“Informal guidance” from the U.S. Department of Education, as reported in Disability Scoop, says placing students in LREs not only applies to classrooms but should also guide IEP teams when considering settings for transition planning. In a letter from Melody Musgrove, director of the Office of Special Education Programs at the Department of Education, she states that “Placement decisions, including those related to transition services (including work placements), must be based on these (least restrictive environment) principles and made by the IEP team.” She further states that “The IDEA does not prohibit segregated employment, but the (least restrictive environment) provisions would apply equally to the employment portion of the student’s program and placement.”
To read the article in its entirety follow the link: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/07/10/feds-lre-transition/15988/
To read Director Musgrove’s letter follow the link: http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/speced/SpitzerReznick%20%281%29.pdf
To comment on this post, follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hayden-Consultation-Services/208333552596254 OR Email us at info@haydenconsultants.org. If you email directly, please indicate whether or not your comment may be shared.