Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council Education Initiatives

Students and young children receive quality education in inclusive settings, affording them the opportunities for transition to further their education or enter integrated employment opportunities of their choice. The Council believes that all children with developmental disabilities can attend their home school district in a regular education placement with the necessary modifications and supports as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education and Improvement Act (IDEA). This mandate states that the first consideration for all students must be in the regular education environment with the provision of appropriate modifications and accommodations.

Students with developmental disabilities are to receive modifications and the supports they require for a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004 (IDEA). Schools must also demonstrate accountability for Average Yearly Progress (AYP) as mandated through No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

To promote best practice and reverse the trend of pulling students with developmental disabilities out of classrooms for instruction and, instead, provide great opportunities for students to be successful in the general education classroom with their peers, the Council has made investment with the University of Missouri-St. Louis through the CFI process to implement a peer support project in three Missouri high schools. The peer support model will create a curriculum that will be available to schools throughout Missouri that reflects a commitment to providing students with disabilities the opportunity to learn new academic and social skills in the general education classroom. The project will focus on two distinct components:  First, a peer support program will be designed that will allow interested students to assist their peers with disabilities to improve their academic performance, and secondly, provide students with developmental disabilities the opportunity to be in an inclusive classroom. The project will cultivate and use natural supports to help students build quality friendships with their typical peers.

According to the President's New Freedom Initiative report (2001), one of five adults with disabilities do not graduate from high school, people with disabilities are poorer and more likely to remain unemployed than those without disabilities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the unemployment rate for individuals with developmental disabilities is between 80 and 90 percent.  The Council will continue to explore initiatives that will increase opportunities for students through post-secondary education and competitive employment. 

Please contact 800-500-7878 if you have questions regarding inclusive education for individuals with developmental disabilities or the Council's education initiatives.