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Special Education

Negotiating the special education process can be overwhelming. These excellent resources help you understand the process and get the best services for your child.

IEP’s and School Transfers: When it is necessary for a child with a disability to transfer to a different school in the same district or a school in a different district in the same state, the IDEA 2004 requires the following: Full article

Parent Right to Request Evaluation for Special Education Services at Any Time: Parents who are aware their child is having a difficult time understanding school work or learning the material might wonder if the child has a Specific Learning Disability (SLD). Full article

Proposed LDA Platform for Reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): The reauthorization of IDEA was scheduled for 2009, but most likely will not occur until 2011 or 2012. Despite any delays in scheduling, national organizations are already reviewing current law and contemplating possible changes. This reauthorization will be particularly critical for LDA members. Full article

SLD Evaluation: Linking Cognitive Assessment Data to Learning Strategies: The 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA; 2004) and subsequent regulations published August 2006 have significantly changed the way students suspected of having specific learning disabilities (SLD) are identified and found eligible for special education. Full article

Supreme Court Rules That Parents Have Rights Too: On Monday, May 21, 2007, the United States Supreme Court issued a ruling of significance to parents. The case is Winkelman v. Parma School District U.S.S.C. Docket No. 05-983. Full article

The Role of Parents/Family in Responsiveness to Intervention: Full article

Assistive Technology (AT) For Individuals with Learning Disabilities: This fact sheet is intended to be a general guide to parents on the assistive technology available for students with learning disabilities. Full article

Principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): An overview of the major provisions of the nation’s federal special education law. Full article

First Steps for Parents When School Problems Are Observed: Information on the problem-solving approach many schools engage in before beginning a formal process of referral for special education. Full article

Referring Children for Consideration for Special Education Services: Referral is the beginning of the special education process. Understanding this stage of the process is critical. Full article

Evaluating Children Who Have Been Referred to Determine Eligibility for Special Education Services and Requirements for Reevaluation: Basic information about the process following referral for special education. Full article

Determining Whether a Child is Eligible for Special Education Services: Detailed information on the process of determining whether a child has a specific learning disability and needs special education and related services. Full article

Developing and Implementing the IEP: Learn how to use the IEP process as an effective tool to obtain appropriate special education and related services for your child. Full article

Preparing For a Successful IEP Meeting: Tips on getting the most from your IEP meeting. Full article

Guidelines for the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) under Part C of IDEA: An overview of the IDEA provisions that provide early intervention services to infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) who have disabilities, including developmental delays, and their families. Full article

Rights and Responsibilities of Parents of Children with Disabilities: Details about your rights and responsibilities under the IDEA. Full article