Disability Issues
Representative Ausley has been a real friend to the disability community. She has worked closely with advocates and parents on a number of issues, has regularly participated in the Able Trust’s Youth Leadership Forum, and is a proud supporter of the Special Olympics.
Awards
- 2005 & 2003 Outstanding Legislator Award presented by the FLORIDA DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL "in honor of her commitment and dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities."
- 2002 Assistive Technology Inspired Leadership Award presented by FLORIDA ALLIANCE FOR ASSISTIVE SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY for "exceptional leadership in the promotion of legislative change towards the advancement of assistive technology for persons with disabilities"
- 2002 Legislative Advocacy Achievement Award presented by GRASSROOTS FORUM for "dedication to the disability community
Legislative Action
- 2005 - Sponsored legislation requiring inter-agency agreements to ensure that assistive technology devices follow students throughout the educational spectrum. Bill has been signed by Governor Bush and is now law.
- 2003 - Co-sponsor, Transportation Disadvantaged Act
- 2003 - Sponsored amendment to restore supplemental budget for disability services
- 2002 - Sponsored legislation to level the playing field for disabled students taking the FCAT
Students with Disabilities and Florida’s Testing Program: FCAT Accommodations
Rep. Ausley spearheaded the effort to level the playing field for students with disabilities with regards to Florida’s testing program. Every child enrolled in Florida’s public schools must take an annual test in grades 3, 5, 9 and 10 known as the FCAT. Federal law requires that students with diagnosed and documented disabilities are provided a full range of accommodations in the classroom and in testing situations. Florida is not currently providing certain accommodations on the FCAT, and it is having a serious impact on Florida’s high school students and their ability to graduate with a standard diploma.
Ausley’s initial attempt at legislation in 2002 was not successful, but it prompted Governor Bush to appoint a Blue Ribbon Task Force that conducted a thorough study of this issue.
Although the 2003 legislature did not adopt any of the recommendations put forth by the Task Force, an attempt was made to address the issue by providing a waiver for certain 10th graders who cannot pass the test after a certain number of attempts. Representative Ausley supported this effort, but believes that much more needs to be done to ensure that all of Florida’s students with disabilities have the opportunity to succeed. She will continue to work with familes and advocates on a full range of disability issues.
