Weekly Edition - 1.28.25

💫 A pivotal week brings the Supreme Court's examination of school discrimination alongside $17.9M in NIH neurodevelopment research, while disability filmmakers gain new opportunities and a crucial autism center responds to rising therapy demands.

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The Big Idea

This week’s featured story: a closer look at developments making waves in the I/DD community

🏫 Everything may change. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that could fundamentally alter how students with disabilities fight discrimination in schools. The question is simple but profound: Should families have to prove school officials acted with intentional discrimination to receive damages under disability rights laws?

The case emerges from a Minnesota student's struggle for equal education time. Ava, who has epilepsy, couldn't attend school before noon due to her medical condition. Her previous school accommodated this with afternoon and evening instruction. But when her family moved, the new district slashed her learning time by more than half, refusing to provide similar accommodations. This decision forced a complex legal battle that exposed a troubling divide in how courts handle school discrimination cases.

Across the country, families face vastly different legal standards when fighting for their children's educational rights. In five federal circuits, including Minnesota's 8th Circuit, parents must prove "bad faith or gross misjudgment" – an exceptionally high bar that disability advocates say undermines civil rights protections. Other circuits apply more reasonable standards, creating an unfair system where a family's location determines their legal protections.

The Supreme Court's decision will reshape how schools handle disability accommodations nationwide. A ruling requiring proof of intentional discrimination could make it harder for families to challenge discriminatory practices. Conversely, a more balanced standard could strengthen protections and encourage schools to work more collaboratively with families seeking reasonable accommodations.

If you would like to read more about this significant case and its implications, you can find the original article with additional details about the legal arguments and supporting organizations.

Moments That Matter

Celebrating the everyday victories, breakthrough achievements, and inspiring individuals

🎭️A five-day creative sprint is reshaping disability representation in Hollywood. The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge arms filmmakers with an urgent mission: create thrilling short films centered on disability inclusion. Adobe's expanded support now includes $5,000 grants for category winners and a groundbreaking $25,000 fund for past participants. This initiative doesn't just showcase talent - it builds lasting careers through industry mentorship, professional resources, and a direct pipeline to major studios. If you would like to read more, check out the original article.

Across The Nation

From Capitol Hill to community centers: the national updates shaping our collective future

🔬 Hope drives research forward. A new $17.9 million NIH grant will help Penn State researchers study genes linked to autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. The team will spend five years studying 100 genes that might affect brain development. For parents and caregivers, this research could mean better ways to understand and support their loved ones. Instead of using the same treatment for everyone, doctors might be able to provide care that matches each person's unique needs. With these conditions becoming more common in children, this breakthrough couldn't come at a better time. If you would like to read more, check out the original article.

State Spotlight

Local developments that matter: how local policies and changes impact your community

👨‍👩‍👦 Parents gained hope this week. The new Bayada center in Wall, NJ brings autism therapy closer to hundreds of New Jersey families struggling to access essential services. Their team of behavioral specialists now offers early intervention and applied behavior analysis, accepting Medicaid to ensure cost doesn't block access to vital support. For parents and caregivers watching wait lists grow as autism diagnoses rise 175%, this center's opening means a real chance at timely intervention. Read the full coverage of Bayada's expansion in the Asbury Park Press here.

New Research Shows Power of Visual Schedules for Autism Support

Recent research confirms that visual schedules can significantly help students with autism stay focused and independent during academic activities. A comprehensive review examined 10 studies involving 31 students with autism aged 4-19 years old.

The evidence shows visual schedules effectively:

• Improve task completion and engagement during academic work

• reduce challenging behaviors during transitions between activities

• Help students work more independently

• Support success in both reading and math activities

For best results, researchers found visual schedules work most effectively when combined with:

• Clear prompting systems

• Positive reinforcement

• video modeling when appropriate

Parents and teachers consistently reported positive experiences using visual schedules. While some formats used technology like iPads, simpler formats like photo albums and schedule books were equally effective.

Ready to create a visual schedule? Check out this practical guide for customizing schedules to fit your learner's needs: Link

Want to learn more about implementing visual support strategies? Read the complete research article published in the International Journal of Developmental Disabilities: Link