Special Distinguished Public Service Award to
Senator Edward M. Kennedy for Highly Meritorious Service (2007)

In May 2007, COPAA gave an award for Distinguished Public Service to Senator Edward M. Kennedy, for his decades of advocacy to protect the rights of children with disabilities, and ensure that they receive an appropriate education.    The award was accepted on Senator Kennedy’s behalf by Connie Garner, Policy Director for Disability and Special Needs Populations.

Senator Kennedy has been a tireless and effective advocate for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  He has promoted a free appropriate public education for children with disabilities, and their right to inclusion.  He understands the need to ensure that students receive a meaningful and effective education.  And he understands that parents need to be equal partners in the process.

Senator Kennedy has worked to promote a fair and level playing field and hearing process to protect the rights of children with disabilities.  When schools do not uphold their end of the bargain, and provide educations so inferior that they fail their legal obligations, it is critically important that parents be able to seek effective redress through the legal system.

Few have done as much to advance the civil rights of children with disabilities as Senator Kennedy. His work to achieve equality of educational opportunity for students with disabilities has been tremendous.

Connie Garner is to be commended for her outstanding work to protect the rights of students with disabilities and to assist Senator Kennedy in these endeavors.  COPAA is grateful for all of their efforts.

Sincerely,

Jessica Butler

Chair, COPAA Board of Directors


Robert Berlow,

Chair, COPAA Government Relations Committee