The Commissioner’s Advisory Panel (CAP) for Special Education Services

The Commissioner’s Advisory Panel for Special Education Services was established pursuant to P.L.94-142 (Education of the Handicapped Act) and reauthorized through PL 108-446 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  The Panel functions in an advisory capacity to the Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities and advises the Governor, Legislature and Commissioner on unmet needs in the education of children with disabilities.  Its responsibilities are prescribed by section 4403 (6) of the State Education Law in accordance with section 612 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Current Membership

Members are appointed for a three-year term by the Commissioner of Education to represent one of the following constituencies:

• Individuals with disabilities
• Parents or guardians of children with disabilities
• Teachers of students with disabilities
• State and local education officials
• Representatives of institutions of higher education that prepare special education and related services personnel
• Administrators of programs for children with disabilities
• Representatives of other State agencies involved in the financing or delivery of related services to children with disabilities
• Representatives of private schools and public charter schools
• At least one representative of a vocational, community or business organization concerned with the provision of transition services to children with disabilities
• Representatives from the State juvenile and adult corrections agencies
• Representative from the State Welfare agency responsible for foster care
• Representative from Education agency responsible for ensuring education for those students who are homeless

Information on the meetings, Bylaws and Annual Report is available.

CAP holds three meetings each school year in Albany. CAP members serve without compensation but their reasonable and necessary expenses for attending meetings and performing duties are reimbursed.

Applications for CAP membership are accepted on an ongoing basis and will be kept on file for any available openings. Individuals interested in becoming a CAP member should send a cover letter and resume to:

New York State Education Department
Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilties (VESID)
Special Education Policy
One Commerce Plaza, Room 1624
Albany, NY 12234

If you would like to express your concerns to the Panel, email us. For more information, please call 518-473-2878.

Helpful Links:

Elementary, Middle, Secondary and Continuing Education
(EMSC) 

Office of Teaching

Teacher Certification Regulations

VESID Special Education Help for Parents

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