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To be able to make an IEP it is important that you are fully aware of what an IEP actually is!

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What Is an IEP? | Individualized Education Program Explained

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this guide is very useful for parents/SNA/teachers to help understand special education and how IEPs can be made, monitored, used and evaluated in the classroom.

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As a parent, you want the best education and the best future possible for your child. If he or she is being evaluated for an IEP or you're thinking they may need some extra help in their educational journey, it can be intimidating to enter the acronym-heavy world of special education. Our mission is to empower and support you, the parent, to make the best decisions for your child's education, no matter what type of school you choose.

So what does the term "special education" actually mean? Special education is specially designed instruction provided at no cost to a family to meet the specific needs of a child with a disability. Whether you're navigating the special education process with your own family or just want to better understand how special education works, we've created a parents guide to special education to help you along the way.

What is Special Education?

Special Education Law

Special education, as we think of it today, has not always been accessible to students with disabilities. In fact, it wasn't until 1975 and the Education for All Handicapped Children Act that a federal law protected the rights of students with disabilities to receive a free, appropriate public education and ensured access to a program that met their needs.

Special education today is guided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This federal law makes sure students with disabilities are provided a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that matches their individual needs. Overall, this law's goal is to provide kids with disabilities the same opportunities in education that their peers without disabilities have.

Project Child Find

Child Find is a part of IDEA that legally requires schools to find children who have disabilities and need special education services (hereafter referred to as 'services'). Child Find applies to children from birth through age 21 - including those students who are being homeschooled or are in private schools (more on that in How to Continue Your IEP, Even If You Start Homeschooling).

While the specifics vary by state and district, all Local Education Agencies (LEAs) must have a process in place to identify students with disabilities regardless of their school choice. Once a student is thought to have a disability, it is the responsibility of the LEA to conduct an evaluation and make an eligibility determination. Each school district must also have a process for identifying and evaluating children who may need special education services.

Besides identifying children who may need special education and related services, Child Find also informs parents and guardians of the services available to them.

IEP vs. 504 Plan

The Idaho State Department of Education offers a great Comparison of the IDEA, Section 504, and ADA Laws.

Related Services provide extra help and support so kids can get the most benefit from their education. Often, related services are a part of the special education process. IDEA lists the following as possible related services, but this list is not exhaustive.

- Speech-language and audiology services

- Interpreting services

- Psychological services

- Occupational Therapy

- Physical Therapy

- Counseling services

- Orientation and mobility

- Social work services

If an IEP Team sees that a child has needs in a related service area, this can be evaluated as part of the formal evaluation process. In some cases, a student's evaluation might indicate a need only in a related service area. For example, maybe a child only needs support in the area of fine motor skills. In this situation, an IEP might be written to provide a related service only. However, federal law says it is each state's decision whether to allow related services to stand alone on an IEP. Related services can also be provided under a 504 plan if the challenges don't have an impact on academic learning.

Post-COVID-19 Services

Just like the U.S. Department of Education, each state's education department had their own guidelines for the schools in their state for special education during COVID-19 and post. While all states had to follow the federal guidelines that have been released, they also provided specifics to their educators.

For over 20 years, online education for students with disabilities has been occurring. Currently, over 38 states have online instruction! These online schools provide special education and related services by using small group or individualized online instruction, delivery of specialized content virtually, and other related services as indicated by the students' needs.

Here are some articles and resources that have been shared about effective online learning and special education services:
CEC and eLuma: Best Practices for Educating Online Suggestions to Help Autistic People Get Through This Pandemic Online Instruction Can (and Does) Work for Students with Disabilities When Children with ADHD attend School from Home: An Expert's Tips Occupational Therapy and E-learning: Resources, Activities, and Next Steps
Schools can utilize online learning tools, innovative staffing models, and community partnerships to address the needs of students with disabilities and other children facing unique learning obstacles or emotional challenges.

The Special Education Process

While each state has its own process for special education, IDEA outlines some basic steps that'll be the same wherever you live:

1. Identify Needs

There are two ways that a student may be identified as possibly needing special ed and related services: through Project Child Find or by a referral or request for evaluation. Once a student has been identified as potentially needing services, an IEP Meeting will be scheduled where the IEP Team will review all available data and determine if they are going to conduct a formal assessment. If the decision is made to move forward with formal evaluations, parental consent is required before beginning.

2. Formal Evaluation

A formal evaluation is conducted to decide if a student has a disability that requires special education and related services. The evaluation also determines the specific areas of need and the best services for addressing that need. The evaluation that takes place must be individualized to the student and their suspected area of disability. Your State's IDEA regulations will set the timeline for completion of the evaluation. If they do not, the federal IDEA regulations of 60 days after the parent gives consent applies.

If parents disagree with the results of the evaluation, they have the right to take their child for an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). If you want to learn more about IEEs, Private Evaluations: What You Need to Know by Understood is a good resource.

3. Determine Eligibility

Once the requested evaluations have been completed, the IEP Team will schedule another meeting to review results and determine eligibility for special education and related services. The IEP Team, including the student's parent or guardian, will sit down to review evaluation results and decide if the student is a "child with a disability" as defined by IDEA. If a child is found eligible, IDEA requires that the Team must meet to write an individualized education program (IEP) for them within 30 days.

4. Write an Initial IEP

After a child has been deemed eligible for special education and related services, the school will work with the parents to schedule an IEP meeting. The meeting invitation must state the purpose of the meeting; date, time, and location; who will be attending the meeting; and let parents know that they may also invite people to the meeting.

At the initial IEP meeting, the IEP Team discusses the child's needs and writes the IEP. An IEP is a legal, written document that has two general purposes. First, it sets reasonable learning goals for a student. Second, it states the services that the district will provide. The IEP's learning goals address a student's participation in the general education curriculum, extracurricular activities, and any nonacademic activities.

While the format and content of an IEP varies by state and is customized for each child, IDEA outlines specific components that must be included:

- Current Performance: A statement of the child's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (including how their disability affects involvement and progress in the general education curriculum)

- Annual Goals: Measurable, annual goals (academic and functional)

- Measuring Progress: Description of how progress towards annual goals will be measured and when progress reports will be provided

- Special Education & Related Services: Statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids that will be provided and a description of the program modifications or supports that will be provided (including who will be providing these supports)

- Participation with Nondisabled Children: Explanation of the extent (if any) that the child will receive services in a setting other than their regular class with nondisabled peers

- Participation in State and District-Wide Assessments: Statement of individual accommodations that are needed for the child to demonstrate their knowledge on state and districtwide assessments

- Dates and Places: The projected date for the beginning of services and modifications, as well as their anticipated frequency, location, and duration

- Transition Services Needs: If the student will turn 16 during the life of the IEP, IDEA requires:

- Measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments (related to training, education, employment, and/or independent living skills)

- Transition services needed to assist the student in reaching their goals

- Age of Majority: Beginning no later than one year before the child reaches the age of majority under State law, the IEP must include a statement that they have been informed of their rights once they reach the age of majority

Prior to a school system providing any special education and related services, parental consent must be acquired. Services will begin as soon as possible once consent has been given. If parents do not agree with the IEP that has been developed, they have the right to discuss their concerns with the IEP Team. If an agreement cannot be reached, parents or the school can work through mediation or ask for assistance from their state agency. Find more information on this process in your state's Parental Safeguards document.

5. Provide Services

Once consent has been received, the school makes sure that the IEP is carried out exactly as written. Each of the child's teachers and service providers has access to the IEP and is made aware of their responsibilities as outlined by the IEP.

6. Monitor Progress

The child's teachers and service providers keep track of the progress the child makes toward educational goals. Regular progress reports are provided during the year and the results are discussed at the annual IEP review.

7. Annual Review of IEP

At least once a year the child's IEP is reviewed by the IEP Team. However, the IEP can be reviewed more frequently if the parents or the school request it. At the annual review, the child's progress is discussed as the child continues to grow, and the IEP Team makes appropriate updates to the IEP.

8. Reevaluation

At least every three years, the child must be reevaluated for continued eligibility for special education and related services and to determine the child's educational needs. This evaluation is sometimes referred to as the " triennial."

Special Education and Your School Choice

Traditional Public Schools

All traditional public schools are required to identify and provide services to students with disabilities according to IDEA law.

Public Magnet Schools

Public magnet schools are free public schools that focus on particular themes. As they are publicly funded, they are required by law to identify and provide services to students with disabilities.

Public Charter Schools

Charter schools are public schools that are created by school districts, colleges, nonprofit organizations, or other entities. These schools are allowed to determine many of their own policies and practices, but since charter schools are public schools, they are required by law to identify and provide services to students with disabilities.

Resources:

Online Public Schools

Online public schools are usually run by state governments, school districts, or charter schools. All online public schools are required to identify and provide services to students with disabilities according to IDEA law.

To learn more about what special education looks like at an online public school, check out our Q&A with Sarah Betz, an online special education teacher at Ohio Distance and Electronic Learning Academy.

Resources:

Private Schools

Special education varies widely from private school to private school. Some independent schools are designed to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities. Other private schools may offer accommodations, but not specially designed instruction. While private schools may choose to offer special education, they are not required to by law.

If a private school provides special education, it may create an Instructional Services Plan or an Individual Service Plan (ISP). An ISP is a written plan of service that outlines what will be done to meet your child's needs.

Students with disabilities may also receive a service plan through the local education agency (LEA). IDEA law requires that all LEAs set aside funding for students with disabilities whose parents choose to send them to private school. As this money is limited, these students receive "equitable services". Equitable services are services similar to what the student would receive in an IEP, however, often fewer services are available than what a child would receive at a public school. These services may be provided on the private school premises or transportation may be provided to the service site.

Resources:

Homeschools

States vary in terms of how much IDEA funding is set aside to provide services to students with disabilities in the private school and homeschool setting. In several states, this funding is used for private school students only. However, some states consider homeschooled students to be in "private schools", making equitable services available to homeschoolers! A handful of states have specifically expanded the eligibility of equitable services to include homeschoolers.

In at least 31 states and the District of Columbia, homeschooled students may automatically qualify for special education services. To see what is available in your state, check out our round-up here.

DoDEA Schools

Did you know - the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) operates 160 schools in 8 districts across 11 countries, 7 states, and 2 territories serving our military families? DoDEA schools follow IDEA law to identify and provide students with disabilities with a free, appropriate education. All military families should know about the Exceptional Family Member Program which connects families to the resources and programs they'll need as they relocate around the country and the world. They may also be eligible for the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) which provides financial assistance to beneficiaries with special needs for an integrated set of services and supplies.

DoDEA Resources:

Bureau of Indian Education Schools

All schools run by the Bureau of Indian Education are required by IDEA law to identify and provide services to students with special needs. These schools must utilize the special ed eligibility criteria and the state standards and assessment system in which they are located, in addition to the processes laid out by the Bureau of Indian Education.

Resources:

Alabama

Traditional public schools, magnet schools, online public schools, and charter schools in Alabama all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Alabama are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Alabama have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for the cost of private school. Homeschooled students are not eligible for special education services provided by their school district for free.

These are some Alabama-specific resources to help you further understand school choice for students with disabilities:

Alabama State Department of Education Special Education Services

The Plan Language of Special Education - Auburn University, Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation and Counseling (SERC) & the Alabama State Department of Education

Parents- Partners in Special Education - Alabama State Department of Education Special Education Services

Alabama Parent Education Center (APEC) - APEC is a nonprofit organized by parents that provides families with training, information, and support.

Autism Society of Alabama - The Autism Society of Alabama works to improve services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families through education and advocacy.

Family Voices of Alabama (FV of AL) - FV of AL aims to achieve family-centered care for all children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities by providing tools to make informed decisions, advocacy, partnerships, and resources on health care.

The Arc of Alabama - The Arc of Alabama is a nonprofit, volunteer-based membership organization who advocates for the rights and protections of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing information and referral services, educational opportunities, and public policy initiatives.

Special Needs Resource Project - Alabama - This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Alabama.

Alaska

Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities in Alaska:

Arizona

Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities in Arizona:

Arkansas

These are some Arkansas-specific resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:

California

Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities in California:

Colorado

Here are some Colorado-specific resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:

Colorado Department of Education Office of Special Education

PEAK Parent Center - offers an array of free and low-cost services to families of children with disabilities and self-advocates.

Thrive Center - The THRIVE Center exists to provide parents with information and training about disabilities; parent and children's rights under IDEA and other laws; and resources in the Denver Metro area.

Disability Law Colorado - offers legal representation, information and referrals to people with disabilities, older people, and their families.

SWAAAC (Statewide Assistive Technology, Augmentative, and Alternative Communication) - provides multidisciplinary Assistive Technology services to provide students with disabilities equal access to the curriculum and full participation in their education and classroom.

Colorado Talking Book Library - CTBL provides audio, Braille, and large print books for people who can't read standard print.

Parent to Parent of Colorado - an organization that connects families with their network of families across Colorado and to the resources that they need.

The Arc of Colorado - The Arc of Colorado promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

Special Needs Resource Project - Colorado - This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Colorado.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, traditional public schools, magnet schools, charter schools, and online public schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Connecticut are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Homeschooled students are not eligible for special education services provided by their school district for free.

Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for student with disabilities in Connecticut:

Delaware

These Delaware-specific resources may help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:

Florida

Here are some Florida-specific resources to help you further understand school choice options for student with disabilities:

Georgia

These Georgia-specific resources will help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

Hawaii

Here are some Hawaii-specific resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

Idaho

These resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Idaho:

Illinois

Here are some Illinois-specific resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

Indiana

These resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Indiana:

Indiana Department of Education: Special Education Website

Indiana IEP Resource Center - the IEPRC provides resources, professional learning opportunities, and technical assistance to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Local and Regional Resources for Families - compiled by the Indiana IEP Resource Center (pdf)

Indiana Family to Family - Indiana's Parent to Parent organization that works to give support, answer questions, and provide information and resources to families of children with special needs.

IN*SOURCE Special Education Parent Support - works to provide parents, families, individuals, & service providers with the information & training.

The Arc of Indiana - The Arc of Indiana is committed to all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities realizing their goals of living, learning, working, and fully participating in the community.

Special Needs Resource Project - Indiana - This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Indiana.

Iowa

Here are some Iowa specific resources to help you understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:

Kansas

These Kansas-specific resources may help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:

Kentucky

Here are some resources to help you understand your school choice options for students with disabilities in Kentucky:

Louisiana

In Louisiana, traditional public schools, charter schools, online public schools, and magnet schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Louisiana are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Homeschooled students are not considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services and are not eligible for services from their school district for free.

These Louisiana-based resources may help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:

Maine

Traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and online public schools in Maine all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Maine are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in Maine have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Homeschooled students are considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services, provided that the student is enrolled in a program "recognized by the Department as providing equivalent instruction" to private schools. For more information about homeschooling students with disabilities, visit our guide.

Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities in Maine:

Maryland

These Maryland-specific resources may help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities:

Massachusetts

Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for students with disabilities in Massachusetts:

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education - Special Education website

Disability Definitions and Related Links - Definitions of each of the Massachusetts disability categories and resources for each.

Choosing A School: A Parent's Guide to Educational Choices in Massachusetts

The Arc of Massachusetts - The Arc of Massachusetts provides education and systems of advocacy to families, the public, and more.

Federation for Children with Special Needs - The Federation for Children with Special Needs provides information, support, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities.

Family Ties of Massachusetts - Family TIES is a project of the Federation for Children with Special Needs that provides information and referral services, emotional support, and training to parents of children and youth with special needs.

Parent/Professional Advocacy League - The Parent/Professional Advocacy League is a statewide, grassroots family organization that advocates for improved access to mental health services for children, youth and their families.

DisabiliyInfo.org is a website run through INDEX, a program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, a Center for Excellence at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. INDEX collects and keeps up-to-date information on programs, providers, and services in Massachusetts that have something to offer people with disabilities.

Special Needs Resource Project - Massachusetts - This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Massachusetts.

Michigan

These Michigan-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

Michigan Department of Education Special Education website

Family Matters - Family Matters is an outreach effort from the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education to provide parents with information about special education and other resources.

Michigan Alliance for Families - Michigan Alliance for Families is a statewide resource to connect families of children with disabilities to resources to help improve their children's education.

The Arc of Michigan - The vision of the Arc of Michigan is that all people realize and fulfill their dreams of having employment, education, meaningful relationships, and living independently within their community.

Special Needs Resource Project - Michigan - This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Michigan.

Minnesota

Here are some Minnesota-specific resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

Mississippi

These resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Mississippi:

Missouri

Here are some Missouri-specific resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

Montana

These Montana-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

Nebraska

Here are some resources to help you further understand school choice options for student with disabilities in Nebraska:

Nevada

These Nevada-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

New Hampshire

Here are some resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in New Hampshire:

New Jersey

In New Jersey, traditional public schools, charter schools, and magnet schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities. Private schools in New Jersey are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide equitable services at no cost to the family. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. In New Jersey, homeschooled students are not considered privately schooled students for the purposes of determining access to special education services and are not eligible to receive equitable services from their school district for free.

These New Jersey-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

New Mexico

Traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, and online public schools in New Mexico all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in New Mexico are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in New Mexico have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. In New Mexico, homeschooled students are not considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services and are not eligible for equitable services provided by their district for free.

Here are some resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in New Mexico:

New York

These are some state-specific resources to help you further understand special education and school choice in New York:

North Carolina

Here are some resources to help you further understand your school choice options for your student with a disability in North Carolina:

North Dakota

Traditional public schools in North Dakota all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in North Dakota are not required to provide special education services, but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents of school-age children in North Dakota have the right to select a private school for their student with disabilities; however, as long as the district has offered a free appropriate public education they are not responsible for tuition reimbursement. Homeschooled students are not considered as privately schooled students for the purposes of determining access to special education and are not eligible for free services from their district.

These North Dakota-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

Ohio

Here are some Ohio-specific resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

Oklahoma

These resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Oklahoma:

Oregon

Here are some Oregon-specific resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

Pennsylvania

These Pennsylvania-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, traditional public schools, magnet schools, and charter schools all follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in Rhode Island are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Homeschooled students are not considered privately schooled students for purposes of determining access to special education services and are not eligible for equitable services provided by their district for free.

Here are some resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Rhode Island:

South Carolina

These South Carolina-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

South Dakota

In South Dakota, traditional public schools follow IDEA guidance to identify and provide services to students with disabilities attending these schools. Private schools in South Dakota are not required to provide special education services but can choose to offer them to their students or partner with the local LEA to provide them at no cost. Parents have the right to choose a private school for their student with disabilities; however, the district is not required to pay for tuition as long as the LEA has made a free appropriate public education available to their child. Homeschooled students are not considered privately schooled students for determining access to special education services and are not eligible for equitable services provided by their district for free.

Here are some South Dakota-specific resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

Tennessee

These resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Tennessee:

Texas

Here are some Texas-specific resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

Texas Education Agency Special Education website

Special Education in Texas A-Z Index - This index by the Texas Education Agency has listed many education-related topics alphabetically linking to where they are used on the TEA's website.

Parent's Guide to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Process - available in and .

SPEDTex - SPEDTex provides information and resources to help parents understand their child's disability, their rights and responsibilities under IDEA,and facilitate collaboration that supports the development and delivery of services.

Texas Project FIRST: Families, Information, Resources, Support & Training - Texas Project FIRST is a project of the Family to Family Network committed to providing accurate and consistent information to parents and families of students with disabilities.

Partners Resource Network - The Partners Resource Network is a nonprofit agency that operates the Texas statewide network of Parent Training and Information Centers that help parents understand their child's disability; understand their rights & responsibilities; obtain and evaluate resources and services; and participate in planning services.

The Arc of Texas - The Arc of Texas promotes, protects, and advocates for the human rights and self-determination of Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Special Needs Resource Project - Texas - This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Texas.

Utah

These Utah-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

Utah State Board of Education Special Education Services website

Carson Smith Special Needs Scholarship Program (CSS)

Utah Parent Center - The Utah Parent Center (UPC) helps parents, children, youth, and young adults with all disabilities to live included, productive lives by providing information, peer support, training, and advocacy.

Autism Council of Utah - The Autism Council of Utah works to foster collaboration, communication, and learning among families and agencies by promoting access to resources and responsible information.

Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education (TAESE) - TAESE works to improve results for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities by providing access to expertise and technical assistance services; facilitating activities to help agencies meet state and federal requirements; and designing, organizing, and implementing a variety of professional development activities.

Utah Developmental Disabilities Council (UDDC) - The Utah Developmental Disabilities Council advocates for, and strengthen leadership skills in, individuals with disabilities and their families.

Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind - The Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind support students across the state of Utah and serves as a leader across the country and around the world for the education of students who are deaf, blind, or deaf-blind.

Utah State Instructional Materials Access Center (USIMAC) - The USIMAC provides the proper materials in the format that will give students the greatest success in the classroom - including Braille, Large Print, and PDF/DAISY/EPUB

Special Needs Resource Project - Utah - This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Utah.

Vermont

These resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Vermont:

State of Vermont Agency of Education - Special Education website

Rights of Parents of Students with Disabilities - Vermont Agency of Education (PDF)

Notice of Procedural Safeguards: Rights of Parents of Students with Disabilities (PDF)

Special Education Acronym List (PDF)

Vermont Association of the Deaf (VTAD) - VTAD's goal is to create a better world for the deaf individuals and their families through community outreach, advocacy, education, legislative efforts, and collaboration.

Vermont Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health - The Vermont Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health supports families and children where a child or youth (0-22) by providing families with peer support and information; empowering families, youth, and young adults to navigate service and support systems; and advocating for accessible, flexible, and quality family centered and driven services.

Vermont Interdisciplinary Team (I-Team) - The Vermont I-Team provides technical assistance for teams working with students (3-22), along with training to school district personnel, family members, community service providers, and general community members.

Vermont Family Network - The Vermont Family Network works to empower and support all Vermont children, youth, and families, especially those with disabilities or special health needs.

Vermont Assistive Technology Program (VATP) - VATP helps individuals of all ages find accessible solutions to overcome barriers at home, work, and in the community as related to disability and aging related needs.

Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (VABVI) - VABVI is a nonprofit organization that offers training, services, and support to visually impiared Vermonters.

Special Needs Resource Project - Vermont - This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Vermont.

Virginia

Here are some Virginia-specific resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

Virginia Department of Education Spec ial Education website

Virginia Department of Education Military Families website

Guidance for Military Families with Students in Special Education by the Virginia Department of Education

Virginia Department of Education Parent Ombudsman for Special Education website - An Ombudsman is a person who serves as a designated neutral party who advocates for a fair process and provides confidential, informal assistance and support to parents, guardians, advocates, educators, and students with disabilities in non-legal special education matters.

PEATC - PEATC provides tools and information to empower Virginia students with disabilities (birth-age 26) and their families.

Center for Family Involvement - The Center for Family Involvement works with families to increase their skills as advocates, mentors, and leaders so that families, children and young adults with disabilities can lead the lives they want.

Virginia Family Special Education Connection - The Virginia Family Special Education Connection website provides a one-stop-shop for parents, families, and caregivers of children with special needs.

I'm Determined - Critical Decision Points - This guide, created by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, assists in helping families make decisions at critical points in their education.

The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind website

The Arc of Virginia - The Arc of Virginia is the statewide advocacy organization made up of people with developmental disabilities, their family members and their allies, who are fighting for A Life Like Yours, for Virginians.

Special Needs Resource Project - Virginia - This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Virginia.

Washington

These Washington-state-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Special Education website

How Special Education Works: A 10-Step Guide to the Special Education Process

Washington State School for the Blind

Washington School for the Deaf

Washington Sensory Disability Services - Washington Sensory Disability Services supports the developmental and learning needs of children aged birth to 21 who are deaf or hard of hearing; are blind or low vision; are deafblind.

Autism Guidebook for Washington State: A Resource for Individuals, Families, and Professionals

PAVE: Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment - PAVE provides support, training, information, and resources to empower and give voice to individuals, youth, and families impacted by disabilities.

Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP) - WATAP provides resources and services to persons who face challenges related to disability and aging to help in the selection and use of assistive technology.

WEA Special Education Support Center - The WEA Special Education Support Center provides training to all educators, parents, and service organizations.

The Arc of Washington State - The Arc of Washington State advocates for and beside children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families.

Special Needs Resource Project - Washington - This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Washington.

West Virginia

Here are some resources to help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in West Virginia:

Wisconsin

These Wisconsin-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Special Education website

Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WSPEI) - WSPEI helps families and school districts by assisting families with navigating special education and partnering with schools through technical assistance, trainings, and programs.

Wisconsin Family Assistance Center for Education, Training, and Support (WI FACETS) - WI FACETS provides information on special education and IEPs and referrals to agencies and resources, parent support groups, parent and youth leadership development, and trainings.

Wisconsin Family Ties - Wisconsin Family Ties provides information and referrals, family support, education, and Parent Peer Specialists to assist families of children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral, and mental disorders.

Alianza Latina Aplicando Soluciones - Alianza Latina Aplicando Soluciones is a nonprofit organization that provides educational workshops, parent support groups, family events, community building activities, and service referrals to families of children and youth with diverse abilities.

Arc of Wisconsin - The Arc of Wisconsin provides information and referral services, individual advocacy to address education, employment, health care and other concerns, self-advocacy initiatives, residential support, employment programs, leisure and recreational programs.

Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin (ASW) - The ASW builds relationships and partnerships with other community agencies with the goal of building autism friendly, inclusive communities.

Family Voices of Wisconsin - Family Voices of Wisconsin is a statewide network of families who have children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities by providing information, training, and leadership opportunities.

Well Badger Resource Center - The Well Badger Resource Center is a health information and referral program that assists in finding needed programs and services such as early intervention screening.

Special Needs Resource Project - Wisconsin - This list includes state links, national links, US Military links, and Native American links to resources available in Wisconsin.

Wyoming

Here are some resources that may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities in Wyoming:

Washington, D.C.

These Washington, D.C.-specific resources may help you further understand school choice options for students with disabilities:

National Resources

A History of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by the U.S. Department of Education discusses the laws that have governed special education from its inception to the present day.

The Center for Parent Information and Resources is funded by the Office of Special Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education and offers family-friendly information and research-based materials on key topics for parents. Here are some particularly helpful resources:

The IDAHO State Department of Education put together a Comparison of the IDEA, 504, and ADA in an easy to read PDF.

The Office of the Student Advocate by the State Board of Education of Washington, D.C. created Knowing the Difference: 504 Plan or IEP to provide quick and accessible information on some of the major differences.

Special Education Guide is an online resource for parents and educators who want to master the terminology, procedures, and best practices in special education. Here are some of their resources:

The Special Needs Resource Project provides basic guides for parents of children with chronic health issues, disabilities, and special needs - such as this list of National Resources.

The Center for Learner Equity provides family resources that cover a range of topics relevant to families, including informative research projects surrounding navigating special education and school choice.

The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) focuses on encouraging the use of mediation, facilitation, and other collaborative processes as strategies for resolving disagreements between parents and schools about children's educational programs and support services.

The TIES Center works to create sustainable changes so that students with significant cognitive disabilities can fully engage in the same instructional and non-instructional activities as their peers while being instructed in a way that meets individual learning needs.

Understood put together What is Child Find? - an article discussing how Child Find works, what happens when an evaluation is requested, and what happens when schools don't follow Child Find.

Absurdities and Realities of Special Education: The University of Vermont Center for Digital Initiatives Collection is a complete set of all of the cartoons illustrating the rewards and challenges of special education.

The information in this guide to special education is designed to help families who are interested in learning more about the school choice options for students with disabilities in their state. Our mission is to provide families with the information they need about all the school options available - traditional public, public charter, public magnet, private, online, and at home - so they can choose the right fit for their child. Read more guides about the other types of schools.

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Our parents guide to special education is designed to walk you through what the special education process is in your state and school choice.

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a set of recommendations for the teacher to be able to use in the classroom and see what works best for them.

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this article shows how other students can benefit from a student with SEN in the classroom,

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Inclusion classrooms, also called inclusive classrooms, can benefit all students. Learn about four ways being in an inclusive class can help kids.

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this provides the teacher with resources to use for ACC in the classroom, how to use it and lots of different websites available.

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everyone who can be apart of being able to make up an IEP for the student

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This video provides an overview of how education that is not inclusive affects children, and what can be done to promote change and ensure all children have access to an inclusive and equitable quality education.

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this is a campaign done on down syndrome but I think it can also be used in the classroom as often times limitations are placed on SEN students on their performance in the classroom. this video shows that if we treat everyone equally that there is unknown potential and that they may thrive in particular areas that you wouldn't have known if limitations were in place.

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ASSUME THAT I CAN | World Down Syndrome Day 2024

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here is an example of a blank IEP template that a teacher could use to draw up/draft the students IEP

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I have included this as it is important for the teacher to understand what the student is going through and why it may take them more time to read/understand than it does with other children. knowing what is going on allows you to help and accommodate the student to the best of your ability and to also be patient and understanding.

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Visual Dyslexia Explained - how text appears with Scotopic Sensitivity (dyslexia) (full version)