[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 23 (Monday, June 9, 1997)]
[Page 833]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Signing the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act 
Amendments of 1997

June 4, 1997

    It is with great pleasure that I have today signed into law H.R. 5, 
the ``Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997.'' 
This Act reaffirms and strengthens our national commitment to the 
education of children with disabilities and their families.
    Since the enactment of Public Law 94-142 over 20 years ago, the 
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has made it possible 
for millions of children with disabilities to receive an education, 
helping them become productive adults. The bill before me today builds 
on that success story by:
    --putting an even sharper focus on improving educational results for 
      these children through greater access to the general curriculum 
      and inclusion in State and districtwide assessments;
    --giving parents more information, including regular reports on 
      their children's progress, and a greater role in decisions 
      affecting their children's education;
    --reducing paperwork and increasing administrative flexibility;
    --asking children with disabilities, along with schools, teachers, 
      and parents to assume greater responsibility for the children's 
      success; and
    --promoting the use of mediation to resolve disagreements between 
      parents and schools.
    This bill also gives school officials the tools they need to ensure 
that the Nation's schools are safe and conducive to learning for all 
children, while scrupulously protecting the rights of children with 
disabilities. It also includes a substantial commitment from the Federal 
Government to support the professional development of special and 
regular education teachers who work with children with disabilities, 
research and technological innovations to improve their education, the 
training of parents, and the provision of technical assistance.
    This bipartisan legislation is the result of a unique process 
involving the Congress, the Department of Education, parents, educators, 
the disability community, and other interested parties. I thank all who 
played a part in this great achievement. Successful implementation of 
the revised IDEA is the key to the future for children with disabilities 
and it will help them become successful and contributing members of 
their communities.
                                            William J. Clinton
The White House,
June 4, 1997.

Note: H.R. 5, approved June 4, was assigned Public Law No. 105-17.