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 with reading, mathematics, written expression or other aspects of school work might suspect that the child has a learning disability (LD), also known as specific learning disabilities, and may be in need of special education services. As a parent, guardian or advocate, you have a legal right to request that your public school evaluate your child for special education. Read LDA’s position paper on Right to an Evaluation of a Child for Special Education Services  (Feb 2013)
  
• LDA Platform for Reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): The reauthorization of IDEA was scheduled for 2009. However, given the delays in reauthorizing other education laws such as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA, currently known as No Child Left Behind) which are scheduled ahead of the IDEA reauthorization, it is unclear when Congress will consider changes to the IDEA. Read LDA’s Public Policy Committee Platform on this important issue
  
• 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