History
The Nebraska State Plan for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) was originally developed in 2000, began implementation in 2002, and was most recently revised in May of 2023. The State Plan outlines how the NE ASD Network is to support local school districts, educational service units (ESUs), and parents/caregivers of children, birth-21yrs, with autism or related characteristics. The ASD Network works to build school district capacity in providing quality, individualized programming for students with autism; however, it does not provide direct services. It is the responsibility of Nebraska school districts to assure that all children identified under the Autism disability category have a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) which includes special education and related services that meet their individual needs.
Guidelines
- Facilitates collaboration among parents/guardians, school districts, regional/statewide programs, service providers, and other agencies
- Through work with school districts, helps to ensure that all children identified under the disability category of autism have a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and that appropriate supports and services are available
- Makes ongoing efforts to ensure that all Nebraska school districts, families of children with ASD, and members of the public are aware of the needs of and possible services and supports available to students (birth - 21) with autism or related characteristics
Composition
The ASD Network is composed of 5 regions (Metro, Northeast, Southeast, Central, and Western), as well as statewide supports, in order to help Nebraska schools, families/caregivers, and community partners provide meaningful educational experiences and improve outcomes for students with autism or related characteristics, birth-21.
Regional Supports:
- A Regional Coordinator
- A Regional Behavior Specialist
- Special Education Administrators/Directors at the ESUs who are the fiscal agents for the Regional ASD Network Projects
- An ASD Regional Team comprised of various individuals who are knowledgeable and interested in ASD.
Statewide Supports:
- A State Coordinator, a State Behavior Specialist, and a State Project Coordinator, housed at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln
- An ASD Network Standing Committee
Funding
The Nebraska ASD Network is funded by the Nebraska Department of Education, Office of Special Education (NDE-SPED) through Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) Parts B and C funds.
