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 Special Education 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 State Support Team 13
• Special Education from ThoughtCo.
• Special Education Guide (see Learning is Power section)
• Special Education News

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

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

Glossary of Special Education and Legal Terms

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.)
• See also Learning Disabilities

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
• See also Financial and Law: Advocacy