We've provided an easy way to get your message to the right people in the State Offices. We ask that you fill in your information to the email template. The areas to fill in are found at the top** and bottom** of the email. Below you will see in blue the areas you need to fill into the email template to the right of the page.

Every voice counts!!

Dear Honorable Members of the House Education Committee, (Change for each State Official)

“Intro”

My name is “NAME” and I live in “CITY/TOWN”.  I am a parent of “CHILD NAME”, a disabled child who had an “Individualized Education Program/504” in a Rhode Island school. I am writing today in support of Rep. Carson’s bill H5166 to ensure that the Federal law, I.D.E.A. under the A.D.A is adhered to.

“Paragraph of your story”. Keep to one paragraph!

Example, “We struggled to even get one part of our son’s IEP adhered to, despite multiple communications, tremendous time out of work to attend multiple meetings, etc.”

“Why we need the Ombudsman”. One paragraph!

Example, “Despite the struggles at the local levels in the districts, it is RIDE that is not ensuring that IDEA us upheld.  In our case, it took over ONE YEAR from the time a complaint was made until a decision was rendered.  Federal Law says this timeline is supposed to be 45 days between complaint and hearing and 45 days between hearing and decision.  In our case, my son had no Free, Appropriate, Public Education as guaranteed as his civil right.  The Ombudsman would have the right to ask RIDE why they are not meeting Federal guidelines, document this issue, and report back to the Governor and the Legislature.”

“Wrap Up” One paragraph!

Example, “RI receives Federal funds to ensure that all disabled students receive a Free, Appropriate, Public Education.  If our own Department of Education cannot meet the Federal guidelines, these dollars are in jeopardy.  No one in RI wants to see us lose these dollars”

Thank you for your attention!

Sincerely,
[your name]**
[your street address]**