Navigating public education in general is no easy task. Special education comes with its own laws and language that isn't always the easiest to understand. To help you learn more about special education and related services in the District, check out the following presentations and info sheets created by our office:
Know Your Rights: Understanding the Issues Surrounding Special Education in the District of Columbia
Click here or the image below.
Our Dyslexia Guidebook is a tool for all families with students who may struggle with spelling or reading. Use this guide to advocate for additional support and start a conversation with your school. Click on the image below or here to view the Dyslexia Guidebook.
Click here or the image below to listen to our webinar on special education rights in DC!
Infographics:
Special Education Resources:
- Helpful Special Education Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Definitions (Handout)
- DC Special Education Resources (Handout)
- Transforming Emotions to Effective Advocacy: Understanding the Issues Surrounding Special Education Rights in the District of Columbia (Presentation) (Webinar)
- Understanding the Difference Between 504 Plans and IEPs (Presentation)
- OSSE: Strong Start (DC’s early intervention program that provides services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays)
- DCPS: Early Stages (for children between the ages of 2 years and 8 months and 5 years and 10 months that helps to identify delays a child may have)
- DCPS: Centralized IEP Support Unit (information for students in private/religious schools)
Other Resources:
- Suspension and Expulsion of Students with Disabilities
- Manifestation Determination Meeting- What It Is & How to Prepare
- Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)- What Is It?
- Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) For Beginners
For more resources and information on agencies and community organizations who handle special education-related issues, please check out the Special Education section of our Education & Community Resource Guide here.