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Since 1975, all children with disabilities in the United States have had the right to a free and appropriate education from birth through their 22nd birthday. This right is guaranteed by a federal law known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The parents and guardians of children with disabilities need to be aware of this law's provisions, including the following:
Follow the links below for more information on IDEA, special education, and resources to help your child receive an appropriate education.
Philadelphia School District-Services for Students with Disabilities: site describes the district's special education programs and philosophy for students with disabilities
Philadelphia School District News for Parents: the latest from the Philadelphia School District
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Directory of Approved Private Schools
Advocacy Resources
ARC of Montgomery County has recently released a new Special Education Manual available on the web at: http://marcpa.org/specialedmanual.htm
The Manual includes information: on Federal and State Special Education Law, Eligibility, How to get evaluations and the Individual Education Planning Process. (Highly recommended).
Pa's Education Law Center: Visit the publications pages on the Education Law Center's website for useful fact sheets. Get the highly recommended "2002 Right to Special Education in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Parents" Single copies for parents and advocates are free. Others may purchase copies at $7.50 each or arrange for bulk order discounts. Call 215-238-6970 or email elc@elc-pa.org
Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania (P2P) - is a network created by families for families of children and adults with special needs. Parent to Parent can offer you support, from someone who's been there. Call Parent to Parent to find another family in a similar situation who can share experiences and offer practical information. All services are free and confidential. Their line is open 8am - 6pm Monday - Friday. Telephone 800-986-4550
Family Resource Network provides services and supports to children and families across Philadelphia. Its goals are to improve daily attendance, ensure health, improve school safety, and increase the involvement of faith groups, families, and communities in the schools and to support students with disabilities.
Kids Together Inc.: a non-profit site, founded by parents and organized by volunteers, that provides information, resources, and links to other sites primarily about inclusion. Kids Together was started to educate the community about Inclusion and to provide more inclusive opportunities for children. This site provides excellent information on all aspects of Inclusion and has a calendar of events (you can add an event) and a place where parents can donate, sell, or exchange toys and equipment. Visit the site for more information or contact Kids Together at:
P.O. Box 574
Quakertown, PA 18951
Email: staff@kidstogether.org
Philadelphia Education Fund: an independent non-profit organization that helps improve the quality of public education for all Philadelphia children. Through such initiatives as direct student services, professional development for teachers and administrators, public engagement, research, and policy recommendations, the Fund significantly contributes to the success of all Philadelphia children in post-secondary education and beyond.
Special Education Resources on the Internet (SERI): a collection of Internet-accessible information resources for those involved in special education and related fields.
Wrightslaw - Special Education Law & Advocacy: provides news and law archives for individuals interested in special education advocacy. Subscribe to the free online newsletter.
Pennsylvania Charter Schools
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