SACRAMENTO, CA—Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D-Elk Grove) has introduced AB 2189, legislation to strengthen California’s oversight of special education and ensure families have the training, tools, and coordination they need to support and advocate for students with disabilities.
With federal oversight shifting, responsibility for enforcement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) increasingly falls on states. California, with more than 1,000 school districts and 800,000 students with disabilities lacks a coordinated infrastructure to unify and train parent leaders statewide. AB 2189 authorizes the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) to award an $800,000 grant to a statewide advocacy organization to conduct outreach and training through local meetings and forums.
“As a mother of a child with special needs, I know firsthand how complex and overwhelming the special education system can be,” said Assemblymember Nguyen. “Parents should not have to navigate it alone. AB 2189 ensures families have access to training, support, and a coordinated voice so we can protect the rights of students with disabilities and help ensure systems are working for families.”
Aaron Carruthers, Executive Director of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, emphasized the importance of statewide coordination.
“Our job is to make sure people with developmental disabilities and their families know their rights and have the tools to speak up for themselves,” said Carruthers. “AB 2189 helps families get practical training and connect with one another so they can advocate in their own communities. When parents are informed and organized, schools work better for students with disabilities.”
This bill provides special education pupils and their families with information regarding their rights and how to effectively advocate within California’s education system.
AB 2189 is expected to be heard in policy committee later this spring.
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Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen represents the Cities of Sacramento and Elk Grove