This handbook provides information on the rights of parents of children with disabilities in North Carolina. Federal and state laws governing rights of parents are briefly summarized, followed by a more detailed description of rights in various areas, including: (1) referrals for special education services; (2) evaluation procedures; (3) reevaluation; (4) independent educational evaluation; (5) eligibility determination; (6) Individualized Education Programs (IEP) for the student with disabilities; (7) written education programs for the pregnant; (8) related services; (9) least restrictive environment; (10) placement; (11) procedures for Interim Alternative Education Settings (IAES); (12) unilateral placement by parents of children in private schools at public expense; (13) prior written notice; (14) participation in meetings; (15) access to student records and confidentiality of information; (16) parental consent; (17) formal written complaints; (18) mediation; (19) impartial due process hearing and state review, civil actions, and attorneys' fees; and (20) the rights of surrogate parents. Each section describes the parental rights and then gives a user-friendly interpretation. (CR)