Stephanie Patrick

Thanks for providing the opportunity for PAIMI (Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Advisory Council) NH to provide testimony in support of Special Education Parent Advisory Councils, House Bill 121. However, we would like to note a concern: The bill is not explicit enough in requiring that members of SEPACs be students with disabilities or parents of students with disabilities. As currently written, any parent could be a member of the council, which could dilute its focus on advocating for the needs of children with disabilities. We strongly recommend amending the bill to include the following language in bold is added to the first line of Section II: “The council shall be composed of a maximum of 11 parents of students with disabilities or students with disabilities, with at least one member representing each town in the district.” We believe this amendment is essential to ensure SEPACs remain focused on elevating the voices of those most directly impacted and maintaining alignment with the goals of supporting children with disabilities and their families. We are strongly in support of HB 121 with this amendment because, as an advocacy group dedicated to the rights and well-being of people with mental health conditions, PAIMI promotes measures that help children with disabilities- including neurodiversity- to gain access to supports they need to thrive. Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (SEPACs) have many benefits that overstretched special education departments can’t afford to forgo including: Building a Culture of Inclusion - SEPACs contribute to building a school culture that values neurodiversity and supports the success of all students. They provide space for parents of children with disabilities to meet, share experiences, and support each other. According to the Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs), these networks help parents and children feel less isolated and more likely to engage with schools. Increased Parental Involvement - Studies have shown that increased parental involvement in special education leads to better outcomes for students with disabilities. According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), students with involved parents are more likely to achieve academic success and develop stronger social skills. A study published in Exceptional Children found that strong communication between families and schools leads to better individualized education plans (IEPs) and a more supportive learning environment for students with disabilities. Elevating student and family voices for improved support - Research published by the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) highlights that SEPACs provide valuable feedback to school districts, which often leads to improved special education policies and practices. Research shows that effective collaboration between families and schools through SEPACs can reduce the likelihood of costly and time consuming legal disputes around IEPs and special education services. Improved Student Outcomes - A report by the Institute of Education Sciences found that when families are actively involved in their children's special education, students perform better academically, exhibit fewer behavioral problems, and have higher graduation rates. SEPACs also help address social and emotional needs, ensuring that children with disabilities- who can be at risk of bullying- have the supports they need. Addressing the social and emotional needs of all children is critical to healthy communities. Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (SEPACs) improve communication, increase parental involvement, and provide access to free resources. Children with disabilities and their parents work hard to overcome barriers. We ask for your support in helping build infrastructure to connect families with each other, create more inclusive schools and elevate the voices of those with the most intimate knowledge of what works. Thank you for considering our position. Paige Buckley Cassie Cramer Kelly Ehrhart Elizabeth Luna Lauren Rosenzweig Ellen Tavino, Co-Chair Deb Yuknewicz-Boisvert, Co-Chair