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A monthly family playgroup where children with disabilities, siblings, and caregivers can connect, play, and build community together.

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Playtime - Dedication to Special Education

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Supporting Special Ed in Marin County Schools

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A peer support gathering for parents and caregivers of children receiving special education services in Marin County.

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Parent training, workshops, and 1:1 support navigating special education and disability systems.

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A Message to Our Matrix Community

We wanted to let you know there are some changes happening at Matrix Parent Network and Resource Center. Recently our Executive Director, Steve Diamond, made a decision to end his position at Matrix and take a Program Director position at a larger organization in Marin. We wish Steve the best and thank him for all the work he did at Matrix during his 2.5 year tenure.

The Board of Directors will begin the process of searching for a new Executive Director in the coming weeks. In the meantime, we have rehired Beth Schecter, MPH, MBA, an experienced Interim leader. We welcome Beth back to Matrix and are pleased she can join us at this critical time. Visit Beth's website to learn more about her work or connect with her via email: beths@matrixparents.org

We appreciate your patience during the next few weeks as we all settle into our new situation and as the Board determines its next steps and timeline. We have all learned flexibility during this pandemic and our staff has been incredibly nimble in continuing to provide high quality and much needed support to our parent community.

As we begin to come back to the office and to our community in-person, we are grateful for our resilient Matrix families. We will continue offering online trainings that empower families of children with special needs, and hope you will also join one of our online support group s.

In Collaboration,
Colleen Arnold, Matrix Board President

Upcoming Events

Join a Community Advisory Committee
Attend CAC (Community Advisory Committee) or SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committee) meetings.

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We wanted to let you know there are some changes happening at Matrix Parent Network and Resource Center. Recently our Executive Director, Steve Diamond, made a decision to end his position at Matrix and take a Program Director position at a larger organization in Marin.

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Information about special education services, programs, and supports available across Marin County school districts.

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Technology Resource Center of Marin (TRC)

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Technology Resource Center of Marin (TRC)

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Assistive technology and AAC support, consultations, and resources for students with disabilities and their families in Marin County.

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Technology Resource Center Marin | Official Site for the Technology Center of Marin County

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Empowering Marin County Special Education Students through Technology

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A family-friendly glossary of common special education terms, acronyms, and language.

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Reading Special Education-related records or documents can be hard! Sometimes it can feel like trying to understand a new language. Below is a list of some of the acronyms and terms. We hope it will help you better understand your child's records.

Reading Special Education-related records or documents can be hard! Sometimes it can feel like trying to understand a new language. Below is a list of some of the acronyms and terms. We hope it will help you better understand your child's records.

If you have any further questions or need more information, you can visit our website anytime at www.disabilityrightsca.org, or call us at 1-800-776-5746 (TTY: 1-800-719-5798), Monday through Friday, 9:00AM to 4:00PM.

Top 6 Terms to Remember

504 Plan: Section 504 is a law that requires schools to give students with disabilities equal access to the education afforded to all students. A 504 Plan is a plan that describes services, accommodations and modifications that schools will provide to a student to ensure that equal access.

FAPE: Free and Appropriate Public Education. Student with disabilities must receive a public education that allows them to make progress and is free to the student and their families.

IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. A federal education law for students who fall within one of 13 qualifying categories of disabilities and who need specialized support to benefit from education. Specialized support and services are outlined in a student's IEP.

IEP: Individualized Education Program. A plan for students who are eligible for special education. The plan describes a student's current educational performance, creates goals for development, and services that will be provided to help support the student. At minimum, the plan must be updated once per year.

LRE: Least Restrictive Environment. A student with disabilities shall be educated alongside nondisabled peers to the maximum extent possible for that individual student.

SWD: Student with Disabilities.

Agencies to Know

CSS: California Children's Services. Gives some medically-based therapies, usually outside of school hours, to students. CSS often has facilities located on school campuses.

CDE: California Department of Education. A state agency that oversees public education. It manages things like funding, testing, and holding local education agencies (such as school districts) accountable for student achievement. CDE also receives Compliance Complaints.

CTC: Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Allows anyone to look up a teacher's credentials online or file a complaint. CTC also provides guidance on the appropriate credentials for certificated positions.

DDS: California Department of Developmental Services. Oversees the coordination and delivery of services to Californians with developmental disabilities.

DOR: Department of Rehabilitation. Can become involved when a student has reached transition age (16 years or older). DOR helps Californians with disabilities find and keep a job and maximize their equality and ability to live independently.

DSS: California Department of Social Services. State agency that oversees public assistance programs like cash assistance, adult services, and CalFresh.

OAH: Office of Administrative Hearings. State Agency that receives Due Process complaints.

OCR: Office for Civil Rights. Federal entity that can receive complaints about violations of civil rights, including OCR Complaints that allege disability discrimination.

OCRA : Office of Client Rights' Advocacy. A DRC program that works with DDS to provide free legal information, advice, and representation to regional center consumers.

PTI: Parent Training and Information Centers. Provide direct support services to children or youth with disabilities and their families. Services might include helping parents or guardians participate effectively in their child's education or working with the families of individuals with disabilities, from birth to age 26.

Regional Centers: Overseen by DDS. A network of 21 community-based agencies that provide assessments, determine eligibility for services, and offer case management services to people with developmental disabilities.

SCDD: State Council on Developmental Disabilities. An independent state agency that makes sure people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the services and supports they need.

Tests and Evaluations

BASC: Behavior Assessment System for Children. A test that asks the teacher and parents a series of questions about the student's behavior.

CAA: California Alternate Assessment

CAS: Cognitive Assessment System. A test that assess a student's cognitive processes.

CCSS: Common Core State Standards

CELDT: California English Language Development Test. English proficiency test that has now been replaced with the ELPAC.

Developmental Vision Assessment: The name of the test that would be conducted prior to an IEP team meeting(?) determining if Vision Therapy is needed, or would help, a given student.

DRA: Diagnostic Reading Assessment

ELPAC: English Learner Proficient Assessments for California, Replaced the CELDT. California Test that determines English Proficiency levels for students.

FBA: Functional Behavior Assessment. Can sometimes be called Functional Analysis Assessment (FAA). Test used to determine the function of a student's behavior.

NAR: Nurse Assessment Report

SBAC: Smarter-Balanced Assessment Consortium. Standardized assessments used in California.

WIAT: Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, third edition. A test to measure the student's academic performance.

WJ-IV: Woodcock Johnson Tests of Achievement, fourth edition. Another test to measure the student's academic performance.

WISC-V: An IQ test to measure a student's cognitive ability. Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition.

Laws and Legal Terms

ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act. Law that provides protection for students with disabilities in public schools, childcare centers, recreation programs, and community-based job training or placement. It also outlines requirement of reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions for eligible students with a disability.

ADR: Alternative Dispute Resolution. A process to settle disputes with the school district without going to trial and that might include mediation.

ALJ: Administrative Law Judge. Oversees hearing held through the Office of Administrative hearings.

Compliance Complaint: Less formal complaint procedure through the California Department of Education. Allows parent to assert the school is not following special education law or implementing an IEP. CDE can investigate and order corrective actions if the District is found out of compliance with either the IEP or special education law.

CPRA: California Public Records Act. Allows members of the public to request information from public agencies, including school districts. This includes information such as school district policies, training documents, and data.

Due Process: Procedural safeguard that gives guardians and local education agencies the ability to formally disagree with the offer of a Free and Appropriate Public Education and have that disagreement resolved by an Administrative Law Judge.

ESSA: Every Student Succeeds Act. A federal law that replaced NCLB (No Child Left Behind) Act.

FERPA: Federal Educational Rights & Privacy Act. Gives parents and students some control over disclosure of records and allows for parental access and review. Also provides a process for amending the content of records.

Mediation: Formal meeting between two parties to a dispute to try to resolve issues prior to a Due Process hearing. Often includes an independent mediator, typically an Administrative Law Judge, to help the parties mediate.

Mediation Settlement: Agreement between parties reached as result of mediation session or sessions.

NDA: Non-Disclosure Agreement. Settlements with a school district may require the guardian or student to sign a confidentiality agreement saying certain information cannot be shared with other persons or agencies.

Procedural Safeguards: Rules or procedures designed to protect the rights of students with disabilities and their parents while also outlining a way to resolve their disputes.

Section 504: Refers to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A federal anti-discrimination law that protects all people with disabilities that impair one or more major life activity and provides accommodations to remove discriminatory barriers.

Special Education Terms

ABA: Applied Behavior Analysis. ABA is a data-driven intervention used to help shape behavior.

Accommodations: Written on the "Special Factors" pages of an IEP. Accommodations don't change or lower the expectations or standards, but instead gives additional supports, like Preferential Seating, Extended Time, and so on, that help students with disabilities have equal access to instruction and materials.

ADL: Activities of Daily Living. Often referenced in assessments. ADL include activities like dressing, toileting, and feeding.

Annual IEP: At least yearly, a student with an IEP must have an IEP team meeting to evaluate the student's progress towards their goals, identify the needed placement, review given accommodations, and propose new related services.

APE: Adaptive Physical Education. Usually group-based related service that offers a modified P.E. curriculum for students with disabilities.

Articulation: The formation of sounds in speech; will likely be seen in reference to how clear and understandable a student's speech is.

ASL: American Sign Language

AT: Assistive Technology. High-tech or low-tech devices used to give a SWD access to their lessons.

Auditory: Having to do with hearing and interpreting sounds

AUT: Abbreviation for "Autism" that is used to show federal eligibility for special education.

Benchmark: Shorter-term learning objective that lays out a path to meet an annual goal.

BIP: Behavior Intervention Plan. Can also be listed as a Behavior Support Plan or Behavior Plan. A formal, written plan that lists a student's problem behavior, what causes it, and the strategies or supports in place to help the student.

Blended Classroom Early Childhood: Special Education placement option that offers both a general education preschool teacher and a special education preschool teacher who share a class of students.

BSR: Behavior Support Resources. Responsible for providing training and support as needed to classroom staff members.

CAPD: Central Auditory Processing Disorder. A specific type of audiological testing that is usually done after age 10.

CBI: Community-Based Instruction. Usually an important consideration as a student proceeds through transition. CBI gives hands-on learning opportunities for students who need instruction in functional skills and life skills.

CCTE: College Career Technical Education. Emphasizes "hands-on", skills acquisition to help students prepare to enter post-secondary employment.

Co-Teaching: Can refer to situations where an Educational Specialist and a general education teacher teach a class of students together.

Comprehension: How much meaning words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs have to a student. Does the student understand what they are reading?

Compensatory Education/ Services: Describe services that were not provided according to the IEP and now have to be given after the fact; sometimes given as part of a corrective action or if the student wins through a due process complaint.

Container: A SWD's cumulative pupil record, including initial determination of eligibility for an IEP, all assessments, all subsequent IEPs, etc.

Corrective Action: A term to describe orders from an entity to the local education agency that must be undertaken. Example, to satisfy a complaint in which the district was found out-of-compliance, the district might have to provide training and documentation to prove that it trained a staff member.

COTA: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Cumulative Records: See Container. Cumulative records also include all general education and enrollment information for a student.

D/HH: Abbreviation for "Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing" that is used to show federal eligibility for special education.

DB: Abbreviation for "Deaf [and] Blind" that is used to show federal eligibility for special education.

DD: Abbreviation for "Developmental Delay" that is used to show federal eligibility for special education.

Decoding: A student's sound/symbol competency; How well a student sounds out words.

Diploma Bound: Identifies a student as being on-track to graduate on time with their high school diploma. All students are considered diploma-bound UNLESS the IEP determines otherwise. The decision to label a student non-diploma-bound does not occur until 7th grade at the earliest.

Discrepancy Model: Possible way to reach a determination that a student has a learning disability. Happens when a student's intellectual functioning scores are 1.5 standard deviations above their scores on an achievement test.

Dysfluency: Refers to a stutter.

Dysgraphia: Disorder that causes difficulty with writing.

Dyslexia: Disorder that causes difficulty with reading.

Dysphagia: Disorder that causes difficulty with swallowing.

Dyspraxia: Developmental motor coordination disorder.

ECSE: Early Childhood Special Education. Program serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers who have disabilities.

ED: Abbreviation for "Emotional Disturbance" that is used to show federal eligibility for special education.

Education Specialist: A teacher credentialed to deliver special education services.

EL: English Learner.

ELA: English Language Arts.

ELST: English Learner Support Teacher.

ERMHS: Educationally Related Mental Health Services. Specific mental health services provided to special education students with social-emotional needs that impact their ability to learn.

ESY: Extended School Year. Specialized instruction or related services that are part of a child's IEP and are typically provided when schools are not in session. Students who qualify for ESY are those that have an IEP and have a disability that will likely continue for a prolonged period of time. Students will also need to show that not receiving services during school breaks may cause them to lose skills, that they have a limited ability to relearn the lost skills, and, because of this, it is impossible or unlikely that the SWD will reach self-sufficiency without the ESY services.

Executive Function: A student's ability to select and control their own behavior to meet a goal. Requires simultaneous and complex thought together with working memory.

Expressive Language: Output of ideas. This might include gestures, signs, expression, and speech.

Fine Motor: Having to do with precise movements of the hands and fingers. As an example, students use fine motor skills for handwriting and buttoning clothes.

Function of Behavior: Describes why a student may be displaying certain disruptive behavior. Generally, falls into one (or more) of 4 categories: Access preferred item/activity; Escape demand; Obtain attention from another person; and Sensory input.

Goal: An individualized, measurable outcome to address an area of need for a SWD; usually written in an IEP and meant to be met within one year. Goals must be SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.

Gross Motor: Having to do with large muscles (i.e., movement and coordination).

HSDP: High School Diploma Program

IAES: Interim Alternate Educational Setting. During a prolonged suspension, a student might receive instruction and services in an Interim Alternate Educational Setting, a placement that is different than where they usually receive instruction and services.

ID: Abbreviation for "Intellectual Disability" that is used to convey federal eligibility for special education.

IEE: Independent Educational Evaluation. An IEE is an assessment completed by someone who does not work for the school district. Parents and guardians can get an IEE paid for by the district if they disagree with the findings or recommendations of a district special education assessment.

IEP Amendment: When an annual IEP is changed to update a portion of the IEP. Holding an IEP meeting to amend an IEP does not remove the local education agency's responsibility to hold an annual review.

IFSP: Individual Family Service Plan. Describes early intervention services that a child will receive through the Regional Center until their 3rd birthday.

IPP: Individual Program Plan. Describes goals and services outside of education through the Regional Center for persons with disabilities.

ITP: Individualized Transition Plan. A written plan designed to help prepare a student for passing from school to post-school life. Should include objectives, timelines, and people responsible for meeting the objectives.

LEA: Local Education Agency. A public board of education or other public authority that administers or directs public elementary schools or secondary schools in a city or county.

Low Incidence: Disabilities that are rare. Examples include, but are not limited to, deafness and blindness.

Mainstreaming: Some staff still use this word to mean "inclusion" or to reflect the SWD spending time in the general education environment.

Manifestation Determination: An important meeting that occurs if a SWD has been suspended for more than10 days during one school year OR if the student is being recommended for expulsion. During this meeting the school must review if the behavior was caused by the student's disability.

MD: Abbreviation for "Multiple Disabilities" used to convey federal eligibility for special education.

Modifications: When the substance of instruction or materials provided to a SWD is different from the curriculum being given to same-age peers.

MPC: Formerly called "medically-fragile" classrooms. It's a separate setting classroom for students with medical or physical challenges.

MT: Music Therapist. Provides Music Therapy as a related service.

NPA: Non-Public Agency. A non-school district entity providing an educational service to a SWD. Must be certified by CDE.

NPS: Non-Public School. A school that a school district contracts with to provide educational services and supports for a SWD. Must be certified by CDE.

OHI: Abbreviation for "Other Health Impaired" used to convey federal eligibility for special education.

OI: Abbreviation for "Orthopedic Impairment" used to convey federal eligibility for special education.

Olfactory: Having to do with the sense of smell.

OT: Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapy

Pacing: How fast someone speaks.

PBIS: Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports. Intervention program with an emphasis on rewarding a student's desired behavior.

PK or Pre-K: Preschool

Pragmatics: The use of language for function, such as requesting information or greeting someone.

Pre-Vocational Skills: Skills a person will need to be ready to have a job. Might be "soft skills" like communication and appropriate behaviors. May also be "work ethic" development like persistence, asking for clarification, and accepting constructive criticism.

Pro-ACT: Professional Assault Crisis Training. A training program to ensure teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers (and other site staff members) may intervene when students exhibit behaviors that may imperil themselves or others. Focus is on de-escalation; with physical intervention as last resort. Common training program for restraint and/or seclusion.

Progress Report: At least as often as a same-aged peer would receive a report card, a SWD is entitled to receive a report on their progress on IEP goals. Sometimes referred to as "annotated goals".

Prompt: Used to specify the level of direction given to a student; usually noted in the goals or objectives on an IEP. Includes physical, verbal, gestural, and visual prompts.

Proprioception: How our brains process body movement and position.

Prosody: The pacing and tone of language and sounds.

PT: Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy

PWN: Prior Written Notice. A school district has to give PWN in certain situations; some examples include when it refuses to take an action that the parent requested, when it wants to change the placement or identification of a student with disabilities, or when it plans to assess a student with disabilities.

Receptive Language: The ability to hear sounds and translate them into meaningful ideas. Also includes the ability to interpret the gestures and expressions of others.

Recoupment: The length of time necessary to recover a lost skill. See regression.

Recreation Therapy: A related service that may be part of an offer of FAPE.

Regression: Loss of critical skills by a SWD during a natural break in the school year. See recoupment.

Related Services: Services that may be required to help a student with disabilities to meet their IEP goals. Examples include Speech/Language Therapy or Occupational Therapy.

RSP: Resource Specialist

RTI: Response-to-Intervention. A general education program that aims to give high-quality instruction and to ensure that every child is screened for appropriate access to the curriculum.

SAI: Specialized Academic Instruction

SCERTS: Social Communication/ Emotional Regulation/ Transactional Support. An overall educational approach to address the core challenges faced by children on the Autism Spectrum; focuses on building social communication, emotional regulation, and transactional support.

SCIA: Special Circumstances Instructional Assistant. A term used by some school districts to describe a one-on-one aide.

SEA: Special Education Assistant

Self-determination: Places the focus on the SWD having significant input and choice in the decisions made about them. This approach considers things like individual preferences, relative strengths, dislikes, goals, and circles of support.

SELPA: Special Education Local Plan Area

SESA: Special Education Site Administrator

SET: Special Education Technician

SLD: Abbreviation for "Specific Learning Disability" used to convey federal eligibility for special education; sometimes referred to as "LD" for "learning disability".

SLI: Abbreviation for "Speech/Language Impairment" used to convey federal eligibility for special education.

SLP: Speech/Language Pathologist

SST: Student Study Team. A process where educators and parents meet to talk about why a student is not making progress in the general curriculum and resources or strategies that can be put in place. This can sometimes happen before a referral to special education is made, but it is not necessary. If you suspect your student has a disability, you should request special education assessments.

TBI: Abbreviation for "Traumatic Brain Injury" used to convey federal eligibility for special education.

TK: Transitional Kindergarten

Transition: Refers to the process of moving from secondary education to adulthood. A school district must develop an ITP to help students with IEPs through this process. This should begin when the student is between 14 and 16 years old.

Triennial IEP: May also be called a triennial assessment or triennial review. A reassessment made every three years to determine if a student is still eligible for special education services in all areas of suspected disability.

Vestibular: How our brains process balance and orient us within space.

VI: Abbreviation for "Visual Impairment" used to convey federal eligibility for special education

Visual: Having to do with seeing as well as processing/interpreting sights.

Vocational Skills: Activities and concepts that pertain to a job. Will often be associated with transition.

VT: Vision Therapy
Disclaimer: This publication is legal information only and is not legal advice about your individual situation. It is current as of the date posted. We try to update our materials regularly. However, laws are regularly changing. If you want to make sure the law has not changed, contact DRC or another legal office.

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Reading Special Education-related records or documents can be hard! Sometimes it can feel like trying to understand a new language. Below is a list of some of the acronyms and terms. We hope it will help you better understand your child's records. Reading Special Education-related records or documents can be hard!

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Countywide educational programs, trainings, and services supporting students, families, and schools.

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The Marin County Office of Education offers programs and services for students, teachers, and families in Marin County. MCOE services eighteen school districts in our county, supporting technology and educational services in public as well as private K-12 institutions.

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Marin County Office of Education / Homepage

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The Marin County Office of Education offers programs and services for students, teachers, and families in Marin County. MCOE services eighteen school districts in our county, supporting technology and educational services in public as well as private K-12 institutions.

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Fun, peer-based workshops designed specifically for siblings of children with disabilities or support needs.

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DSE Adult Transitions Parent Support Facebook Group

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DSE Adult Transitions Parent Support Facebook Group

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Connect with other local parents and caregivers in our online support community.

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DSE Adult Transitions Parent Support Facebook Group

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DSE Adult Transitions Parent Support Facebook Group

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Connect with other local parents and caregivers in our online support community.

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A neuroinclusive parent community offering connection, support, and resources for families across Marin County.

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Square Peg Union, A NeuroInclusive Parenting Group

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Square Peg Union, A NeuroInclusive Parenting Group

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Square Peg Union, A NeuroInclusive Parenting Social Group

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A one-stop hub for local resources and family-reviewed services for children with disabilities and support needs.

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The Connected Parent is a site to provide reviews for businesses that have services related to neuro diverse individuals.

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Parent Navigator Support (Matrix Parent Network)

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Parent Navigator Support (Matrix Parent Network)

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Connect with a Matrix Parent Advisor for individualized support navigating evaluations, IEPs, school services, and community resources.

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Matrix Parents at Marin CIL (Marin Center for Independent Living)

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In-Depth Consultation

Our In-Depth Consultations begin with a call to our Helpline: 800-578-2592 or
If the issue a parent is facing is more complex than can be handled on the Helpline (800-578-2592), a Parent Advisor may assist by providing direct mentoring.
Our mission is to empower the family by providing helpful information. Our goal is helping the family determine their next steps to advocate effectively for their child. Parent advisors:

Review assessments and documents related to Early Start, Special Education, Regional Center

Help parents problem-solve, set priorities and review pros and cons of options

Coach parents and provide strategies to prepare for IEP, IFSP or other special needs meetings

Model collaborative communication

Support parents in building skills to cope with stressful situations

Our Parent Advisors are not advocates...Our Parent Advisors mentor parents to be the advocate, supporting parents as their children grow, learn and transition into adulthood.

Consulta en profundidad

Nuestras consultas en profundidad comienzan con una llamada a nuestra línea de ayuda: 800-578-2592 o un correo electrónico a Spanish Helpline: spanishhelpline@matrixparents. org
Si el problema que enfrenta un padre es más complejo de lo que se puede manejar en la línea de ayuda (800-578-2592), un asesor de padres puede ayudar brindándole tutoría directa.
Nuestra misión es empoderar a la familia brindándole información útil. Nuestro objetivo es ayudar a la familia a determinar sus próximos pasos para defender eficazmente a su hijo. Asesores de padres:

Revisar evaluaciones y documentos relacionados con Early Start, Educación Especial, Centro Regional.

Ayudar a los padres a resolver problemas, establecer prioridades y revisar los pros y los contras de las opciones.

Entrenar a los padres y proporcionar estrategias para prepararse para el IEP, IFSP u otras reuniones de necesidades especiales.

Modelo de comunicación colaborativa

Apoyar a los padres en el desarrollo de habilidades para afrontar situaciones estresantes.

Nuestros padres asesores no son defensores...Nuestros padres asesores asesoran a los padres para que sean defensores y apoyen a los padres a medida que sus hijos crecen, aprenden y hacen la transición a la edad adulta.

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Connect with a Parent Advisor / Conéctese con un Asesor de Padres - Matrix Parents at Marin CIL (Marin Center for Independent Living)

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En Español In-Depth Consultation Our In-Depth Consultations begin with a call to our Helpline: 800-578-2592 or Email our English Helpline:... Continue Reading

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A short video exploring how disability inclusion and community belonging have evolved over time.

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The Evolution of Inclusion: The past and future of education

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A documentary following one family’s journey advocating for inclusive education and belonging (available free through Marin libraries with Hoopla)

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A DSE spotlight conversation about adapted physical education, inclusion, and access to movement for students with disabilities.

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DSE Spotlight: APE-Adapted Physical Education

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Family-friendly education, advocacy, and legal resources focused on inclusive education and disability rights.

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The Inclusive Education Project ("IEP") is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that connects families in California with pro bono legal aid. We seek to spread awareness of parent rights and resources through workshops, seminars, fundraising events and the Inclusive Education Project Podcast.

​

We are here to make a difference, one child at a time.

We are a team of Civil Rights Attorneys on a mission to educate and empower our community to ensure all children are given equal opportunities.

​

We provide legal advocacy, education and community for the families of children living with a disability.

THE IEP PODCAST

We believe education is the key to building an inclusive society and ensuring that all students are given an equal opportunity.

The Inclusive Education Project Podcast, hosted by Special Education and Civil Rights attorneys, Amanda Selogie and Vickie Brett, offers a fresh, smart perspective on what it takes to truly make our educational systems and communities inclusive.

Tune in each week as Amanda and Vickie share insight on topics ranging from education reform to advocating for equal rights for all students, and participating in modern activism. This show will also offer user-friendly resources to help you and your family navigate the educational playing field.

Note: The Inclusive Education Project National Podcast Tour has been postponed due to COVID-19.

However, we will still be publishing weekly podcast episodes through this time.

If you are interested in sponsoring or hosting a live podcast recording event in 2021 please email connect@iepcalifornia.org

I highly recommend their informative podcasts. I wish I had heard them years ago!

Vickie and Amanda are very informative and have increased my ability to advocate for others!

The amount of knowledge you will receive is amazing. They truly understand and care about children!

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

RESOURCES & PARTNERS

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The Inclusive Education Project ("IEP") is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that connects families in California and New Mexico with pro bono legal aid. We seek to spread awareness of parent rights and resources through workshops, seminars, fundraising events and the IEP Podcast.

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Advocacy and legal resources to help families understand disability rights, special education, and access to services and supports.

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DRC is a nonprofit agency. We are the largest disability rights group in the nation. Federal law established us to protect and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. We are the protection and advocacy agency for California.

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Information and advocacy resources supporting disability rights, inclusion, and community access across California.

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https://www.chhs.ca.gov/
Scroll down for links to government agencies and disability rights organizations in California. They may be able assist you with:

disability advocacy

home health services

home care

nursing aide services

Medicaid

accessing other community resources to help people with disabilities.

Many of these organizations work to address the unique needs associated with different disabilities, including but not limited to physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, and mental illness. Others focus on issues such as access to housing and legal assistance based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

If you live in California and are a person with a disability, learning about state-specific resources to support people with disabilities can help you advocate for yourself. If you are a friend, family member, or caregiver of a person with disabilities in California, these resources can help you in supporting your loved one.

Note: this website attempts to use people first language and thus uses the term "person with a disability" rather than disabled or handicapped.

We hope you will check out the rest of OlmsteadRights.org to learn about critical rights of people with disabilities.

Protection & Advocacy Organization

The California state disability protection and advocacy (P&A) agency is Disability Rights California (DRC). DRC is part of the nation's federally-funded P&A system. It provides help to people with disabilities in California to expand and defend their rights, including supporting self-advocacy groups and legal assistance. DRC is part of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)

ADRCs are the main points of access for long-term supports and services for older adults and people with disabilities, including home health care and assistive technology.

Legal Services Organizations

These organizations provide free legal assistance for low-income individuals, including help with accessing Social Security and Medicaid benefits.

Other Disability Advocacy Organizations

These organizations protect and advocate for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities.

State Medicaid Agency

Learn about and apply for Medicaid services in California.

Other State and Non-Profit Agencies

These agencies provide help for people with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Disability services are often free or low-cost.

Money Follows the Person (MFP)

Free assistance with transitioning from a nursing facility or institutional care to the community.

Crisis Services

Crisis intervention and counseling for people who are in need of immediate help or need someone to talk to. If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional distress, these agencies are ready to offer free and confidential help. Common concerns include but are not limited to mental illness, suicide, intellectual or developmental disability, physical disability, substance abuse, grief, sexual assault, and family violence.

Services for Senior Citizens

Free or low-cost resources and disability services for senior citizens and their loved ones to promote successful community living.

Regional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center

Provides information, training, and guidance on disability access and California disability services. One of 10 regional centers in the ADA National Network.

Developmental Disabilities Services

These agencies address the specific needs of people with developmental disabilities. They advocate for community inclusion and access to California disability services.

Mental Health Services

These agencies address the specific needs of people with mental illness and promote mental health. Some agencies offer free or low-cost group counseling and education programs.

Physical Disabilities Services

Free or low-cost California disability services for people of all ages, including physical therapy, access to employment and education, support for independent living, and assistive technology.

Traumatic Brain Injury Services

Information and resources for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their loved ones.

Addiction and Substance Abuse Services

Information and resources for people with substance abuse and their loved ones.

Low-Income Housing Services

Information and tools for locating affordable housing and access to public housing.

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California Disability Resources and Advocacy Organ - Olmstead Rights

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https://www.chhs.ca.gov/ Scroll down for links to government agencies and disability rights organizations in California. They may be able assist you with: disability advocacy home health services home care nursing aide services Medicaid accessing other community resources to help people with disabilities.

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Book lists and reading recommendations featuring children and individuals with disabilities.

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16 Shelf-Worthy Children’s Books About Disabilities For All Students

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Increase disability representation in your classroom library with these hand-picked children’s books about disabilities.

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Provides services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in Marin County and surrounding areas.

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Support navigating public benefits, independent living resources, advocacy, and community services.

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Learn about Medi-Cal health coverage, eligibility, and services for children and adults with disabilities.

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Applying for Medi-Cal & Other Insurance Affordability Programs | Disability Rights California

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Medi-Cal is a health insurance program for people with limited income. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) made some helpful changes to Medi-Cal to make more people eligible. The ACA also created health benefit marketplaces (exchanges) to help people get health care coverage if they do not have it already.

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Information about waiver programs and services available to children and adults with disabilities.

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Undivided: Medi-Cal Waiver Program - HCBS DD Eligibility

Several government benefit programs, including IHSS, require that your child be enrolled in Medi-Cal before you can access services. For some families, however, parental income exceeds Medi-Cal's qualifying threshold. If this is the case for your family and your child is a Regional Center client, your child can enroll in full-scope Medi-Cal - which provides the full range of covered benefits, not just emergency services - using the Medi-Cal Home and Community-Based Services for the Developmentally Disabled ( HCBS-DD) Waiver. The HCBS-DD waiver is an institutional deeming waiver that is designed for individuals with developmental disabilities regardless of parental income, as long as your child's personal income and resource levels fall below program thresholds.

This might sound intimidating, but it's less complicated than it sounds! Our Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck breaks it down for us here.

Medi-Cal is a need-based program that evaluates an applicant's income and resources to determine eligibility. When a child with a disability lives at home with parents, or when an adult with a disability lives at home with a spouse, Medi-Cal will "deem" most of the parental or spousal income and resources to the applicant, which can render them ineligible for Medi-Cal (even if the deemed income isn't enough to cover adequate care).

However, when a person resides in an institutional setting (such as a nursing home or a hospital), only the individual's own income and resources may be counted for Medi-Cal eligibility.

The waiver program for people with developmental disabilities was designed to prevent unnecessary institutionalizations by funding home and community-based services for Regional Center clients who live at home, but who would otherwise qualify for placement in a state-funded residential care facility for individuals with developmental disabilities. If your child meets the admission criteria for such a facility (see the section below on eligibility), Medi-Cal will only look at your child's income and resources, without regard to parental income.

Does this mean my child will be considered for facility placement?

No. The determination of institutional-deeming eligibility is theoretical for these purposes; the Regional Center is not assessing your child in anticipation of actual placement in a facility.

To be eligible for the HCBS-DD waiver, a Regional Center client under the age of 18 must:

live at home with their family;

have a valid Social Security number;

be ineligible for Medi-Cal due to family income;

be diagnosed with a developmental disability;

have two or more qualifying conditions in the areas of self-help, motor functioning, social/emotional functioning, special health care conditions, or extensive medical needs; and

receive at least one funded Regional Center service and utilize that service at least once per year. Many families fulfill this requirement via respite hours.

Once the Regional Center refers your child for Medi-Cal's HCBS-DD waiver, you will receive a thick packet of paperwork in the mail. Ordinarily, families filling out this paperwork need to establish that their income falls below a certain threshold in order to qualify for the program. However, because only families with excess income can qualify for the waiver, the main purpose of this application for families above the income threshold is to establish that the child doesn't qualify for Medi-Cal on an income basis. This means it's usually not necessary to provide a detailed list of all your assets.

Examples of documents you can use to show proof of income include copies of bank statements, paystubs, or a completed 1040 or W2 form. Your child, however, must not exceed Medi-Cal's income thresholds. If your child has personal earnings, you might want to consult with a financial planner to determine the most appropriate course of action, such as creating an ABLE account and/or special needs trust. Traditionally, the Medi-Cal application also required proof that savings fell below $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for married couples. However, the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion eliminated the asset test for almost everybody except for elderly people and people with disabilities. Asset tests applied to "aged and disabled" programs will gradually be phased out beginning in July 2022, when the limit will be raised from $2,000 for an individual to $130,000. This change will only be applicable to Medi-Cal recipients; the resource limits for SSI will remain the same since SSI is a federal program.

Some Regional Centers have a designated Medi-Cal specialist who can set up an appointment with you to help you fill out this paperwork. Ask your child's service coordinator whether this option is available to you.

You can also upload documents from a computer at the DPSS YourBenefitsNow website.

Prior to age 3, children receive early intervention services from Regional Center if they have or are at risk of developmental delays or disabilities. Because early intervention services use a different stream of funding and are based on different eligibility criteria, parents will often be told that children cannot be enrolled in the waiver program until age 3. This is incorrect. However, children under age 3 must have a diagnosed developmental disability that will continue to qualify them for Regional Center eligibility after age 3.

Because the criteria for eligibility are based on a child's deficits relative to a typical child of the same age (and typically developing infants and toddlers are not generally capable of daily self-care), children under age three who qualify are most likely to have significant medical needs. A child must have at least two qualifying medical care needs to be eligible for the waiver.

There does not appear to be an explicit list of criteria, and parents have reported a variety of conditions being considered as qualifying, including heart defects, tube-feeding, oxygen, nebulizer treatments, monitoring placement of hearing aids and glasses, giving medications, and more, so we suggest emphasizing the extent to which your child's gross and fine motor impairments require significant interventions on a regular basis.

Yes. The waiver enrollment must be renewed each year. Along with any requested financial paperwork, you will need to obtain and submit a form letter from your Regional Center service coordinator establishing that your child remains a Regional Center client and continues to receive waiver-eligible services.

Most Medi-Cal recipients will enroll in a county-managed care plan whether Medi-Cal is their primary or secondary coverage.

Many families use Medi-Cal to fund medical, dental, and pharmacy copayments if the private insurance provider also accepts the type of Medi-Cal the patient receives. Parents may also be able to get certain supplies funded that the private insurance will not cover, like diapers and other incontinence supplies, as well as services and equipment that may be excluded or limited by the private plan.

If you have primary insurance and hope to use Medi-Cal as a secondary coverage, make sure that your providers accept the type of Medi-Cal in which your child is enrolled.

Many families receiving Medi-Cal apply for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) for their child. IHSS is a Medi-Cal service that provides limited funding for caregiving to the extent a child's care needs are above and beyond those of a typical child. Learn more about IHSS here.

Our Medi-Cal terms and services glossary can give you a better idea of what services your Medi-Cal plan might cover. For more on making the most of Medi-Cal, see our article here.

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Medi-Cal Waiver Program - HCBS DD Eligibility

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Undivided: Medi-Cal Waiver Program - HCBS DD Eligibility Several government benefit programs, including IHSS, require that your child be enrolled in Medi-Cal before you can access services. For some families, however, parental income exceeds Medi-Cal's qualifying threshold.

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Information about IHSS services that help individuals with disabilities remain safely at home. Some parents may qualify to receive payment as a caregiver for their child with a disability.

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How to Apply for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

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Learn how to take advantage of this Medi-Cal program, what documents you’ll need to apply for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and what to do if you receive a denial.

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Information about SSI benefits and eligibility for children and adults with disabilities.

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PAASS (Project Awareness And Special Sports)

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PAASS (Project Awareness And Special Sports)

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Community-based sports and recreational programs for individuals with developmental disabilities in Marin County.

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Free, non-competitive recreational programs pairing volunteer coaches with children and teens with disabilities for exercise, fitness, and fun.

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Equine-assisted activities and therapeutic riding programs for children and adults with disabilities.

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Halleck Creek Ranch - Life Without Barriers Since 1977

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Halleck Creek Ranch - Life Without Barriers Since 1977

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Life Without Barriers Since 1977 - Life Without Barriers Since 1977Life Without Barriers Since 1977 - Halleck Creek Ranch

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Life Without Barriers Since 1977 Therapeutic horseback riding for people with disabilities in Nicasio, CA

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Adaptive outdoor recreation experiences including skiing, biking, paddling, and outdoor adventure programs.

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Achieve Tahoe is dedicated to building health, confidence, and independence in people with disabilities through outdoor recreation. We can serve just about anyone with any disability through our teaching techniques and specialized equipment.

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Achieve Tahoe provides year-round outdoor recreation activities for people with cognitive, sensory, and physical disabilities.

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Learn more about efforts to build an inclusive playground in Marin County designed for children of all abilities to play and connect together.

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Learn more about efforts to build an inclusive playground in Marin County designed for children of all abilities to play and connect together.

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Support navigating public benefits, independent living resources, advocacy, and community services.

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Resources, tools, and information supporting successful transitions to adulthood for students and young adults with disabilities.

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Let's Work California Networking Activity Guide

Designed to increase access to information for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families and supporters to obtain competitive integrated employment (CIE), Let's Work! is a unique video-based initiative of the California Transition Alliance.

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Designed to increase access to information for Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), their families and supporters to obtain competitive integrated employment (CIE), Let's Work! is a unique video-based initiative of the California Transition Alliance.

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Programs and services supporting people with developmental disabilities across the lifespan in Marin, Sonoma, and San Francisco counties.

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A Marin County-based pre-vocational program supporting independence, creativity, life skills, and community participation for neurodiverse teens and young adults ages 13+.

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“I love this positive approach to working with autistic individuals.” - Temple Grandin