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Special Education - General Information

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This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Special Education - General Information in Pennsylvania.

• What Can a Parent Do if a Child has a Health Problem that Requires Support or Services in School?

  This fact sheet from the Education Law Center - Pennsylvania provides information about what to do if your child has a health problem, chronic condition, physical, mental, or behavioral impairment that “substantially limits” a “major life activity” and needs help to participate in or benefit from education or extra-curricular programs. [PDF] Content Detail

  By:

  Education Law Center - Pennsylvania

• The Right to Special Education in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Parents and Advocates

  This Guide from the Education Law Center - Pennsylvania is meant to help you – the parent – learn how the system designed to educate children with disabilities (called special education) works in Pennsylvania and how you can make it work for your child. [PDF] Content Detail

  By:

  Education Law Center - Pennsylvania

• The Special Education ConsultLine

  Information on The Special Education ConsultLine, a a toll-free information line established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for your questions and concerns: 1-800-879-2301. ConsultLine is designed to assist parents and advocates of children with disabilities or children thought to be disabled. ConsultLine provides information about school-related concerns, special education regulations, procedural safeguards, and parents’ rights. Content Detail

  By:

  Pennsylvania Department of Education

• Your Child's Rights Under the IDEA [Video]

  This video from Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut and CTLawHelp.org describes your child's rights under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. These are federal laws, so the information is true for every state. This video will teach you about setting up an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and what to do if the school isn't following the IEP. Read More

  By:

  Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut and CTLawHelp.org

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Chapter 14 and IDEA: A comparison of Special Education Rights

  This is a SIDE-BY-SIDE QUICK REFERENCE from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (provided by Disability Rights Pennsylvania), comparing Chapter 14, Special Education Services and Programs (State Regulations) to Part 300, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (Federal Regulations).(September 19, 2008) [PDF] Content Detail

  By:

  Education Law Center - Pennsylvania

• Parents’ Rights: Understanding the Procedural Safeguards Notice

  Parents of children who receive or who may be eligible for special education services have rights under a law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This brochure provides a summary of those rights. The Procedural Safeguards Notice provides a more detailed explanation of those rights. Content Detail

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  Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network

• Special Education Timelines

  This booklet cites the special education timelines in accordance with the requirements of Pennsylvania law, Chapter 711 Charter School and Cyber Charter School Services and Programs for Children with Disabilities, Chapter 14 Special Education Services and Programs and Federal Regulations Part 300, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Content Detail

  By:

  Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network

• Educational Rights of Children with Special Needs

  Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF] Content Detail

  By:

  Pennsylvania Bar Association

• Education Rights for Mentally Gifted Students

  Consumer Legal Information Pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Content Detail

  By:

  Pennsylvania Bar Association

• Education Rights for Students with Disabilities

  Consumer Legal Information Pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association Content Detail

  By:

  Pennsylvania Bar Association

• Special Education Due Process Complaint Process and Forms

  Information on the complaint process, including the Complaint Form, which is used to submit a formal complaint to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education. Office for Dispute Resolution (Special Education). Content Detail

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  Office for Dispute Resolution (Special Education)

• Special Education Mediation and Forms

  Even when parents and school officials try their best to reach agreement on a student’s special education program, disagreements can occur. If this happens, mediation, which is a free, voluntary, and confidential alternative to a formal due process hearing, is an option. Mediation can take place at any time before or during the due process cycle. Mediation is not a required process and may not delay or deny a parent the right to a due process hearing. Information on the Mediation process from the Office of Dispute Resolution (Special Education). Content Detail

  By:

  Office of Dispute Resolution (Special Education)

• Accessible Instructional Materials for Children with Disabilities

  Information from the Disability Rights Pennsylvania on the availability of Accessible Instructional Materials for children with disabilities. [PDF] Content Detail

  By:

  Disability Rights Pennsylvania (Philadelphia)

• Approved Private Schools for Special Education and Schools for the Deaf and the Blind

  Information on requirements for Approved Private for Special Education and Schools for the Deaf and the Blind from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Content Detail

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  Pennsylvania Department of Education

• Educational Programs for Students in Non-Educational Placements - Children with a Disability in Out of Home Care in Pennsylvania

  This Basic Education Circular discusses the obligations of school districts to children living in residential placements. [PDF] Content Detail

  By:

  Pennsylvania Department of Education