Special needs students sidelined during LAUSD strike.
Support staff members of the Los Angeles Unified School District are on strike to protest alleged harassment during contract negotiations over the last year. Teachers have also walked off the job in solidarity. Students with disabilities have a right to a “free appropriate public education,” and the district has to provide extra accommodations or therapies to accomplish that. However, parents of students with special needs say there is little support tailored to their children's needs during a disruption like this week’s school closures. The union is seeking a 30% increase and an additional $2 an hour for the lowest paid union members.