While McCarthy and Pugh said Johnson’s amendment would remove oversight of ADA requirements in the state’s voucher program for students with disabilities, Bender said because the program uses only state dollars, federal rules don’t apply in most of the program.

“This is why the program has multiple audit requirements and DPI oversight. Plus, schools are required to publicly disclose what services and qualifications they have for teaching special needs students,” said Bender. “It also requires that the (individualized education plan for students with disabilities) be implemented or that an agreement be reached between the parents and school for services surrounding their child. Each child will have a unique agreement. The schools have to do quarterly updates to the parents.”

Katy Schmidt, president of the Wisconsin Association of the Deaf, said the amendment “gravely concerns” her.