ND Protection & Advocacy Project Revamps Common Ground Guide & Training
Bismarck, ND – Common Ground is a resource for students with disabilities, family members, educators, and related professionals. It is designed to provide digestible explanations of complex federal laws that ensure access to education for students with disabilities. By providing foundational information on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Common Ground creates a basic understanding of educational rights. Common Ground also explains various processes relative to the education of students with disabilities, builds skills for conflicts resolution, and teaches easy-to-implement advocacy strategies.
Education issues can be complicated and emotional, and the path to resolution can be challenging, but it doesn’t need to be. The goal of Common Ground is to create an atmosphere where all parties involved can focus on making sure the student with a disability can get the best education possible.
Originating over 25 years ago, Common Ground content has stood the test of time. Collaboration between P&A, Pathfinder Services of North Dakota, and other partners has resulted in a revamp to this valuable resource. Training activities will be announced soon and the updated training program is now available online at www.ndpanda.org/resources/education.
The North Dakota Protection & Advocacy Project is a federally mandated, independent state agency established in 1977 to advance the human and legal rights of people with disabilities. P&A’s mission is to champion the equality and inclusion of people with disabilities where we live, work and play.