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This document is provided for general reference purposes only. None of the information in this document is legal advice. To obtain legal advice regarding these issues, you should consult an attorney. Alternative formats available upon request.
Disability Rights Tennessee is a 501(c)(3) organization primarily funded by the Administration for Children and Families, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Social Security Administration.
Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT) is a nonpro�t legal services organization dedicated to protecting the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities. DRT is the federally man-dated Protection & Advocacy System for Ten-nessee.
DRT provides advocacy services to help “Disability Rights Tennessee made sure I understood my rights and that I received the bene�ts I needed.”
Disability Rights Tennessee (DRT) is a nonpro�t legal services organization dedicated to protecting the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities. DRT is the federally mandated Protection & Advocacy System for Tennessee.
About Disability Rights TN
Special Education Rights Snapshot
Formerly Disability Law & Advocacy Center of TN
www.DISABILITYRIGHTSTN.org800.342.1660 | [email protected]
Memphis | Nashville | Knoxville
Equality. Inclusion. Justice.
Special Education
Services
Formerly Disability Law & Advocacy Center of TN
www.DISABILITYRIGHTSTN.org
The Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures states and public schools meet the needs of children with disabilities through the provision of early intervention, special education, and related services. The IDEA also lists speci�c guidelines to guarantee FAPE in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
What is the IDEA?
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) is a part of the IDEA that requires children with disabilities to receive a free public education. This includes providing children with disabilities the necessary modi�cations, accommodations, and supports for their experience to be equal to that of children without disabilities.
What is FAPE?
10 Steps to a Successful IEP Meeting
Many people reach out to DRT because they have questions about their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). We help by explaining your child’s rights and trying to resolve issues with IEP implementation. Below are some steps YOU can take to help with this process.
1. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: You are a full and equal part of the IEP Team. Read about your child’s rights and contact an advocacy agency for help if you do not understand.
2. ENGAGE: Participate in school activities, volunteer or attend events. You want to help your child be as included and active in the school community as their peers without disabilities.
3. COMMUNICATE OFTEN: Ongoing communication with the school is important. Regularly schedule appointments to review your child’s progress.
4. STAY ORGANIZED: Maintain a �le with all your child’s records and a calender of events, including correspondence, evaluations, schoolwork and grades. Get copies from the school if necessary.
5. GET IT IN WRITING: Document all communication. Remember, ‘If it isn’t in writing, it didn’t happen.’
6. KNOW YOUR CHILD’S NEEDS: Decide prior to the IEP meeting what your ‘wants’ and ‘needs’ are. Know in advance what you will be willing to compromise on and what is essential.
7. AVOID HOSTILITY: Try not to take anything personally and remain objective. You can avoid hearing ‘no’ by asking open ended questions like, “What will it take to get this for my child?”
8. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF: Take someone for moral support if necessary. During the meeting, you can always ask for a break if things get di�cult.
9. REMEMBER: You do not have to sign the IEP at the end of the meeting. You can take time to think. However, IEP’s automatically go into e�ect after 14 days with or without your signature.
10. ALWAYS INCLUDE THE CHILD WHEN APPROPRIATE!
HOW DRT CAN HELP
Guidance
Advocacy
Support an understanding of special education services:
- 504 Plans - Individualized Education Programs (IEP) - Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP) - Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA)
Collaborate with families and schools to address barriers to Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for children with disabilities including failure to implement IEPs and need for FBAs and BIPs.
Education & Training
Provide families and advocates information about special education programs, services, and supports.
Answer questions about the rights of children with disabilities under the laws
REQUEST HELP
800.342.1660 Relay Calls Accepted
Español: 800.287.9636, x.126
www.DISABILITYRIGHTSTN.org
What to Expect When You CallA member of DRT’s Intake Unit will discuss your concerns with you and provide initial information. Then your issue will be sent to the Review Team to determine if an advocate can help resolve your concerns.
If DRT opens a case on your issue, you and your DRT advocate will work together to resolve your problem.
Remember, each issue is unique. In deciding whether direct services can be provided, DRT will consider several factors including availability of resources and ability to advance the Disability Rights Movement in Tennessee.
Clarify complaint processes:
- Provide information about various complaint processes including mediation, administrative hearings, and due process.
