FIRST REGULAR SESSION
95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE GRISAMORE.
2341L.01I D. ADAM CRUMBLISS, Chief Clerk
AN ACT
To amend chapter 162, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to disability history and awareness week in public schools.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:
Section A. Chapter 162, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 162.946, to read as follows:
162.946. 1. Each district school board shall require schools within the district to provide disability history and awareness instruction in all K-12 public schools during the month of October of each year. The month of October shall be designated "Disability History and Awareness Month".
2. During disability history and awareness month, students shall be provided intensive instruction to expand their knowledge, understanding, and awareness of individuals with disabilities, the history of disability, and the disability rights movement. Disability history shall include the events and timelines of the development and evolution of services to, and the civil rights of, individuals with disabilities. Disability history shall also include the contributions of specific individuals with disabilities, including the contributions of acknowledged national leaders. The instruction shall be integrated into the existing school curriculum in ways including, but not limited to, supplementing lesson plans, holding school assemblies, or providing other school-related activities. The instruction may be delivered by qualified school personnel or by knowledgeable guest speakers, with a particular focus on including individuals with disabilities.
3. The goals of the disability history and awareness instruction include:
(1) Better treatment for individuals with disabilities, especially for youth in school, and increased attention to preventing the bullying or harassment of students with disabilities;
(2) Encouragement to individuals with disabilities to develop increased self-esteem, resulting in more individuals with disabilities gaining pride in being an individual with a disability, obtaining post-secondary education, entering the workforce, and contributing to their communities; and
(3) Reaffirmation of the local, state, and federal commitment to the full inclusion in society of, and the equal opportunity for, all individuals with disabilities.
4. Institutions of higher education within the state are encouraged to conduct and promote activities on individual campuses that provide education, understanding, and awareness of individuals with disabilities.
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