Special Groups in Education

▸ Agencies

Education Dept., Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education, 400 Maryland Ave. S.W., #3E124 20202-6200; (202) 260-7813. Fax, (202) 205-8969. Pat O'Connell Johnson, Program Officer.

Web, http://www.ed.gov/programs/javits/index.html

Awards grants for developing programs for gifted and talented students, including the limited-English-speaking, economically disadvantaged, and disabled. Oversees the National Research Center, which administers grants for research and analysis of gifted and talented programs.

▸ Nongovernmental

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), 110 N. Glebe Rd., #300, Arlington, VA 22201-5704; (703) 620-3660. Fax, (703) 264-9494. Bruce A. Ramirez, Director.

General e-mail, service@cec.sped.org

Web, http://www.cec.sped.org

Membership association that advocates on behalf of children with disabilities and gifts and talents as well as special educators. Sets professional standards for the field; publishes books, journals, newsletters, and other resources; and offers professional development for teachers and administrators, including an annual convention. Sponsors the Yes I Can! Awards for children with disabilities who excel. Monitors legislation and regulations.

  ♦  ♦  ♦

[Page 180]National Assn. for Gifted Children, 1707 L St. N.W., #550 20036; (202) 785-4268. Fax, (202) 785-4248. Nancy Green, Executive Director.

General e-mail, nagc@nagc.org

Web, http://www.nagc.org

Membership: teachers, administrators, state coordinators, and parents. Works for programs for intellectually and creatively gifted children in public and private schools.

▸ Agencies

Education Dept., National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER), 555 New Jersey Ave. N.W. 20208-5500; (202) 219-1385. Lynn Okagaki, Commissioner (Acting).

Web, http://www.ed.gov

Sponsors a comprehensive program of special education research designed to expand the knowledge and understanding of infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities.

  ♦  ♦  ♦

Education Dept., Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, 550 12th St. S.W., 5th Floor 20202; (202) 245-7468. Fax, (202) 245-7638. Vacant, Assistant Secretary. Main phone is voice and TTY accessible.

Web, http://www.nochildleftbehind.gov

Administers federal assistance programs for the education and rehabilitation of people with disabilities through the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research, the Office of Special Education Programs, and the Rehabilitation Services Administration; maintains a national information clearinghouse for people with disabilities.

  ♦  ♦  ♦

Education Dept., Special Education Programs, 550 12th St. S.W., 4th Floor 20202-3600; (202) 245-7459. Fax, (202) 245-7614. Patty Guard, Director (Acting).

Web, http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/about.html

Responsible for special education programs and services designed to meet the needs and develop the full potential of children with disabilities. Programs include support for training of teachers and other professional personnel; grants for research; financial aid to help states initiate and improve their resources; and media services and captioned films for hearing impaired persons.

  ♦  ♦  ♦

Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Outreach Group, 1900 E St. N.W., #7412 20415; (202) 606-2773. Anita R. Hanson, Outreach Group Manager.

Web, http://www.opm.gov

Provides veterans, military personnel, and federal hiring officials with information on veterans' rights and employment opportunities with the federal government. Provides outreach to colleges and universities on Schedule A hiring authorities for people with disabilities.

  ♦  ♦  ♦

Smithsonian Institution, Accessibility Program, 14th St. and Constitution Ave. N.W., NMAH, MRC 607 20013-7012; (202) 633-2921. Fax, (202) 633-4352. Elizabeth Ziebarth, Director. Information, (888) 783-0001. TTY, (202) 633-4353.

General e-mail, ziebarth@si.edu

Web, http://www.si.edu

Coordinates the Smithsonian's efforts to improve accessibility of its programs and facilities to visitors and staff with disabilities. Serves as a resource for museums and individuals nationwide.

▸ Congress

For a listing of relevant congressional committees and subcommittees, please see page 156 or the Appendix.

...