# data[].attributes.headline
Unexceptional Moms: Hope and Encouragement for Special Needs Parents

# data[].attributes.subject
Unexceptional Moms: Hope and Encouragement for Special Needs Parents

# data[].attributes.body
This podcast encourages encouragement and hope for parents. Topics include the power of friendship, mental health issues, and marriage. The speakers goal is make the listeners feel like they are not alone.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Parenting Podcast · Welcome to the Unexceptional Moms Podcast, where we offer hope and encouragement for parents of disabled kids.
Join us in this journey as we navigate the joys and challenges of raising children with d…

# data[].attributes.body
This podcast is based off the approach "we're all in this together". They talk about successful parenting tips and also the challenges that go along with being a parent of a child with special needs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and our services, you agree to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and our services, you agree to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy.

# data[].attributes.headline
Parents' Rights to Meaningful Participation in Special Education

# data[].attributes.subject
Parents' Rights to Meaningful Participation in Special Education

# data[].attributes.body
This video provides information on how important the parents role in the IEP process of their child. It explains how parents are an equal member of the IEP team and should not be denied of a meaningful participation in the decision making of their child and their education.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parents' Rights to Meaningful Participation in Special Education (2020)

# data[].attributes.body
This video provides 8 rights that parents have in the IEP process. This video deciphers the law to a more simplified version of the law to provide a better understanding.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
8 Parental Rights In The IEP Process | Special Education Decoded

# data[].attributes.body
This nine minute provides a timeline of the special education along with giving brief explanations of each law and act. This video provides all the information parents need to be better informed about the laws and regulations for individuals with disabilities.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a short document that briefly explains the laws that directly and indirectly impact individuals with disabilities. This is a perfect read for parents to gain a little insight of what their child's rights are in schools and communities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Current as of July 2017

Since the 1960s, there has been a virtual avalanche of federal legislation that relates directly or indirectly to individuals with disabilities, particularly children and youth.

Use the links below to explore several of the most influential laws. These form the core of current protection against discrimination and current guarantees of equal educational opportunity that individuals with disabilities have in our nation.

_______________________________________________

IDEA-the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IDEA, the Individual with Disabilities Education Act, is our nation's special education law. The IDEA guides how states, school districts, and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.

ESSA, Every Student Succeeds Act
Every Student Succeeds Act, Public Law (PL) 114-95, is the nation's latest general education law, reauthorized in December 2015. It amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) (most recently called the No Child Left Behind Act). What does the law require, what does it change about education, how are states responding, and what does the law mean for children with disabilities?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Before there was IDEA, there was the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Section 504 of this Act continues to play an important role in education, especially for students with disabilities who may not qualify for special education services under IDEA.

Americans with Disabilities Act - The ADA
Passed by the Congress and signed into law by the President in July 1990, the ADA is the first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities. The ADA protects the civil rights of people with disabilities in all aspects of employment, in accessing public services such as transportation, and guaranteeing access to public accommodations such as restaurants, stores, hotels and other types of buildings to which the public has access.

Assistive Technology Act
Assistive technology can greatly improve the access and function of people with disabilities in school, work, home, and community. The Assistive Technology Act is intended to ensure that people with disabilities have access to assistive technology devices and services. Find your state's AT program!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Current as of July 2017 Since the 1960s, there has been a virtual avalanche of federal legislation that relates directly or indirectly to individuals with disabilities, particularly children and youth. Use the links below to explore several of the most influential laws.

# data[].attributes.headline
Fact about Special Education Legal Rights for Parents (Article)

# data[].attributes.subject
Fact about Special Education Legal Rights for Parents (Article)

# data[].attributes.body
This article provides information on why parents should know their rights as parents with a student in special education. It also provides bullet points of the right granted to them as parents of of special needs children.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Why Parents Should Know Their Special Education Legal Rights

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) is a federal law that protects the rights of students who qualify for special education services. The parents of these children are granted certain legal provisions under IDEA as well. When meeting with teachers, administrators, and support staff members of the school district in order to determine their child's placement and services, parents should be certain that they have full knowledge of their special education legal rights. These rights not only allow parents to access their child's evaluation reports and school records, but also require that parents receive advance notice of meetings so that they may advocate for their child's special education rights when necessary.

Legal Rights Granted To Parents Of Special Needs Children

Parents should stay informed of the rights they are provided under special education law while their children are enrolled in school. Special education legal rights for parents are known as procedural safeguards, and specifics are detailed as followed:

--Parents are required to receive a written copy of their rights in regard to legal issues and IDEA when their child is first referred for evaluation, when the child is re-evaluated, when the written invitation to an IEP meeting is issued, if the parents file a complaint, and at any other time that the parents request this information. The school district is responsible for providing parents with documentation of their rights under special education law.

--Parents must be informed in advance by the school district when their child is referred for evaluation, when evaluations are to take place, when an IEP meeting is scheduled, when an IEP is written or modified, and when their child's educational placement or support services are revised. Parents must also receive prior notification of disciplinary actions and formal hearings or mediations.

--Parents must be consulted in regard to the date, time, and place of an IEP meeting. All parties should agree on a convenient time and location for the team meeting to occur.

--Under IDEA, parents of special needs children have the right to read and examine their child's school records upon request. Examples of these records include evaluation reports, educational placement records, and documentation of any support services that the district provides for the child.

--If parents determine that the school district is not meeting their child's needs as specified by the IEP, they have the right to file for a due process hearing. These hearings, which are held in the presence of an impartial officer, provide parents with the opportunity to voice their concerns in an attempt to resolve their dispute with the district.

Special education legal rights for parents are an important component of IDEA, as these rights provide families of special needs students with the ability to advocate for their children and effectively communicate with school district members and administrators.
Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Special Education IDEA Parent Rights - What are Special Education IDEA Parent Rights?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Facts About Special Education Legal Rights For Parents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Though most school districts in the United States follow all legal procedures in regard to evaluating and providing services to special needs children, parents sometimes find themselves in a situation where they must utilize their rights in order to advocate for their child.

# data[].attributes.headline
Understanding Special Education Law and Rights (Article)

# data[].attributes.subject
Understanding Special Education Law and Rights (Article)

# data[].attributes.body
This a parent's guide to better understand special education laws and rights. Sometimes after IEP's parents have questions or concerns about their rights and their concerns of their child. Breaks down the law and what is expected of schools and their rights as parents.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
You've read your copy of "Rights and Responsibilities in Special Education," talked to other parents, and even looked up information on the Internet. You think that you have a pretty good understanding of what your child's entitled to, but when you talk to the special education administrator, he tells you something different.

You feel like the public school's not making enough effort to help your child. How do you know what you can realistically expect? How do you get what you want for your child?

Laws and regulations

Part of what makes everything so confusing is the way the legal process works. First, Congress passes a law. For example, the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was most recently reauthorized in 2004. At that time, several substantive changes were made in the law.

Next, the U.S. Department of Education writes regulations to help explain the law. The public was asked to give input, and a lengthy process followed. The regulations for IDEA 2004 are expected to finally become part of the federal code and made available in late 2006 - two years after the law passed.

Meanwhile, each state has to make sure its laws are in compliance with federal law. This means that new laws had to be passed by state legislators in order to be in compliance with IDEA. While states must offer at least what the federal government requires, they may choose to provide more.

After laws are passed in each state, the respective Department of Education develops its regulations that give more information about the law. So now we have state regulations as well.

The parents' rights and responsibilities you receive apply specifically to your state. Sometimes they include more than the federal government requires, but never any less. Your state may actually provide more for your child than a neighboring state or the federal government.

For example, federal law requires services until the age of 21 for eligible adults - those who haven't graduated from or otherwise completed high school. Most states explain what 21 means and when services will cease. But the state of Michigan has chosen to make services available to eligible students until the age of 26.

So if you move from one state to another, you may find services to be different. But wait, there's more.

The courts

If there's disagreement over the outcome of a fair hearing, part of due process procedures, you or the school district may appeal to a state or federal court. When the court interprets the law and makes its decision, it sets a precedent for future cases.

And this is often where issues become complicated. You may also need to know about court decisions that affect your state or the states included in your federal court circuit. Sometimes cases have gone all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, and those rulings apply to all of the states.

What it means

There may be a breakdown in communication between you and the school because of differing information about all the laws, regulations, and relevant case law affecting special education. In some cases, you may have more knowledge than the educator, but it's also possible that you have only parts of the information.

For example, you may have heard about a certain method of teaching that sounds great for your child. And when you went to school and asked to have that method used, the school said no. What you may not know is that the Supreme Court decided that the choice of teaching methodology is up to the schools. To pursue this issue, you'd probably have to go through the legal process, considering all the facts of your individual case, to prove that the school's methods resulted in minimal or no progress for your child. Then you may be able to pick a specific method of teaching.

There's no "cure" for learning disabilities (LD), so kids often struggle throughout school and progress at a different rate from their peers. The effect of a learning disability on a child's rate of learning, coupled with high parental expectations, can cause a strain on home-school relationships. As a parent, you want the best for your child and that may lead to disagreement over what free appropriate public education (FAPE) means. The courts have said that a child must receive "some benefit" from his education, but schools don't have to maximize your child's potential. (That's what's meant when you hear that the schools have to provide "a Chevrolet not a Cadillac" education.)

Communication with schools

It's really important to keep the lines of communication open. Since your child may have a few more years to go in the system, or you have other kids who go to the same school, it's crucial to maintain a positive relationship with school personnel. Let the school know you want to work in partnership with them. Remember that you have responsibilities as well as rights.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. How do they know that your child is making progress? What do the standardized test results mean? What's working for him? How can you help at home?

Share information with schools.

When you talk to school personnel about your rights, be sure that you aren't stressed about other life issues and have plenty of time to share information and listen.

Write down the issues ahead of time so that you can cover all your concerns and not feel frustrated at the end of the meeting.

Use starter phrases such as "It's my understanding that..." or "What can you tell me about..." or "I think that..."

Take someone with you to be a second ear.

Make notes as others are talking, and clarify any points that are unclear.

When your child reaches the age of 18, rights will transfer to him. So he needs to be included in discussions as much as possible to understand his rights and responsibilities before he becomes 18.

Support and assistance

To fully understand your rights, you may need to get more information.

Become involved in school by volunteering in a classroom, so you'll be able to see what the expectations are for your child's peers.

Attend PTA meetings, Parent Advisory Committees, and Community Advisory Committee meetings.

Identify people and places you trust - educators who know your child, other parents with similar experiences, the local library, the Internet - where you can go for help.

Contact your state department of education, or consult with professional organizations that specialize in special education.

If you speak to advocates or attorneys, make sure that they're knowledgeable about special education law, not some other specialty. After all, you wouldn't go to an ear, nose, and throat specialist when you're concerned about your teenager's acne.

Due process procedures

If you feel that you're at an impasse with the school, seek out mediation as a "win-win" strategy. You and the school may each have to give a little, but you'll keep control of what's decided. In a fair hearing, you and the school district each present your side of the story, but the final decision is made by a hearing officer on points of law.

More about rights and responsibilities

Learn more about parent's rights that are granted through federal law.

For more information about the process of mediation, see the following: "Special Education Mediation: A Guide for Parents (English)" or "Special Education Mediation: A Guide for Parents (Spanish)."

Explore more information on special education rights at Understood.org, a comprehensive resource for parents of kids with learning and attention issues.
Reviewed February 2010 Updated: December 19, 2016

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Understanding special education laws and rights | Parenting

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You've read your copy of "Rights and Responsibilities in Special Education," talked to other parents, and even looked up information on the Internet. You think that you have a pretty good understanding of what your child's entitled to, but when you talk to the special education administrator, he tells you something different.

# data[].attributes.headline
Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs (Article)

# data[].attributes.subject
Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs (Article)

# data[].attributes.body
This article discusses the challenges parents have to overcome when having a child with special needs. It provides tips to help and cope with the demands of their child.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Raising a child is a huge and challenging responsibility for any family. When that child has a physical or intellectual disability or a mental health condition , these challenges can seem even more difficult to overcome. Children with disabilities might have special educational needs or need some more specialist equipment or support. Parents of children like this might need more practical and emotional support themselves too to help to cope with the demands from their child.

Getting to know families dealing with similar struggles can give you a much-needed support network, enabling parents and carers to share help and advice and to lend an understanding ear when discussing the unique challenges of parenting a disabled child.

Preparing for a child with a disability

The arrival of a new family member will always mean a big change and, if that new arrival has some type of disability, those changes can be even bigger. It is normal for this to be a worry and cause some stress.

If the child's disability can be diagnosed before birth, this does give you a bit of time to prepare and talk to some networks that can offer you support and advice. Being told that your baby will have a disability is rarely easy. Every case is unique and no parents will react in the same way. You should feel able to express your feelings about the news and reactions to the diagnosis without worrying about being judged by those around you.

Ultimately, being able to accept the diagnosis and the prognosis will have to come alongside a period of adaptation, getting things ready to provide a good quality of life and wellbeing for the baby, as well as making some preparations for the future.

Although some of these preparations might not be all that different from the preparations made by any other parent, in that they want the best for their child, the means and resources for making those preparations certainly can.

Research your child's disability now and keep researching

Do as much research as you can about your child's condition and disability. The more that you know about the condition, the more you will be able to help them and feel confident in helping them. This first research phase should include speaking to professionals who can explain what is happening with your child, as well as how you can help to support them at each stage of their development as they grow up. You can use this time to find support networks, professionals, and charities that can help to give you the support and advice that you need and give you information and access to the latest therapies suitable for your child's condition. Some of these therapies can help to improve and maintain your child's muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and motor skills.

Support groups can also be a good place to make friends with parents who understand what you're dealing with, and learn practical tips for day-to-day life with a disabled child, whether that's the best therapies, or just where to buy cool wheelchair or walker bags .

This research stage may also include looking into what grants and provisions may be available for your you and your child. This may include government benefits, financial support to buy specialist equipment or make adaptions to your home, or to access to appropriate education or transport,

This research will be ongoing as your child grows and their needs change, and to take advantage of any new developments and support as they become available.

Support programs, care centers, and family associations

Schools and other educational institutions, as well as local councils and associations, usually have programs in place for the parents and families of children with disabilities. There are also support groups, both online and in-person, that focus on bringing people together to share their experiences and struggles.

Support programs are important for training and education and can be an important resource means of information. In these programs, you will meet professionals who can give advice on the needs of your child and on how they will continue to grow and develop in the future.

Family associations are intended to offer some moral support, especially during the first few years, which can often be the most challenging and confusing for new parents. Getting to know and spend time with other families that have been through or are going through a similar situation to your own helps you to feel understood, and gives your child the chance to interact with other children with the same disability in a safe, comfortable and supportive place.

Working with the child's educational establishment

Working together with your child's education provider can be very important for ensuring your child gets all the support that they require. Having a close relationship with your child's teacher means that you can more easily give them appropriate updates about your child so that they can adapt their lesson plans to give your child the best opportunities in terms of teamwork, social integration, and relationship building, as well as the more traditional educational focuses of literacy and numeracy.

Socialize with other families

Socializing with other families with children with similar disabilities can give you and your child emotional and practical support, allowing your child to interact with people they can relate to and build friendships. This can really help them with their emotional development. During your research, you will probably come across some groups and clubs that aim to engage children with disabilities with sports, as well as offering different activities in line with their interests. Don't be afraid to give these clubs a try. You might build some strong friendships and develop a support network.

Plan in some play opportunities

Informal play dates and other opportunities to be around other people, like arranging a small party for your child's birthday, are also important. To make the most of these kinds of interactions, pay close attention to which children your child seems to get along with the best, what games and activities they like, and how long a period of socializing they are comfortable with. For some children, shorter periods of socializing can work better.

Don't be afraid

The idea of trying to make new friends who are in a similar situation to you can seem scary, but try to be brave. It's often the case that the right people come into your life when you need them.

Socializing with older and younger children

Don't worry about finding children of the same age for your child to spend time with. Spending time with people of different ages can be helpful. If your child is around younger children, this can help them to take the lead and the responsibility of being the older child. Being with friends with older children can also be useful to them. Their patience and maturity can mean they can engage with your child on a deeper level when chatting about any shared interests.

Consider animal therapy

A pet can go alongside your child's friendships and can give them a greater sense of happiness and companionship.

Looking after a pet can help your child to develop their sense of responsibility and empathy, as well as giving them an opportunity to show unconditional love.

Taking on a pet is a big responsibility, so only get one if you know your family has the time and resources to be able to give the pet the care and attention it will need. If you can't care for a pet, children's farms and zoos can let your children spend time around animals without the responsibility of owning an animal.

Your child has unique abilities

Children with physical disabilities can sometimes feel inadequate when they compare themselves to their peers. This means that it is very important to work to boost their self-esteem. Always be open and honest with your child about the nature of their disability and any limitations that it may place on them, but also make sure to discuss the opportunities that are available to them and the things they can do. It is important that they understand that they are as important as any other person.

Sports can be a good opportunity for to get to know their bodies and start to feel able to overcome any assumed limitations. Sports can also really help with confidence. Speak to the health professionals you found with your research to find out which sports would be most suitable for your child.

The equipment your child uses is also an important part of allowing them to interact with their surroundings and their peers. Your research can help you to find the right pieces, whether that's wheelchairs, walkers, or positioning chairs. Older children can be a part of choosing what they need, so they feel they have some control over the process.

The most important thing is that your child leads a fulfilling life, combining education and leisure, with fun and responsibility and that you, as parents or carers, support their development and share in their successes.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Tips For Parents Of Children With Disabilities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Raising a child is a huge and challenging responsibility for any family. When that child has a physical or intellectual disability or a mental health condition , these challenges can seem even more difficult to overcome. Children with disabilities might have special educational needs or need some more specialist equipment or support.

# data[].attributes.body
In this blog, Jennifer Donovan shares home organization systems that help support parents and children to help children become more independent and self-reliant. This includes time and task management programs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Jennifer Donovan is here to share about a home organizational system aimed to help kids become more independent and self-reliant. This is a sponsored post, but her opinions are her own.
I've outlined some of the features about the M.O.M. Method that I love, over in my post at 5 Minutes for Mom about how to teach your kids self-reliance.

This is universal product that all families can benefit from, although the creators have found a particular niche use as well for kids with special needs including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Asperger's Syndrome or executive functioning challenges.

The time management and task management programs give kids the stability and consistency they seek, and what's even better, it puts them in the responsible role, removing you from the tough taskmaster position.

Find out more information about the M.O.M. method 30 Day Challenge in my post at 5 Minutes for Mom.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
5 Minutes for Special Needs | Support. insight. and inspiration for parents of children with special needs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Jennifer Donovan is here to share about a home organizational system aimed to help kids become more independent and self-reliant. This is a sponsored post, but her opinions are her own. I've outlined some of the features about the M.O.M. Method that I love, over in my post at 5 Minutes for Mom about how to teach your kids self-reliance.

# data[].attributes.body
In this blog a mother shares her insights and experiences of having a child with special needs. She also provides podcasts and books on ways to support your child

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Parenting isn't pretty ... but it's usually good for a laugh.

# data[].attributes.body
In this blog parents share their stories about their life with a special needs child. They redefine the word special with heart felt stories about their children with mild to severe disabilities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
grassroots support for parents of kids with special needs

# data[].attributes.headline
How to Survive and Thrive with Your Kids (Video)

# data[].attributes.subject
How to Survive and Thrive with Your Kids (Video)

# data[].attributes.body
In this YouTube video, a foster mom welcomes you with a warm smile and empowers parents or caretakers of children with special needs by showing them ways they can thrive as parents and change the mindset from negative to positive.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
PARENTING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS!  How to survive and thrive with your kids.