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3 BASIC RIGHTS IN �SPECIAL EDUCATION…��AND IMPORTANT RESOURCES

JANINE SOLOMON, ESQ.

CHILDREN’S LAW SUPPORT PROJECT

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BASIC RIGHT #1 �THE RIGHT TO A FREE PUBLIC EDUCATION�

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This right applies to all eligible students with disabilities regardless of where they were born or their immigration status.

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BASIC RIGHT # 2�YOUR RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN DECISIONS ABOUT YOUR CHILD’s EDUCATION�

  • You know your child best

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  • The law says:

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    • Parents are equal Team members

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    • All written letters, forms, evaluation reports in the parent’s primary language

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    • All meetings in the parent’s primary language (interpreter if needed)

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    • Parental consent at key points

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  • It’s the law but it doesn’t always happen in practice

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BASIC RIGHT # 3�PLACEMENT AND SERVICES BASED ON WHAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS

It is illegal for schools to make decisions regarding your child’s needs based on:

  • The cost of the services
  • Availability of staff
  • What programs already exist in the district

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Basic Right #3 (continued)

How does the special education team know what your child needs?

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-School evaluations

-Independent evaluations

-Teacher input

-YOUR INPUT as a parent

-A Team determination of the least restrictive environment

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MAC/MLRI Video Series on the Special Education Process

Spanish: www.massadvocates.org/recursos

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English: www.massadvocates.org/resources

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  1. Requesting a School Evaluation
  2. Immigrants and Special Education
  3. Getting a Qualified Interpreter
  4. Getting Documents in Your Language
  5. Responding to the IEP
  6. Requesting a “Second Opinion” Evaluation

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MAC Resources: COVID and Beyond

  • Contact MAC’s Helpline (English and Spanish): (617) 357-8431 or massadvocates.org/helpline
  • Visit MAC COVID-19 Information Clearinghouse (English and Spanish): massadvocates.org/covid19
  • Join MAC Autism Connections on Facebook
  • Join Facebook Group en Español: facebook.com/groups/MACEspanol
  • Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @MassAdvocates

Join MAC’s Monthly Chats the 3rd Thursday night of each month for updates, information, and resources: https://www.massadvocates.org/events

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Additional Statewide Advocacy Resources

  • Massachusetts Advocates for Children                          617-357-8431

www.massadvocates.org

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  • The Federation for Children with Special Needs         800-331-0688

     http:// www.fcsn.org            ( Western MA )           877-388-8180    

      

  • The Disability Law Center                               617-723-8455

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  • The Children’s Law Center                             781-581-1977

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  • Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee 800-342-9092

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The Federal IDEA Regulations (34 CFR 300): http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/finrule/2006-3/081406a.pdf

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Massachusetts Special Education Regulations (603 CMR 28):

http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/603cmr28.html

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QUESTIONS?