Federal Government:
The US Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
You will find links to the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services’ information products, publications and data resources, as well as information regarding a variety of programs and projects that support individuals with disabilities.
Disability Service and Self Help Center
The RRC has six regional program centers that are funded by the federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to assist state education agencies in the systemic improvement of education programs, practices, and policies that affect children and youth with disabilities. Services offered by the RRC Program include consultation, information services, specially designed technical assistance, training, and product development.
IDEA 2004 Regulations
These are the current federal regulations governing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These are relevant to children with special needs in all fifty states.
Section 504 Regulations
These are the current federal regulations governing section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These regulations apply to public school students who qualify of “Service Plans” and accommodations due to a disability.
National Institute for Literacy
The website provides information on adult, adolescence, childhood, birth to early childhood literacy. The site outlines key literacy issues and provides information on reading components and teaching approaches, and provides links to current research and publications. Through the site you can access “America’s Literacy Directory” and find literacy programs for adults, children and adolescents in your local area. You can follow links to information on best practices in teaching children to read, including topics such as phonemic awareness, phonics and fluency.
State Government:
PENNSYLVANIA:
Pennsylvania Regulations for Section 504 Service Plans
These are the Pennsylvania Regulations to implement Service Plans for children requiring accommodations in school.
PA Department of Education
You will find a large number of links relating to special education law and regulations and services and programs. There is also a link to the Bureau of Special Education Staff Directory.
Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)
The website provides an array of information related to special education, including “Evidence-Based Practices” (with information on, for example: autism, behavior, progress monitoring, inclusive practices, reading, tutoring, etc, and an “Information for Parents” section that contains information about the law, IEPs, and conflict-resolution. This is a very useful sight for finding information about special education in Pennsylvania. Much of the information is also relevant in other states.
PA Department of Education – “Basic Education Circulars”
The Department of education publishes “Basic Education Circulars” known as “BECs” that provide guidance to school districts and parents on a variety of topics, many of which relate to special education. There is a searchable database on the Department’s website.
Pennsylvania Office for Dispute Resolution
The website provides a toll-free “ConsultLine” number to answer questions concerning special education programs and laws; a “Resource” section that allows you to download material to help you learn about special education issues; information about IEP facilitation, conflict resolution skills for parents and educators, solution panels; Mediation forms and information; a Due Process Fact sheet; training materials and other publications. You can also find redacted versions of decisions by Due Process Hearing Officers.
Organizations:
Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania
The website provides a comprehensive collection of publications addressing various aspects of special education.
Education Law Centers:
Pennsylvania:
The Education Law Centers in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey offer excellent links, publications and guidance on all sorts of questions relating to special education and school discipline.
Parents Education Network
PEN is a coalition of professionals and parents of children representing a range of disabilities and ages. The website contains information for parents on Federal Disability law, policies, and initiatives, special education legal links, and other disability resource links.
Wrightslaw
Wrightslaw is a leading website for parents and advocates that provides information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.
International Dyslexia Society (IDA)
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPPA)
The website provides information on awards and scholarships, finding an attorney or advocate, finding resources, and access to state-specific information, including links to State Departments of Education, state special education regulations, and due process hearing decisions.
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. The wesbite provides information on diagnosis, treatment, research, and family service resources.
The ARC
The ARC is the largest advocacy organization in the United States for citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families.