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
