The Family Guide to Special Education describes the most common ways that students receive special education in Ohio. While the guide explains many parts of special education, the process can be confusing for many families.

Luckily, there are places where you can learn more or get help. Choose from the options below:

Find Resources on Your Own

Use our resource guide, listen to podcasts and discover other resources on our website. Learn more.

Get Help from an Expert

Learn about the different types of experts who help with special education questions. Learn more.

Ask a Family Resource Specialist

Not sure where to start? Ask a Connecting for Kids Family Resource Specialist to help you find resources and information.

Resources

The Connecting for Kids website has many resources that can help families.

• School Services Resource Guide: Includes organizations, book recommendations and websites
  
• School Concerns Podcast Collection: Includes podcasts on school communication, improving homework and other topics related to school.
• School Communication How-to Guide: Four-step process to improve problem-solving and communication with your child's school team.
• IEP Meeting Preparation How-to Guide: Tips and resources to help you prepare for your child's IEP meeting.
  

Expert Advice

Depending on your needs, there are many places to get expert advice. These includes free experts and experts who charge a fee for services.

Free Experts

Free experts include The ARC, Disability Rights Ohio, The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) and local parent mentors. In addition to these resources, some disability-specific groups also provide assistance with IEPs.

Families can also use Ohio's dispute resolution process to request a free, professional facilitator or mediator. For more information on facilitation and mediation, see the Dispute Resolution section in A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education.

Paid Experts

Some families need even more support. Two types of paid experts are special education advocates and special education lawyers.

• Special education advocates do not have a law degree and may not be able to assist in all parts of a dispute, but they can be more affordable. Advocates are listed in the CFK provider directory under IEP Support. Some special education lawyers (see below) also employ advocates.
  
• Special education lawyers can represent at any level in the dispute process. Lawyers are listed in the CFK provider directory under Specialty Legal Services.
  

Parent Mentors

Parent mentors are other parents who have children with disabilities. These parents have personal experience with IEPs and receive training from Ohio's Educational Service Centers to help other families.

Educational Service Centers (ESCs)

ESCs provide free parent mentors to guide families through special education. In Cuyahoga County, parent mentors can be found on the State Support Team - Region 3 website. In Lorain County, parent mentors are found on the ESC website.

Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD)

OCECD is the state-level parent training and information center. OCECD serves families with children from birth to 22.