FASD United is thrilled by the passage of a landmark law in California, SB 1016, that for the first time specifies Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) as a named condition that qualifies a person to receive special education services under the category “Other Health Impairment.”  This will improve the lives of thousands of people living with FASD, a disability that affects up to 1 in 20 school children, making it the most prevalent, yet mostly unrecognized, developmental disability in the US.

Inspired by a passionate group of dedicated local parents, advocates, and professionals working together under the banner of FASD Now!, Senate Bill 1016 was recently signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom.  The bill will ensure that FASD is named as a disorder under the Other Health Impaired category by the California Department of Education for special education eligibility under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

As a result, children and families living with FASD will finally get access to much-needed special education services, dramatically improving their overall experience of school, enhancing their education and academic performance, and ultimately setting many families on a path to long-term success.

The Bill is authored by State Senator Anthony J. Portantino, a longtime advocate of improved education outcomes, who says, “We know that through early intervention and appropriate education services individuals with FASD can achieve their full potential and lead productive lives… I am grateful to the parents in my district who highlighted this inequity and to Governor Newsom for supporting this important effort to help our children.”

Prior to the passage of SB 1016, students with FASD were systematically deprived of receiving the necessary special education services that they needed.  The results have been tragic, with an immeasurable detrimental impact on the overall quality of life for individuals living with FASD and their families.  FASD United is optimistic that this important legislation will make meaningful progress towards remedying these difficult circumstances. 

As we celebrate this important progress, we look ahead to our continued work to improve the lives of all people living with FASD and our current National policy priority, Congressional approval of the bipartisan FASD Respect Act (S. 2238 and H.R. 4151).