Nominate a Deserving Student for a Yes I Can! Award
CEC’s Yes I Can! Awards honor students who have excelled despite their disability. Awards are given in nine categories. Plus, every student nominated receives a Certificate of Achievement. Nominations are due Oct. 14, 2008.

Celebrate Your Colleagues’ Accomplishments with a CEC Professional Award
Recognize outstanding special educators with CEC’s Professional Awards: Clarissa Hug National Teacher of the Year, Wallin Lifetime Achievement, Special Education Research, Outstanding Leadership, and Business awards. Nominations are due Oct. 14, 2008.

2009 CEC Committee Leadership Opportunities
Make a difference, connect to dedicated leaders in the field, and contribute to the greatest good for children and youth with exceptionalities by serving on a CEC committee. The deadline for applications is Oct. 17, 2008.

Apply for the Nominations Committee
The Nominations Committee ensures that CEC constituents and membership segments have opportunities to participate in leadership development; participate in mentoring opportunities; and become candidates for CEC leadership positions. The deadline for applications is Oct. 17, 2008.

CEC Applauds U.S. Department of Education’s New UDL Toolkit
As part of the National Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Taskforce, CEC encouraged the release of a toolkit focusing on UDL—the practice of designing curricula to meet the learning needs of all students.

CEC Brings You Resources for the 2008 Elections
With Election Day rapidly approaching, CEC is pleased to provide you with resources for the upcoming presidential election, which include the Voter Education Guide, voter registration information, and party platforms.

Vote for Your 2009 Board of Directors!
The election of CEC’s Board of Directors is coming soon, Sept. 18 – Oct. 23. Be sure to vote, and lend your voice to CEC’s leadership.

CEC Advocacy Victory: An Analysis of the Higher Education Act
CEC has unveiled two documents – an executive summary and comprehensive summary – highlighting provisions impacting students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents and the professionals who work on their behalf within the Higher Education Opportunity Act signed into law on Aug. 14, 2008.

CEC Denounces Film’s Portrayal of People with Disabilities
CEC has joined other members of the disability advocacy community in protesting “Tropic Thunder,” a new comedy from DreamWorks Pictures, citing its negative and insensitive treatment of people with intellectual disabilities.

Introducing CEC’s New RTI Blog
CEC is pleased to announce its new blog,
Exploring Response to Intervention. August also marks the return of the CEC Blog: Reality 101 for New Teachers. Check back often for insightful posts and lively discussions!

Proposed Amendment to the CEC Constitution and Bylaws
The Board of Directors has proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws regarding Committees, Workgroups and Other Advisory Groups. For full details and for the chance to respond, please click on the link above.

CEC Seeks Senior Director for Public Policy
Make a direct impact on special education policy. CEC’s Senior Director for Public Policy provides leadership for special education advocacy, public policy, and advocacy campaigns; works with coalitions; and prepares products on policy issues.

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