For children on the Autism Spectrum, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is vital for their development, as endorsed by the National Institute of Health and the US Surgeon General. ABA therapy is one of the few strategies PROVEN to have a multitude of benefits such as increasing language and communication skills, improving attention, focus, social skills, memory and ACADEMICS!  Yet, Orange County Public Schools, the 8th largest school district in the United States, does not offer nor allow for private ABA therapy to be provided in the classroom environment which violates their right to a free and APPROPRIATE public education.
 
Even when parents are willing to pay for their therapists to come into the school to provide the therapy these children so desperately need, the district continues to create roadblocks and excuses, obstructing the development they deserve.  The rights afforded to these school-aged children through the IDEA law (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) , to a free and appropriate public education are being denied by preventing access to ABA therapy.  
 
By preventing students from such essential access to registered or certified behavior therapists, OCPS remains the 2nd highest district in the state of Florida, actively restraining students with disabilities rather than providing them with the behavioral support that they need. As reported by OCPS to the Florida department of education, from August 20, 2018 through January 20, 2019 alone, 552 students with disabilities were restrained.  
 
As parents, we cannot remain silent any longer!  We need your help to demand change so every child has their rights upheld. This petition asks for your support and signature in demanding change NOW to Orange County Public School's erroneous position of denying access to ABA therapy by allowing therapists to come into the classroom and school setting to work directly with children on the spectrum.  
 

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