(Getting to know)
the Process
THE ultimate 'must go to' website is Wrightslaw in order to get to know the law and your rights. I can't say enough about this site - it should be your first stop - www.wrightslaw.com
The Official State of Connecticut 'A Parents' Guide to Special Education in Connecticut' is a good starting point to study for the local application/interpretation of the Law
http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/Parents_Guide_SE.pdf
On the other hand....Here are the official nuts and bolts regulations known as the "Procedural Safeguards" (very 'legalese' - but necessary to know) - http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PDF/DEPS/Special/Prosaf.pdf
Need Help Understanding Special Education Law in Connecticut?
A very helpful Connecticut parent assistance organization - the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) - They are very willing to work with parents over the phone and to answer a lot of questions - they are really a great resource -http://www.cpacinc.org/
This is the State of Connecticut's official site for Special Education - surf around it for forms and publications. There are also a list of important contacts working for the State. Do NOT be afraid to contact them. I have found them to be very helpful and parent friendly-
http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/cwp/view.asp?Q=320730&a=2678
Another resource -An exceptional handbook ( "Bringing Knowledge to the Table" ) specifically designed to help Connecticut parents navigate through the system - http://www.spednetwilton.org/BringingKnowledge.pdf
Other Sources:
This is a really good source for topical news in the area of Special Education and you should subscribe to the updates - http://www.ldonline.org/
Here is the Federal Government's official site - (a great source for free publications) - http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/index.html including the U.S. Dept. of Education's IDEA home page - "Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004" - http://idea.ed.gov/
This site is sponsored by the IDEA Partnership (which is a collaboration of over 50 national organizations and State/local agencies) - http://www.ideapartnership.org/
IEP Help:
You need to know how to develop 'SMART' IEP's: http://www.wrightslaw.com/bks/feta/ch12.ieps.pdf
WATCH THIS !!! - NEW VIDEO SERIES: The IEP - A Basic Overview (Training Series from CPAC)
http://www.cpacinc.org/materials-publications/training-videos/
Consult with the Connecticut Legal Aid Society - see their section on Special Education
There is also the Autism Speaks IEP Guide - http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/iep_guide.pdf
What is "Fair" for a Child With Learning Disabilities?
Rick Lavoie is one of my favorite speakers on providing
exceptional children
with a free appropriate public education.
If you get the chance, go onto YouTube and
see his F.A.T. City presentations.
APECSCt
Assoc. of Parents of Exceptional Children and Siblings ©