What are your Rights?
IDEA:If you are receiving special education services, you have specific rights under IDEA ( http://idea.ed.gov/). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that guarantees you free and appropriate education (FAPE) until age 21 or until you graduate high school. It was put into effect in 1975 and was most recently updated in 2004. IDEA also requires your school to provide transition services to make sure your have the skills you need beyond high school. The law also allows you to attend your IEP meetings beginning at age 16. The previous law required this beginning at age 14 and many states have continued to begin this process at age 14. It also gives you the right to receive instruction to the fullest extent possible in the general education classroom.
IEP: Your IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is the foundation of IDEA. It describes the specific programs and services that must be provided for students who are receiving special education services under IDEA. Your IEP should be reviewed on a regular basis to make sure it is continuing to meet your needs. When you graduate from high school the rights you have under this law will come to an end The Rehabilitation Act of 1973:This is the federal law that provides states with money to fund vocational services for people with disabilities. Section 504 of the act is a civil rights act that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in any program receiving state funding( http://www.dol.gov/oasam/regs/statutes/sec504.htm).
Public schools, most private, and most colleges receive state funding which means that they must abide by Section 504. This law gives you the right to accommodations to help you meet your needs to receive an education or to do a job. In order to receive accommodations your disability must largely limit a major life function. Most people with learning disabilities are covered under this act because learning and education are considered to be major life functions. You are required to have documentation of your disability to be regarded as having one. |
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990:ADA is the federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities (http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/disability/ada.htm). ADA applies to pubic schools, most private schools, and colleges regardless of funding. ADA also applies to state and local governments, private employers with more than fifteen employees, and to public services, trasportation, public accommodations, and telecommunications.
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act:The original act was passed in 1965 and is most recently known as No Child Left Behind which is currently being reauthorized (http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/ESEA%20Handout%202012%20Final.pdf). This law holds schools accountable for the progress of all students, including those with disabilities. It requires schools to assess and report on the progress of all students to see if students are making improvements. The report is prepared by your school district and can help you and your family to see how well students with learning disabilities are being educated in your school district. NCLB also gives guidelines for accommodations students need in order to participate in testing and guidelines for the qualifications of teachers who work with students who have learning disabilities.
Participating in Your IEP Meeting* Become familar with your IEP
*Ask yourself what you agree and disagree with *Make notes on your copy so you can talk about your concerns *Pay attention and take notes during the meeting, paying attention to what each team member has to say *Don't be afraid to ask questions *Write down accommodations that work for you and long term goals *Practice saying these outloud so that it will seem more natural in the actual meeting |