The Arc of Texas Provides Input on Emergency Preparedness in Public Schools

Written Testimony on SB 57

The Arc of Texas appreciates the opportunity to submit testimony in support of Senate Bill 57, which seeks to ensure the safety of students with disabilities by incorporating necessary accommodations into mandatory school drills.

For more than 70 years, The Arc of Texas has advocated for the rights and inclusion of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Ensuring that students with disabilities have equitable access to safety procedures in schools is a critical component of our mission. We support SB 57 because it provides a structured process for identifying and implementing necessary accommodations for students with disabilities during emergency drills.

Students receiving services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act have unique needs that must be considered in all aspects of school life, including emergency preparedness. Currently, there is no uniform requirement for Individualized Education Program (IEP) committees or Section 504 teams to address necessary accommodations during mandatory school drills. As a result, students with disabilities may face unnecessary risks or barriers to participation during these drills, potentially compromising their safety in an actual emergency. SB 57 would require IEP committees and Section 504 teams to:

• Consider whether a student’s disabilities necessitate specific accommodations for school drills.
• Identify and document accommodations within the student’s IEP or Section 504 plan.
• Ensure that this information is communicated to school district and campus administrators responsible for emergency planning.
• Invite school administrators to collaborate in determining appropriate accommodations.

These provisions establish a proactive, individualized approach to school safety and ensure that students with disabilities are not overlooked in emergency preparedness efforts. By explicitly requiring consideration of accommodations, SB 57 aligns with existing federal disability rights laws and reinforces Texas’s commitment to inclusive education.

Furthermore, by ensuring that emergency response plans address the needs of students with disabilities, SB 57 enhances overall school preparedness. In an emergency, clear procedures and accommodations will benefit not only students with disabilities but also school personnel, first responders, and peers.

The Arc of Texas urges the committee to support SB 57 to protect the safety and well-being of students with disabilities. We appreciate the leadership of Senator Zaffirini in bringing forward this important legislation and look forward to working with the Legislature to ensure its passage. Thank you for your time and consideration.