U.S. Assistant Secretary for Special Education to Address National Student Leadership Conference

Assistant Secretary Alexa Posny will address the National Student Leadership Conference Friday at American University in Washington, D.C.  Posny will discuss the history of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the equity law which entitles children with disabilities to a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. She will also discuss effective leadership and share her many opportunities and experiences in leading at the federal, state and local levels.

For more than 20 years, the National Student Leadership Conference has invited a select group of outstanding high school students to participate in its summer sessions. Sponsored by the National Student Leadership Foundation, the NSLC offers students the opportunity to experience life on a college campus, develop leadership skills, and explore a future career through simulations, site visits and interactive meetings with distinguished leaders in their chosen field.

Posny heads the Education Department's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, which includes programs aimed at helping and improving results and outcomes for the nation's infants, toddlers, children and adults with disabilities.