KENNEDY TO HONOR CHILDREN AND DISCUSS VITAL IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES KENNEDY TO BE NAMED 2008 OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD WINNER BY COUNCIL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN

BOSTON, MA- On Friday, April 4th at 6:00 PM, Senator Edward M. Kennedy will

discuss the importance of federal investment in education for students, parents and

advocates at the annual Council for Exceptional Children’s Yes I Can! Awards at the

Sheraton Boston Hotel. Kennedy will receive the Outstanding Public Service Award for

his longstanding dedication to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for

exceptional children.

The Council for Exceptional Children will also honor student award winners for the 2008

Yes I Can! Award, which recognizes children with disabilities who excel. Their

accomplishments are in academics, arts, athletics, community service, employment,

extracurricular activities, independent living skills, self advocacy and technology.

Kennedy is a longtime leader in the effort to ensure that individuals with disabilities have

access to an educational program that is academically challenging and appropriate for

their unique educational and developmental needs. The Individuals with Disabilities

Education Act (IDEA) enacted in 1975, has enabled millions of children with disabilities

to receive a public education. Kennedy has also played a central role in subsequent

reauthorizations of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, working to

ensure that children with disabilities receive the full benefits of standards-based reform in

K-12 education.

Kennedy recognizes the important role of parents, teachers, special educators,

administrators and leaders in higher education, and continues to push for improving and

strengthening educational services for exceptional children.

WHO:Senator Edward M. Kennedy

Susan Fowler, CEC President

MaryAnn Byrnes, Massachusetts CEC President

Deborah Ziegler, CEC Associate Executive

Director

WHAT:The 2008 Council for Exceptional Children Outstanding Public Service

Award Ceremony.

WHEN:Friday, April 4, 2008

5:00-6:30 PM

WHERE:Sheraton Boston Hotel

Prudential Center

39 Dalton Street

Boston, MA

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