Special Education Law

IDEA WEBSITE

Click here to access the IDEA website.

This website details the laws surrounding IDEA.  To some it may be very overwhelming, but the search feature enables a user to locate the information needed by typing the desires topic into search field.  Once the user clicks search, all the laws and regulations surrounding the topic are displayed.

This site is very valuable to parents and educators as it provides a plethora of information about IDEA and the laws governing it.  When searching for information about how to help get my son diagnosed with a learning disability and receive service, I found this site very beneficial.  It provides all information necessary to help parents and educators understand the law and their legal rights.

It is important that parents and educators understand exactly what IDEA states about supplementary aids when it comes it child's IEP. Supplementary may to be crucial to a child's success in the classroom and in life. The 2 sections below detail the importance of understanding the legalities of supplementary aides and services.

IDEA’s Exact Words

Again, let’s start with IDEA’s full requirement for identifying the supplementary aids and services a child will need and specifying them in his or her IEP. This appears at §300.320(a)(4) and stipulates that each child’s IEP must contain:

(4) A statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids and services, based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable, to be provided to the child, or on behalf of the child, and a statement of the program modifications or supports for school personnel that will be provided to enable the child—

(i) To advance appropriately toward attaining the annual goals;

(ii) To be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and to participate in extracurricular and other nonacademic activities; and

(iii) To be educated and participate with other children with disabilities and nondisabled children in the activities described in this section… [§300.320(a)(4)]

We’ve bolded the part of IDEA’s regulation that specifically mentions supplementary aids and services, because it’s important to see the context in which this term is used. It is that context, and IDEA’s own definition of supplementary aids and services, that will guide how a child’s IEP team considers what services the child needs and the detail with which the team specifies them in the IEP.
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The Short Story on Supplementary Aids and Services

Supplementary aids and services are often critical elements in supporting the education of children with disabilities in regular classes and their participation in a range of another school activities. IDEA’s definition of this term (at §300.42)reads:

Supplementary aids and services means aids, services, and other supports that are provided in regular education classes, other education-related settings, and in extracurricular and nonacademic settings, to enable children with disabilities to be educated with nondisabled children to the maximum extent appropriate …

Speaking practically, supplementary aids and services can be accommodations and modifications to the curriculum under study or the manner in which that content is presented or a child’s progress is measured. But that’s not all they are or can be. Supplementary aids and services can also include direct services and supports to the child, as well as support and training for staff who work with that child. That’s why determining what supplementary aids and services are appropriate for a particular child must be done on an individual basis.

Supplementary Aids and Services...more information

http://abledata.com

The types of supplementary aids and services available to children with disabilities are endless. They range from things as simple as a calculator to specially designed wheelchairs. The website listed above provides a plethora of aids and services available to individuals with disabilities.

http://www.dspd.utah.gov/

Utah Division of Services for People with Disabilities website provides "opportunities and services" to people with disabilities. The information provided is intended to assure that people with disabilities are able to fully participate in their communities and lead fulfilling lives.

http://disabilitylawcenter.org/

The Disability Law Center provides information regarding disability law. It helps people with disabilities and their families navigate the legal system and helps them advocate for their rights. Service is rendered regardless of ones ability to pay.