAW
(617) 727-8900
Starting in September, 1974, it should become easier for
HELP FOR CHILDREN
handicapped children in Massachusetts to claim their right
to a meaningful education. At that time the state's new
The Office for Children has organized an information, refer-
special education act, Chapter 766 of the Acts of 1972
ral and follow-up service for use by anyone desiring help
(also known as the Bartley-Daly Law), will become legally
in finding answers to specific problems. Help for Children
effective.
will respond to telephone inquiries throughout the state.
Beginning in September, 1974, local school districts must
Region I
Western Massachusetts
provide or arrange an appropriate education for every child
1618 Main Street
with special education needs. Local schools will receive
Springfield, MA 01103
financial support and professional guidance from the State
(413) 736-0321
Department of Education.
Region II
Central Massachusetts
Under the new law, school programs will be required to
c/o Lyman School
stretch to fit the child instead of the other way around as
Westborough, MA 01581
usually has happened up to now.
(617) 366-8706
Because many school systems and most parents are looking
Region III
Northwest Suburbs of Boston
ahead to implementation of the new law at the time this
99 Austin Street
handbook is being prepared, the major portion of this
Cambridge, MA 02139
section is based on the new law.
(617) 492-1572
Region IV
Northeastern Massachusetts
PLACEMENT BEFORE SEPTEMBER, 1974
279 Boston Road
Topsfield, MA 01983
If your child needs a special education program of any kind
(617) 887-6501
before September, 1974, you should get information from the
Child Advocacy Project, Easter Seal Society, 14 Somerset
Region V
Southwest Suburbs of Boston
Street, Boston, 227-9608, or from one of the consumer
474 Brookline Street
organizations that represent children with needs similar
Newton Centre, MA 02159
to your child's. (See Appendix E.)
(617) 965-4470
Region VI
Boston, Revere, Chelsea, Winthrop
120 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 588-4567
2
59
REGULAR PUBLIC SCHOOL CLASSROOM
(Regional Offices of Education)
Under the new law, your child has a legal right to enroll
Southeast Regional Office
in a regular class in his neighborhood school with children
RFD 3
his age. If he has a handicap requiring highly specialized
Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
training you may prefer to have him placed elsewhere, at
(617) 295-4191
least part of the time. HOWEVER, UNDER THE NEW LAW, YOUR
CHILD HAS A LEGAL RIGHT TO REMAIN IN REGULAR CLASS UNTIL
SUCH TIME THAT A THOROUGH EVALUATION OF HIS EDUCATIONAL
Greater Boston Regional Office
NEEDS CONVINCES YOU THAT HE WOULD BE BETTER SERVED IN SOME
55 A Chapel Street
Newton, MA 02158
OTHER SETTING.
(617) 969-2405
The right to regular classroom applies no matter how severe
Springfield Regional Office
you child's physical handicap may be, so long as you, the
2083 Roosevelt Avenue
parents, the child's doctor, and the child himself feel
Springfield, MA 01104
that it is not dangerous for him to go to school. Even if
(413) 734-2167
your child must wear braces or a cast or stay in a wheel-
chair, he has a right to go to regular class.
Worcester Regional Office
271 West Boylston Street
West Boylston, MA 01583
EVALUATION
(617) 835-6267
If you think your child needs special education services,
North Andover Regional Office
talk first with the child's present classroom teacher.
1551 Osgood Road
Either the teacher or you, or both, should then refer your
child to the Core Evaluation Team. (Referral also may be
North Andover, MA 01845
(617) 682-3734
made by other school officials, a family physician, a social
worker, a judicial officer, or person other than the parent
Pittsfield Regional Office
who has custody of the child. However, you must be told
188 South Street
who that person is.)
Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 499-0745
The Core Evaluation Team is a group of professional persons,
including a chairman who has training in special education,
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
hired by your school committee to conduct evaluations of
children with special needs and to develop educational
Massachusetts Department of Labor and Industries
plans for them. For the evaluation of a particular child
Division of Minimum Wage
the Team is expanded to include the child's present teacher,
100 Cambridge Street
specialists if needed, and you the parent - UNLESS the CET
Boston, MA 02202
decides to exclude you.
(617) 727-3476
If the Core Evaluation Team decides not to include you and
(Regional Offices)
you think you belong there, take the following steps, in
51 Franklin Street
11 Lawrence Street
Fall River, MA 02720
Lawrence, MA 01840
(617) 675-7963
*The only way your child can legally be excluded from
a
(617) 682-8570
regular classroom if you want him there is for the school
246 North Street
165 Liberty Street
committee to convince a court that keeping the child in a
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Springfield, MA 01104
regular classroom constitutes a danger either to himself or
(413) 443-0513
(413) 732-5253
to others. In the event of such a court order, the school
committee still must provide a temporary educational place-
283 Main Street
ment for him until the CET, you, and the Department of
Worcester, MA 01608
Education can agree on a longer-term program.
(617) 799-5063
3
58
this order, until either you are included or you are given
United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Boston
a GOOD reason not to be included:
30 Wesley Street
Newton, MA 02158
1. Talk to your child's classroom teacher.
(617) 527-3587
2. Talk to any member of the Core Evaluation Team who is
someone you know.
United Community Planning Corporation
3.
Talk to the Special Education Administrator in your
(formerly United Community Services)
school system. If he or she disagrees with you, ask
14 Somerset Street
for an explanation in writing.
Boston, MA 02108
4.
Contact your Regional Advisory Council (at least half
(617) 742-2000
the members of these councils must be parents of chil-
dren in special education programs). For a name and
phone number, call your Regional Office of Special
PUBLIC
Education, the Child Advocacy Project, or your regional
Easter Seal Society office. These numbers are listed
Blind, Commission for
in Appendix D.
39 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 727-5550
EDUCATION PLAN AND PROGRAM PLACEMENT
Toll free telephone number: 1-800-322-7750, ext. 5550
After the evaluation, the Core Evaluation Team must develop
COMMISSION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION
an educational plan that meets your child's particular
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
needs. The plan may require that your child spend most of
Affirmative Action Division
his time in a regular classroom and receive extra services,
120 Boylston Street
such as special transportation, assistance in the bathroom,
Boston, MA 02116
tutoring, therapy of various kinds, giving medications, etc.
(617) 727-7306
Or, the Core Evaluation Team may recommend that your child
EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF
spend some portion of his day, maybe even the whole day, in
a special setting that best meets his educational needs.
Secretary of Education
Executive Office of Educational Affairs
The special setting may be a resource room that is utilized
18 Tremont Street
by all children in the school, not just handicapped chil-
Boston, MA 02108
dren. Or, the Core Evaluation Team may recommend that your
(617) 727-7785
child be placed in a separate special education class of
one form or another. (See "Special Education Class,"
Commissioner of Education
below.)
Department of Education
178 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02111
DISAGREEMENT WITH THE CET AND OTHER PROBLEMS
(617) 727-5700
If you, the parent, disagree with the recommendation of the
Division of Special Education
Core Evaluation Team, under 766 you have a right to secure
Massachusetts Department of Education
a second, independent evaluation at a state operated facil-
182 Tremont Street
ity (such as a mental health or public health clinic) and
Boston, MA 02111
a third independent private evaluation at your own expense.
(617) 727-5770
A series of legal appeals is available to you if you still
Bureau of Child Advocacy
are not able to reach an agreement about your child's pro-
Division of Special Education
gram with your school officials.
Massachusetts Department of Education
182 Tremont Street
IF YOUR CHILD IS EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL BECAUSE OF HIS
Boston, MA 02111
HANDICAP, OR
(617) 727-5440
4
57
(Regional Offices - con't.)
IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE SECURING AN ADEQUATE EVALUATION OF YOUR
CHILD'S EDUCATIONAL NEEDS, OR
37 Harvard Street
122 Nauset Street
IF YOU DISAGREE WITH THE CORE EVALUATION TEAM'S
Worcester, MA 01608
New Bedford, MA 02746
RECOMMENDATION, OR
(617) 757-2891
(617) 997-1271
IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE ARRANGING THE APPROPRIATE SPECIAL
PROGRAM OR OTHER SPECIAL SERVICES,
145 State Street
26 Chestnut Street
EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE TALKED WITH MEMBERS OF THE CORE
Springfield, MA 01103
Andover, MA 01810
EVALUATION TEAM AND YOUR SPECIAL EDUCATION ADMINISTRATOR,
(413) 732-2548
(617) 475-1477
THEN, CONTACT YOUR REGIONAL OFFICE OF THE DIVISION OF
SPECIAL EDUCATION.
Epilepsy Society of Massachusetts
(See Appendix D for numbers.)
140 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02210
If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with the response
(617) 542-0781
from the Regional Office of Special Education, contact the
Child Advocacy Project, or your regional Easter Seal Society
March of Dimes - Massachusetts Bay Chapter
(see Appendix D), or one of the consumer organizations
280 Washington Street
listed in Appendix E.
Brighton, MA 02135
(617) 783-4180
SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASS
March of Dimes Birth Defects Information Center
20 Ash Street
A child with a handicap that severely interferes with
Boston, MA 02111
learning - some cases of blindness, deafness, severe mental
(617) 482-2800, extension 2267
retardation, severe emotional disturbance, or a combination
of handicaps - may learn best in a special education class
Massachusetts Advocacy Center
with a smaller number of children who have educational
2 Park Square
needs similar to his. He may need the special class for
Boston, MA 02116
only part of the day, or he may need it for the full day at
(617) 357-8431
least temporarily.
Massachusetts Association for the Blind
If your child needs such a class and if the school district
120 Boylston Street
does not have enough children similar to your child and
Room 446
close in age, the Special Education Coordinator should try
Boston, MA 02116
to find or establish a regional collaborative class includ-
(617) 542-3106
ing 'children like your child who live in nearby towns. You
may need to remind him that the new special education law
Massachusetts Teachers Association
(Chapter 766 of the Acts of 1972) requires the school dis-
Special Education Advisory Committee
trict to make every effort to find a public school special
20 Ashburton Place
class for your child.
Boston, MA 02108
Furthermore, the school district must supply your handi-
Muscular Dystrophy Association of America, Inc.
capped child with free, appropriate transportation to
Greater Boston Chapter
school.
391 Totton Pond Road
Waltham, MA 02154
School officials can be very imaginative in coming up with
(617) 890-0300
reasons why your handicapped child should not go to school.
You may hear reasons such as liability insurance, fire
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
hazard, or even that your handicapped child somehow consti-
Massachusetts Chapter
tutes a danger to the other children. DO NOT ACCEPT
79 Milk Street
EXCUSES SUCH AS THESE, FOR YOUR CHILD HAS A LEGAL RIGHT TO
Boston, MA 02109
GO TO SCHOOL.
(617) 542-6376
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