This guide is meant to help parents, schools, and community members use the Kansas Special Education Process Handbook. The parent guide to the Kansas Special Education Process Handbook was written by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). It is a start for learning about special education requirements. It is recommended to use this guide…

Children with disabilities have a right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Children differ in mental abilities, sensory development, physical traits, emotional or social behaviors, or communication skills. Some may require modification to their school program or special education and related services in order to benefit from their…

This brief guide for parents of children with disabilities offers tips on being the child's advocate. Parents are first urged to believe in their child, believe in their own intuition, and educate themselves. They are also encouraged to: (1) document events and encounters including both objective facts and subjective response, (2) document and…

Conflicts over censorship can cause major divisions in schools and communities. Library materials and art work are censors' frequent targets. Parents should do everything possible to help resolve explosive conflicts over censorship should they occur. The best way to handle conflict over censorship is to create school communities that promote open…

This booklet for parents, in question and answer format, provides basic information on the mediation process in the resolution of conflicts between parents and educators concerning special education. The first section is intended to help parents decide if mediation is the appropriate route in their situation. It addresses such topics as how…

This guide for parents of children with disabilities explains the basics of the special education process focusing on parent participation in the process of developing the child's individualized education program (IEP). The first section reviews the IEP process including what is involved, the IEP meeting, who attends the IEP meeting, the role of…

This Spanish language guide for parents of children with disabilities explains the basics of the special education process, especially parent participation developing the child's individualized education program (IEP). The first section reviews the IEP process, including what's involved, the IEP meeting, who attends the IEP meeting, the role of…

Designed for parents of students with disabilities living in Oregon, this brochure describes the general mediation process that parents can use to resolve special education services disputes with schools. It begins by discussing what mediation is and the characteristics of a trained mediator. It addresses the requirement for making mediation…

This fact sheet provides answers to frequently asked questions about provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) relating to special education eligibility, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and student placement. Specifically, information is provided on: (1) the purpose of the IDEA; (2) eligibility for services…

Though developed specifically for Minnesota parents, parents in other states will also receive helpful information from this booklet on early intervention programs for children with disabilities. Topics covered include: (1) qualifications for admission to early intervention services; (2) legal rights of children with disabilities; (3) the…

This document is intended to provide necessary information to Delaware parents, legal guardians, and surrogate parents of children with disabilities concerning procedural safeguards under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B. Presented in a question-and-answer format, this guide is in several sections. The first section…

The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) has created this Parent Guide to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) so parents can become informed and effective partners with school personnel in supporting their child's special learning and behavioral needs. It is hoped that parents will use this IDEA Parent Guide to…

Designed for Hmong parents of students with disabilities living in Oregon, this brochure describes the general mediation process that parents can use to resolve special education services disputes with schools. It begins by discussing what mediation is and the characteristics of a trained mediator. It addresses the requirement for making mediation…

Intended for parents (or surrogate parents) of children with disabilities in Arizona, this handbook explains rights and procedural safeguards under federal and state laws. Section 1, an introduction to special education, is followed by a section on parent rights in relation to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, initial evaluation,…