Special Education

Special Education
Disclaimer: These materials are based on the law at the time we write them. We try to update our materials; however, laws are regularly changing. If you want to make sure the law has not changed, contact us or another legal source.







Disability Discrimination in Public and Private Schools
Students and school applicants with disabilities are protected against disability-based discrimination, and have a right to reasonable accommodations, under federal and state law.
Homeless Students with Disabilities
Emergency Preparedness/Housing and Homelessness/Special Education: This resource provides a brief introduction to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This law protects homeless students right to an education. This includes homeless students with disabilities. Students with disabilities may have become homeless due to natural disasters like wildfires that are impacting many parts of the state of California.
Emergency Plans for IEPs
Under California law, students with disabilities with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) must have an Emergency Plan in placeCal. Ed. Code § 56345(a)(9). The law requires IEP teams to consider how a student’s individual needs may be impacted in emergency situations.
Student's Right to Special Education in Juvenile Detention
This publication provides information about youth rights to special education while in juvenile detention.
Transition Services for Students
This publication is about how different agencies should help young people with disabilities as they move into adult life. This process is called TRANSITION. These agencies are school districts and the Department of Rehabilitation. Some young people are also clients of a regional center. Regional centers also have to help with transition
17 Special Education Advocacy Tips
This document will provide you with tips before, during, and after an IEP meeting to help you advocate for your child.
Bullying and Harassment of Students with Disabilities
This publication gives a summary of bullying and harassment of students with disabilities.
Early Start Rules on Using Private Insurance
Early Start is a program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. This pub explains a change in the law about using private insurance for Early Start services. If private insurance will not cover the service, the regional center can pay for it. This pub tells you what to do if the regional center wants to change your child’s services and where to get help.
How To Obtain An Independent Educational Evaluation At Public Expense
This publication provides information on how to obtain an independent educational evaluation at public expense from a school district. Another way that you can obtain an independent educational evaluation is to pay for the evaluation on your own.
Is the School Retaliating? A Guide to Your Rights
Retaliation is an act of discrimination, coercion, intimidation or threat against a person for the purpose of interfering with the exercise of a protected right. Retaliation is illegal under both federal and state laws.
My Child with a Disability Keeps Getting Suspended or Recommended for Expulsion
This pub tells you about “suspension” and “expulsion.” It tells you the rules that apply to a student with disabilities. It tells you what to do if it happens to your child.
Recording Occupational and Physical Therapy in IEPs
Many special education students require occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) services in order to benefit from special education. OT and PT are "related services" under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Tips for Parents of American Indian Children & Youth Receiving Special Education Services
Actively participate in the IEP team meetings. Decisions will be made relating to the identification, evaluation, and placement of your child and the provision of a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). FAPE includes the duty to provide a child with appropriate behavior goals and services. So often, a child is unlawfully secluded or restrained because school has failed to provide appropriate behavioral interventions
When Can A Student Receive Medication At School
This pub tells you when a school has to give your child needed medication. It tells you what medications a school can give to your child. It tells you who can give your child their medication. It gives you other information about giving your child medication at school.