1st Annual Special Education Legislative Summit Words from Participants

What motivated you to attend the conference this year? There are so many significant issues facing special education in the state of Oklahoma - I have been trying to get more involved at the Capitol, and this gave me an opportunity to do so in a safe environment - the support was great.

What motivated you to attend the conference this year? I needed to know what bills were out there that affect education and special education. This was an AWESOME workshop that provided valuable information. It was good training on how to interact with your legislators. Great job!

What motivated you to attend the conference this year? I love the idea of having a legislative summit that is centered around special education. Our educators need this information to stay on top of issues that will directly impact them in the classroom.

What motivated you to attend the conference this year? I have been desiring to do more in helping to get changes made in education but especially certain special education issues for a long time. I've spoken only with a few legislators and have not followed up in a while or with the OSDE. This summit was my big nudge and a way to not do it alone!! Thank you!!!!!!

What motivated you to attend the conference this year? This past year, I have become more aware of and interested in the political world in general, and education issues in particular. With that interest came a desire to be part of positive change rather than just a spectator. So, when my Team Lead sent out a message asking if anyone on the team was interested in this summit, I decided it was a perfect opportunity to do just that.

How do you plan to use the information you've obtained in your work? Personal advocacy at Capitol - I am now going to continue to foster my relationships with those I met at the Capitol - I am also going to try to have others go with me to speak to Legislators.

How do you plan to use the information you've obtained in your work? I was empowered that I can speak out for or against bills as a state employee, it just has to be my personal stance. I will help empower families to advocate for themselves. I know I have the power to invite legislators for coffee, lunch or to my home to talk as a personal citizen.

How do you plan to use the information you've obtained in your work? I have already used the information that I obtained during the 2 days. Students have already been asking why I was not in class. I got to discuss some of the Bills that are being presented and voted on at the Capitol. Fellow teachers were interested in the Bill that were be presented. So many of our teachers don't know what's going on at our Capitol. I discussed with one of our Govt. Teachers the concerns that I had with not getting the information about Bills that are being presented.

How do you plan to use the information you've obtained in your work? Share, share, share with my colleagues and peers and continue to talk to my reps and senators. Two of the reps we visited asked for more information, so I will stay in contact with them and get them the information that they asked for.

We can do this together!