Advocacy Alert
📢 What Parents of Children with Down Syndrome Need to Know About the New Executive Order on School Discipline  Issued April 23, 2025


🧾 What Changed?
A new federal executive order removes support for school discipline policies that consider equity or racial disparities, and encourages schools to focus on behavior alone, regardless of background or disability.
While this does not change special education laws, it may make it harder for students with Down syndrome to receive fair, individualized discipline and appropriate supports in school.


👦 How This May Affect Your Child
❗ 1. Less Consideration for Disability-Related Behavior
Children with Down syndrome may struggle with things like impulse control, sensory issues, and emotional regulation. Schools may now respond with punishment instead of support.
❗ 2. More Suspensions & Exclusions
This change may lead to more students being suspended or removed from classrooms — even when their behavior is related to their disability.
❗ 3. Risk to IEP and 504 Protections
Though the law still requires schools to support students with disabilities, some schools may stop following positive behavior supports written into a student’s IEP or 504 Plan.


✅ How Parents Can Protect Their Child
✔️ Know Your Rights

• Your child is protected under IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA.
• Schools must consider whether behavior is related to a disability before applying major discipline.

✔️ Review & Strengthen Your IEP or 504 Plan

• Request a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA).
• Ensure your child’s plan includes a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).
• Ask for a team meeting to update strategies and supports.

✔️ Advocate & Document Everything

• If your child is disciplined, ask for a Manifestation Determination Review.
• Keep copies of communications and detailed notes from meetings or incidents.

✔️ Reach Out for Support

• Contact Down Syndrome Advocates in Action Nebraska for help navigating school challenges.
• Join a parent support group or network with other families.

📣 Final Thoughts
This order may cause schools to use stricter discipline policies that ignore the needs of students with Down syndrome.
Your advocacy is key to protecting your child’s rights. We're here to support you every step of the way.


🧩 Need Help or Have Questions?
Down Syndrome Advocates in Action Nebraska (DSAA NE)
🌐 www.dsaane.org
📞 (402) 413-0199
📧 [email protected]
 
Down Syndrome Advocates in Action Nebraska
Empowering Families. Supporting Inclusion. Advocating for Change.

Fact #8: As we continue our exploration of autism and Down Syndrome dual diagnosis, uncover today’s often surprising fact that students can be given an educational verification of autism and get supports at school without a medical diagnosis of autism. Conversely, a student may get a medical diagnosis of autism and not qualify for an IEP or certain services. This last one is very rare in the ds community as most of our population already qualify for an iep, however the medical diagnosis can help change the supports offered to make sure the unique needs of the student are being met. #dsaane   #autismacceptance #inclusionmatters #downsyndrome #autism

🌟 Embracing Autism Awareness Month with a Focus on Down Syndrome! 🌟 Join us this April as we embark on a journey of awareness and education. We'll be sharing daily insights into the co-occurring diagnosis of Down syndrome and ASD, aiming to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with these unique needs. #AutismAwarenessMonth #DownSyndromeAwareness #InclusionMatters #dsaane

🌟 Introducing Autism Awareness Month with a Special Focus on Down Syndrome! 🌟
Welcome to Autism Awareness Month! Throughout April, we're excited to shine a spotlight on an important aspect of the autism spectrum that often goes unnoticed: its connection with Down syndrome.
Did you know that about 15% of individuals with Down syndrome also receive a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? This statistic is not only significant but also on the rise. It's crucial to recognize and understand this intersection to ensure that individuals receive the support and services they need.
Join us this month as we share a daily fact about the co-occurring diagnosis of Down syndrome and ASD. Through these insights, we hope to raise awareness, promote understanding, and foster support for individuals with these dual diagnoses.
Stay tuned for our daily posts as we honor Autism Awareness Month with a special focus on Down syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. Together, let's learn, grow, and advocate for a more inclusive world! #AutismAwarenessMonth #DownSyndromeAwareness #InclusionMatters #dsaane