All official divisions in good standing of the Council for Exceptional Children will adhere to the Public Statement Disclaimer Process prior to releasing any statement. Divisions will either seek CEC endorsement on a statement or apply the public disclaimer with no action from CEC based on disclaimer guidelines. Divisions releasing statements with a disclaimer will send the statement to CEC as a courtesy notice. CEC encourages the use of endorsements whenever possible. Use of the Public Statement Disclaimer Process or any disclaimer statement does not apply to CEC units as they may not express an opinion on federal legislation that is separate from that of CEC.

CEC Endorsement of Division Public Statements

Divisions seeking CEC endorsement on a public statement will follow the protocol for endorsement and will work with the President and/or Executive Director. Upon review, it will be determined if support is warranted. If not, the division will adhere to policy disclaimer guidelines. Endorsement Statement: The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) values and seeks diverse and inclusive participation within the field of special education and acknowledges the expertise of each CEC special interest division. The views prepared in this publication by [Name of Division] reflect the official policies or positions of the CEC.

Division Request for CEC Endorsement Guidelines

In the event that a division seeks CEC endorsement or collaboration on a public statement, the division will send the information below to CEC. The President and/or Executive Director will respond within 48 hours. If the endorsement is an urgent circumstance, an expedited request can be made. However, if an expedited request is not possible, the division will be notified and the disclaimer statement will be used. A copy of the policy statement Anticipated needs (endorsement/collaboration) Deadline of publication All divisions/organizations/associations signing the statement Contact person for additional information CEC will respond with one of the following responses: Yes, the public statement is endorsed and published. Endorsement will be granted with changes requested and then published. Endorsement is not given and CEC will provide the reason endorsement will not be given.

Public Statement Guidelines

Divisions need a disclaimer when: The public statement is about a policy issue or potential policy issue. The public statement makes a recommendation or requests action on a policy at the state or national level. The policy issue or potential policy issue is a sign-on with another organization or association. (Disclaimer is used when sharing on website/social media or press releases, and if applicable, on the public statement.) The public statement is in opposition to the mission and vision of CEC.

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) values and seeks diverse and inclusive participation within the field of special education and acknowledges the expertise of each CEC special interest division. However, the views prepared in this publication by [Name of Division] may not reflect the official policies or positions of the CEC

Policy and Advocacy

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) advocates on behalf of children with exceptionalities 365 days a year.

In doing so, CEC examines policy issues, develops appropriate responses to those issues, and influences local, state, provincial, and federal legislation. CEC also monitors and makes recommendations for program regulations and funding.

Our Policy Agenda

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Our Policy Agenda

Policy Insider

Learn about the special and gifted education issues Congress and the administration are considering by reading CEC's Policy Insider. Sign up today to receive weekly e-mail updates!

Stay Informed

Take Action

Lots of people holding a sign on the steps

Use CEC's Legislative Action Center to take action on a number of legislative issues by filling out your information and sending a letter to your Members of Congress.

Take Action

Advocacy Basics

CEC advocates discussing legislation holding up documents

Find out how you can advocate for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with exceptionalities and the professionals who support them 365 days a year.

LEARN MORE

Special Education Legislative Summit

Held each July in Washington, D.C., our Special Education Legislative Summit (SELS) is an opportunity for educators across the country to make a difference by advocating for change with Members of Congress.

JOIN US

Child and Youth Action Network

CEC’s Children and Youth Action Network (CAN) is an organized group of volunteers dedicated to helping advance policy affecting students with disabilities and gifts and talents.

Engage with CAN

Position Statements

Policy Committee Launches Into Action (and How You Can, Too!)

Our position statements help guide the work of CEC's policy efforts as we continue to serve as a leading voice for the field of special education.

SEE POSITIONS

Coalitions

CEC advocates sitting around legislative table with issue briefs

CEC highly values the power of coalitions to bring a collective voice to pressing policy priorities. That's why we are an active member of the following coalitions.

SEE COALITIONS

What We're Doing in the Field

More Information

For more information on getting involved our policy and advocacy work, contact Kuna Tavalin, CEC’s Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor.

Email Kuna

Public Statement Endorsement Process for Divisions and Units

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) values and seeks diverse and inclusive participation within the field of special education and acknowledges the expertise of each CEC Unit and Special Interest Division. In demonstrating that expertise, Divisions may occasionally issue public statements on policy or potential policy issues and must follow the CEC Public Statement Endorsement Process.

View Endorsement Process