Access to Advocacy and Legal Assistance

• Special Education Advocates: Parents can be connected to trained advocates who can attend IEP/504 meetings with them, ensuring that the child’s needs are properly addressed and that legal protections are upheld.

• Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services: Parents should be aware of free or low-cost legal services available for navigating disputes, due process hearings, or mediation.

• IEP/504 Facilitators: Some school districts or non-profit organizations provide facilitators who can help mediate difficult conversations between schools and parents to ensure a more collaborative process.

Dispute Resolution and Mediation

• Mediation Services: If disagreements arise between parents and the school over IEP/504 plans, trained mediators can help resolve conflicts through a structured and collaborative process, avoiding the need for formal legal disputes.

• Due Process Hearings: Ensuring parents understand the steps and resources available if they need to initiate a formal due process hearing regarding their child’s educational rights.