Disability History and Awareness Month
SPRING BLUFF R-XV SCHOOL DISTRICT
9374 HWY 185
SULLIVAN, MO 63080
Dear Parents:
In May 2011, the Missouri State legislature passed House Bill 555. This bill designated October as “Disability History and Awareness Month”. The bill also encourages schools to provide information about disability history and promote the awareness of the contributions of individuals with disabilities.
One of every five Americans is a person with a disability. A person may be born with a disability, or may acquire a disability through an accident or illness. A person may acquire a disability simply as a part of growing older. Despite the fact that disability is a natural part of life, people with disabilities have not always had access to equal opportunities. Not until 1975, with the passage of the federal education for All Handicapped Children Act (now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), did school-aged children with disabilities have a right to a free appropriate public education. Approximately 126,000 students identified with disabilities are educated by the Missouri public education system.
We are proud to participate in promoting awareness of disability history and the contributions of individuals with disabilities and to designate October as Disability History and Awareness Month.
Thank you for helping us raise awareness of the abilities of all persons and for sharing this information with other family members. Should you need further information, please contact Matthew League at 573-457-8302 or mleague@springbluffpirates.com.
Sincerely,
Matthew League, Director of Special Education
Spring Bluff R-XV School District