Special Education Law/IDEA

Did you know that …

-- there are state and federal laws that protect the rights of students with disabilities, including students with autism spectrum disorders?

-- your child is entitled by law to a free and appropriate public education?

-- parents and families have the right to be involved in planning for their child’s best education — and working toward the best possible future?

Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings give parents and the school a chance to work together to design an IEP plan for any child who’s been determined eligible for special education. The goals for academic achievement and functional performance set for the student are the core of the IEP. Parents and families play an important role in developing these goals.

What Goals are Best?
Goals represent what you and the other IEP team members think your child will be able to accomplish in all area(s) of disability -- academic, developmental, and functional-- in a year's time. Learn how to help determine specific annual goals that are measurable and appropriate for your child.

 

Illinois-specific special ed laws:

Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Special Education Services website. Includes lots of valuable information specific to Illinois, including
Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois -- a document developed by ISBE for parents and others to learn about the educational rights of children who have disabilities and receive special ed services. (Updated 6/09)
Development of IEPS For Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders (#08-1)
In July 2008, ISBE implemented a new IL State Law (Public Act 095-0257), which required IEP teams for students with autism consider seven specific areas when completing the plan.
Regulations and Legislation regarding Special Education Services in Illinois -- a page with links citing specific language regarding laws and school code.

Some Other Useful Resources:

"My Child's Special Needs: A Guide to the Individualized Education Program," U.S. Dept of Ed
The purpose of this guidance is to assist educators, parents, and state and local educational agencies in implementing the requirements of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regarding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for children with disabilities, including preschool-aged children. 

"The Short and Sweet IEP Overview," Nat'l Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
"All About the IEP" section includes extensive info on laws, behavior, placements, resolving disputes, etc.

"Your Child's IEP: Practical and Legal Guidance for Parents,"
LD Online What should be in my child's IEP?; Law and regulations; Practical guidance for parents.

"A Guide to Collaboration for IEP Teams"
"How Parents Can be Advocates for Their Children"
"Understanding the Special Ed Process: An Overview for Parents"
and many other useful IEP-related articles are available at LD Online.

"Parent Advocacy: What You Should Do . . . and Not Do, from Wrightslaw"

"How to Know if Your Child's Making Progress Toward IEP Goals"
"Tips for a Successful IEP Meeting"
"Services Beyond the School Year for Students who Have IEPs"
and other useful IEP-related articles are available at Great Schools

"Tools for School: Related Services and Accomodations for Children with Special Needs (2007)"
The Arc of IL Family to Family Health Information and Education Center

"Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004," US Dept of Education
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.   

The Families and Advocates Partnership for Education (FAPE)
A partnership that aims to improve the educational outcomes for children with disabilities. It links families, advocates, and self-advocates to information about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

"Educating Our Children Together: A Sourcebook for Effective Family-School-Community Partnerships," Consortium for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE)

 

 

 

 

NOTE: All linked materials are copyrighted and owned by the individual authors and agencies. The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) presents them for information purposes only and makes no judgments about the effectiveness or validity of the material.  Each family should make its own decisions about IEP matters based on the specific needs and strengths of the student.   All comments made in chats and messages are the opinions of the authors, and TAP is not responsible for them.