IntroductionOver the course of the past three years, national agencies and consumer groups concerned about the education of children who are blind and visually impaired have developed the "National Agenda for the Education of Children and Youths With Visual Impairments, Including Those With Multiple Disabilities." In the spring of 1997, the "National Agenda Steering Committee" made a strong recommendation that the individual states bring together stakeholders to review the status of education for students with visual impairments and to consider the development of a state agenda. In October 1997, The Parent Information Center (PIC), working in collaboration with New Hampshire Educational Services for the Sensory Impaired (NHESSI) and the Multi-Sensory Intervention through Consultation and Education (MICE) program developed a New Hampshire initiative. A large group of stakeholders representing parents, teachers, administrators, State Department of Education personnel, legislators and other interested parties were sent information packets and invited to work on the development of a "N.H. Agenda for the Education of Children and Youths With Visual Impairments, Including Those With Multiple Disabilities". From November of 1997 to June of 1998, the working group met and developed the New Hampshire Agenda. This document reflects a great deal of dedicated thought and hard work, however, the real work is only just beginning. When speaking of the goals in her introduction to the "National Agenda" Judith E. Heumann , Assistant Secretary, U. S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, states: "...These goals paint a picture of the future in which all children, regardless of their disability, can achieve to their highest potential, because they have been given every opportunity and aid we can bring to bear and a future in which professionals are held accountable for doing the job the law intends for them to do. These goals stand as a hallmark of what we want for our children, because they are the same things we want for ourselves. We can expect no less." Work on the implementation of the strategies has begun. It will continue, and find success, only to the extent that each of us recognize the important role we must play. I encourage you to contact the Parent Information Center or any of the core work group participants listed on the following page for more information about "The NH Agenda", "The National Agenda" or to find out how you can begin to play your role in this important project. Judith Raskin |