Special Needs Resource Directory

The education system can be challenging for the parent of a child with special healthcare needs. Negotiating the maze of special education supports and knowing how, why and when to advocate for an IEP, a 504 plan or behavior plan requires that you become familiar with special education laws and your child's rights.

For school age children, we’ll help you with resources for:

Special Education

• How does the special education system work in the United States?
• Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) from the U.S. Department of Education
• Special Education from Cincinnati Public Schools
• Special Education from Ohio Department of Education
• Special Education from ThoughtCo.
• Special Education Guide (see "Learning is Power" section)
• Special Education News

Glossary of Special Education and Legal Terms

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Requesting an Initial Evaluation for Special Education Services

Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973

IEP vs. 504 Decision Outline

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

Other Education Legislation

• Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
• No Child Left Behind Act

School Health Plan

• Individualized Healthcare Plans: The Role of the School Nurse

Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)

• Ohio Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS)

Other Education Options (Private Schools, Charter Schools, Community Schools, Scholarships & Homeschooling)

• Applied Behavioral Services (ABS)
• The Children's Home of Cincinnati: Education
• Homeschool.com
• Linden Grove School
• Ohio School Options from the Ohio Department of Education
• Skyward Academy
• The Virtual Highschool (VHS, Inc.)

Due Process

• A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education
• The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE)
• Due process information, guidelines and complaint notice are available through the Ohio Department of Education