Resources for Special Education

The education system can be challenging for children with special health care needs. Navigating the maze of special education supports and engaging in the process can be difficult. Patients and families can empower themselves by understanding special education plans, laws and their rights.

Cincinnati Children's services and resources:

• Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics: Educational Support

Additional resources:

• Glossary of Special Education and Legal Terms by Wrightslaw
• Ohio Coalition for the Education Of Children with Disabilities (OCECD)
• Requesting an Initial Evaluation for Special Education Services
• School Supports by Understood
• Special Education by Disability Rights of Ohio
• Special Education by Indiana Department of Education (DOE)
• Special Education by LD Online
• Special Education by Ohio Department of Education (DOE)
• Special Education by ThoughtCo.
• Special Education by West Virginia Department of Education (DOE)
• Special Education Guide (see "Learning is Power" section)
• Special Education Services by Kentucky Department of Education (DOE)
• U.S. Department of Education (DOE)
  • Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)

IEP vs. 504 Plan

• The Difference Between IEPs and 504 Plans by Understood
• Key Differences Between Section 504 and IDEA by Wrightslaw

Parent Rights, Dispute Resolution and Due Process

• A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education by Ohio Department of Education (DOE)
• The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE)
• Dispute Resolution by Ohio Department of Education (DOE)
• Dispute Resolution by Indiana Department of Education (DOE)
• Dispute Resolution Process by Kentucky Department of Education (DOE)
• Why your child’s school may deny your evaluation request by Understood

Education Legislation

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Laws and Policies by U.S. Department of Education (DOE)
  • Individuals with Disabilities
  • Laws for Preschool to Grade 12 Education
• Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973

School Placement

• Applied Behavioral Services (ABS)
• Best Point Education & Behavioral Health
• Continuum of Placement Blog by Disability Rights Ohio
• Placement, Short-and-Sweet by Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR)
• Range of Educational Placements by Federation of Children with Special Needs (FCSN)

Additional Education Options

• Alternatives to Traditional Public Education by U.S. Department of Education (DOE)
• School Options by Ohio Department of Education (DOE)
• 9 Ways Your Teen Can Learn a Trade
• High School at Great Oaks
  • FAQ for Parents about Services for Students with Special Needs
• Homeschool.com
• Linden Grove School
• Skyward Academy
• The Virtual Highschool (VHS, Inc.)