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Autism Education Bill Draws Strong Opposition from Parents and Advocates
Summary
Parents, advocates and special-education leaders told the committee that House Bill 286, as written, would mandate segregated autism classrooms and lacks provisions for inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming supports and sufficient staffing and training.
House Bill 286, described by its sponsor as an autism education reform measure, drew sharp criticism at a joint committee hearing from parents, special-education advocates and disability-rights organizations who said the bill, as written, would harm many autistic students.
Lindsay Lukasen, vice chair of the Wachusett Special Education Parent Advisory Council, testified in strong opposition. "I do not oppose…
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