Parent Resources | NP Special Education

What is IDEA?

IDEA Special Education refers to the special education services and protections provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the United States. Here's a brief overview:

Purpose: IDEA ensures that children with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs.
Eligibility: Children ages 3-22 with specific disabilities that affect their educational performance may qualify for services.
Key components:
- Individualized Education Program (IEP): A customized plan outlining the child's educational goals and necessary accommodations.
- Least Restrictive Environment (LRE): Students should be educated with non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.
- Early Intervention: Services for infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) with developmental delays.
Disabilities covered: Include autism, deaf-blindness, deafness, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment.
Rights: IDEA provides specific rights to students and their families, including the right to participate in the IEP process and due process procedures for dispute resolution.

Special Education
Websites/Resources

1. U.S. Department of Education - Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html

2. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) website
https://sites.ed.gov/idea/

3. National Center for Learning Disabilities
https://www.ncld.org/

4. Learning Disabilities Association of America
https://ldaamerica.org/

5. Understood (for learning and attention issues)
https://www.understood.org/

6. Council for Exceptional Children
https://exceptionalchildren.org/

7. Center for Parent Information and Resources
https://www.parentcenterhub.org/

8. Autism Speaks
https://www.autismspeaks.org/

9. Rhode Island Parent Information Network (RIPIN)
https://ripin.org/

10. LD OnLine (learning disabilities and ADHD information)
  http://www.ldonline.org/

11. Wrightslaw (special education law and advocacy)
  https://www.wrightslaw.com/

12. National Disability Rights Network
  https://www.ndrn.org/

What is a 504 Plan?

A 504 plan in special education refers to a plan developed to ensure that a child with a disability identified under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 receives appropriate accommodations and support in their educational setting. Here are the key points about 504 plans:

Purpose: To provide equal access to education for students with disabilities by removing barriers to learning.
Eligibility: Students with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (such as learning, reading, concentrating, or thinking) may qualify.
Differences from IEPs: Unlike Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 plans:
- Are generally less comprehensive
- Don't require specialized instruction
- Are typically used for students who can participate in the general education curriculum with accommodations
Common accommodations:
- Extended time on tests
- Preferential seating
- Modified homework assignments
- Assistive technology
- Behavior management support
Process: Involves evaluation, team decision-making, and regular reviews to ensure the plan remains appropriate.
Legal basis: Stems from civil rights law, not special education law like IEPs.
Flexibility: Can be used in K-12 settings and often in post-secondary education as well.

Rhode Island's ABLE Account is a savings program designed for individuals with disabilities. Here's a brief overview:

Purpose: ABLE stands for Achieving a Better Life Experience. These accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for certain public benefits programs, like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Eligibility: Generally, individuals who developed a disability before age 26 can open an ABLE account.
Tax advantages: Contributions to ABLE accounts grow tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified disability expenses.
Contribution limits: There are annual contribution limits, which may change from year to year.
Qualified expenses: Funds can be used for various disability-related expenses, including education, housing, transportation, health care, and more.
State-specific: While Rhode Island has its own ABLE program, residents can choose to open an account in any state that accepts out-of-state residents.

This document outlines the procedural safeguards for special education in Rhode Island. Here are the key points:

It explains parents' rights regarding their child's special education, including consent, evaluation, confidentiality, and dispute resolution procedures.
Parents must receive a copy of these safeguards at least once per school year and in certain other situations.
Key topics covered include:
1. Prior written notice
2. Parental consent
3. Independent educational evaluations
4. Confidentiality of information
5. State complaint procedures
6. Due process complaint procedures
7. Resolution process
8. Impartial due process hearings
9. Civil actions
10. Placement during appeals
11. Attorneys' fees
12. Procedures for disciplining children with disabilities
13. Requirements for unilateral placement in private schools
It details timelines and procedures for various processes like evaluations, hearings, and appeals.
The document explains parents' rights to access and amend educational records.
It outlines the disciplinary procedures for students with disabilities, including manifestation determinations.
The procedural safeguards aim to ensure children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) and that parents are involved in the process.
It provides information on resources and organizations parents can contact for additional support and information.