Every parent is filled with dreams, fears, hopes, and questions when preparing a child for school--and when that child has a disability, this exciting time can seem overwhelming. This upbeat, reassuring handbook is an invaluable resource to share with parents of a school-age child with a disability. It demystifies complicated issues, encourages…

Designed for parents of students, this booklet provides information and strategies for helping students with disabilities make a smooth transition to postsecondary education and training. The first part of the booklet addresses: building blocks for transition, transition services mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,…

This handbook discusses different types of disorders, mental health services, and school services. The first section highlights the importance of parental advocacy and family support networks. This is followed by a discussion of the plight of parents who have a child with an emotional or behavioral disorder and the perspective of a child with…

This guide for parents of children with disabilities in Alberta (Canada) focuses on the role of the parent on the educational team. Part 1 describes the rights of parents, the responsibilities of parents, and where parents can go for information and help. Part 2 discusses schools as partners, including information for parents on how to procure…

This booklet summarizes the rights and responsibilities of Minnesota parents of children with disabilities and offers guidelines on how best to advocate for their child. Introductory material briefly describes the Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER) Center and its programs. The booklet then summarizes federal court decisions,…

This manual on development of transition planning programs/services for high school youth with disabilities and their families is based on the premises that both youth and family members need to be actively involved in every step of the transition planning process, that empowered families can access necessary transition and adult services needed…

This book provides strategies for working within the educational system and going outside the system, when appropriate, to get learning assistance for a struggling student. Part 1, "Identifying the Problem," discusses communicating with the teacher and getting vital information, focusing observations and impressions, and communicating…

The manual's purpose is to serve as a tool to help parents and advocates to secure an appropriate education for handicapped children in New Mexico. Provisions of the federal and New Mexico laws and regulations which protect the rights of handicapped children are described. Funding for special education is explained, focusing on the state funding…

These guidelines serve as a model for meeting the educational needs of students with language, speech, and hearing disorders. The guidelines clarify the paperwork requirements of federal and state statutes; reduce paperwork procedures to increase instructional time to students; recommend service delivery models; provide criteria to assist in…

This booklet delineates the educational rights of Texas parents, their handicapped children, and adult handicapped students. Twenty key terms used in the booklet, such as surrogate parent, adult handicapped student, and mediation, are defined in the first section. Rights of parents and students are described in each of the areas covered in the…

Written for parents of handicapped children, the handbook describes the process for obtaining a free, appropriate public education for such children as set forth in Public Law 94-142 (Education for All Handicapped Children Act) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. An initial explanation of terms (such as "least restrictive…

This book presents ideas and techniques to help children with Down syndrome communicate better by mastering the language skills necessary for classroom success as well as those needed for social interaction. It also discusses the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process for speech-pathology services and what needs to be included in the IEP.…

This brief provides information to parents of students with disabilities on preparing students for reaching the age of majority and assuming responsibility for their education and life choices. It begins by reviewing regulations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that give states the authority to elect to transfer educational…

This publication, in English and Spanish, is intended to assist in inclusion of transition from school to work components in the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a student with a disability in middle school or high school. The guide begins with definitions of "transitions" and "success" and then offers vignettes of the…

This booklet provides an introduction to assistive technology services for children and adults with disabilities in North Carolina. Key terms such as "self-advocacy" and "assistive technology" are explained, as are provisions of major state and federal legislation and Social Security Income for the families of children with…