Special Education - General Information
Legal Information
This section of PALawHelp.org has information and resources about Special Education - General Information in Pennsylvania.
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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
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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
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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
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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
- Read this in:
- Spanish / Español
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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
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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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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
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Educational Rights of Children with Special Needs
Consumer information pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. [PDF] Content Detail
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Education Rights for Mentally Gifted Students
Consumer Legal Information Pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Content Detail
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Education Rights for Students with Disabilities
Consumer Legal Information Pamphlet from the Pennsylvania Bar Association Content Detail
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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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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
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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
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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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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
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