If your child is found to be ineligible for services under IDEA, there are a number of options for parents:
- You are able to file an appeal. Your local school district will be able to tell you the specific procedures that you must follow to appeal the decision. State and local laws may be different regarding appeals; however, many will include arbitration, mediation and due process hearings.
- You can request that your child be re-evaluated for services under Section 504. This is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Often, if children are not eligible under IDEA for special education, they can still be found eligible for services under this law.
- You can contact the Protection and Advocacy Agency in your state. These agencies assist parents in resolving educational issues and provide education for parents on special education laws.
- You can contact the Parent Training and Information Center in your state. These centers offer information on laws relating to education as well as assisting parents in resolving problems between schools and parents.
- You can learn as much as you can about the education and disability laws in your state. Wrights Law offers a great deal of information on educational laws as they relate to ADHD and can be a great place to start. This site also has much information on how to become an advocate for your child.
- You can hire a special education attorney or advocate to assist you in procuring special education services for your child. Although there is no guarantee they will be able to overturn a decision by the school district, they may be able to help you in finding a compromise and will better understand the laws in your area. The Protection and Advocacy Agency and the Parent Training and Information Center in your state may be able to provide you with names of educational advocates in your area.
No matter what you may do, remember that you are your child’s best advocate. You know what they need and how to help them succeed. Do not give up, your child needs you.
Suggested Reading:
Section 504 for Children with ADHD
Suggestions for IEPs and Section 504s
How to Help Your Child Succeed in School
Strategies to Help Children with ADHD
