Federal law stipulates that all children with disabilities are entitled to a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive setting possible. That’s a broad—and vague—directive. As a result, special ed procedures and services vary widely throughout the U.S., sometimes differing markedly throughout a single state.
What remains consistent, though, is the school district’s responsibility to identify children requiring special education, followed by determination by a Committee for Special Education (CSE) of what should be included in eligible students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). If a school district is unable to provide needed services, it must pay to have them delivered elsewhere.
I recommend that parents consult a special education attorney if they have a serious disagreement with the school district. Most school districts negotiate in good faith to provide appropriate services for a student. However, disagreements occur. Families that have a loved one with special needs are usually very time-constrained, and the special ed system is a maze. Parents typically make mistakes while learning its intricacies. A special education attorney can quickly explain a family’s rights, resources and responsibilities, enabling them to more effectively advocate for their child. Legal counsel can also represent parents during the sometimes-contentious IEP discussions.
Our nationwide budget debates have significant implications for special education, with school districts varying in their strategy for allocating scarce dollars. Some are choosing to control costs by lowering services. Others are responding by working more closely with parents to ensure the most productive use of resources. I’m aware of some districts that will quickly consent to the demands of vocal parents rather than face the possibility of having to pay attorney fees. On the other hand, when school districts are unable to provide necessary services, rather than pay to have them provided by someone else, they may pressure parents to accept less-than-optimal alternatives.
As part of the growing dialogue concerning the best allocation of scarce education dollars, some educators are pushing to have special ed regulations weakened. The strain within small school districts is often particularly intense, since special education usually consumes a greater proportion of their resources. A shortage of special ed teachers further complicates the situation.
Individuals with special needs and their families have high expectations concerning their ability to become productive members of the community. Special education is meant to prepare for that future. Parents must actively shape their children’s special education experience so that their loved ones can lead lives that are as independent and self-directed as possible.
About this Article: We hope you find this article informative, but it is not legal advice. You should consult your own attorney, who can review your specific situation and account for variations in state law and local practices. Laws and regulations are constantly changing, so the longer it has been since an article was written, the greater the likelihood that the article might be out of date. SNA members focus on this complex, evolving area of law. To locate a member in your state, visit Find an Attorney.
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vesid is very important for growth; there were extreme cutbacks; more schools should accept the vouchers
Hi. I have a Special needs grandson and my son and daughter-n law are having alot of trouble with the school he is attending his needs are not been meet and all the years we all ways here about no child left behind but they are alot of childern like my grand son that will. What we are needing is a lawyer that will help that will coast nothing do to we don,t have it to pay out. PRAY THAT GOD GIVES HOPE AND THE RIGHT ROAD TO GET HELP FROM GRANDPARENT IN MISSISSIPPI
Dear Deanna,
Mississippi, like most states, has a free, federally-funded special ed parent advocacy organization. The Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center is a project of the Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities and is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). The Executive Director is Pam Dollar (mother of a son with a disability), and you may contact her at 601-969-0601 or [email protected].
Hope this helps get you down the road to better services for that precious grandson.