By Meghan McCormick
November 16, 2008 01:13 am
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When 2009 arrives in less than two months, amendments added to the Americans with Disabilities Act will take effect.
Norman Public Schools and Moore Norman Technology Center are two education institutions prepared for the law.
NPS director of special services Justin Milner said the district is already honoring ADA standards and doesn't expect much changes for students.
"The definition hasn't changed that much," Milner said.
He said the revised law will have a larger impact on employers than on students.
"We feel like we are meeting the needs of our students," Milner said.
Moore Norman Technology Center recently hired a disability coordinator.
MNTC superintendent John Hunter said over the years a group of faculty and staff have worked with students with disabilities to accommodate any needs.
"We just decided to carve that responsibility out and make that a position for one person," he said.
As MNTC's disability coordinator, Sande Johnson serves as a liaison between MNTC and partner schools such as Moore Public Schools and Norman Public Schools.
Johnson said for the little more than 100 MNTC students with either a physical or cognitive disability, she makes sure their education needs are fulfilled.
"If they need accommodation, we assist that," she said.
She said she tries to be in the classroom as much as possible.
"If a student needs something additional, we do our best to comply," she said.
When the new year arrives, the Americans with Disabilities Act will require additional amendments. The original law went into effect in 1990.
Johnson said she will visit seminars to learn more about new amendments and how MNTC can address student needs.
"We will do everything to comply," she said.
Johnson said MNTC wants all students to have access to programs. It takes a team to decide what's best for each person.
Before Johnson arrived at MNTC in August, she taught special education at Moore Public Schools. She holds a bachelor of science degree in elementary education and a master's degree in special education.
"It's nice to be able to see students who have challenges in life who are looking to move forward with their education and find employment," she said.
Johnson said during her education career, she has watched students from poverty backgrounds work hard and be productive citizens.
"That's what we want from our community," she said.
Meghan McCormick
366-3539
mmccormick@normantranscript.com
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