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As a parent/guardian of a child with a disability, you have unique needs related to your child’s individualized education and may require additional information about your rights as a parent/guardian, the assessment and IEP process, available services and programs, and accommodations during statewide assessment.

Information Related to IDEA, Parents Rights and Eligibility:

IDEA - Practice
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal education law that regulates special education.
Laws & Rules
Educational rights and responsibilities are defined by federal law, Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS), and by Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR).
Special Ed Data, Fiscal, Legal and Information
The Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) mandates the provision of a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for students eligible for special education services. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed listing the specialized designed instruction and related services that will be provided to the student. Parent and student participation in decision-making is a key component of the IEP process.
IDEA Eligibility Categories
Legal definitions and eligibility criteria for special education disability categories as specified under Oregon Administrative Rule.
Special Education - Publications
Parental rights, special education forms for school age and birth to five special education programs, technical assistance documents, question and answer documents and much more.
Parent Rights/Procedural Safeguards
Pamphlets written especially for parents on their rights and the procedural safeguards under Oregon and federal law to ensure a free and appropriate public education to all students.
Acronyms Commonly Used in Special Education
Special Education is like many areas of work and specialization - it has developed its own list of initials and acronyms over the years. These initials are like shorthand; they can speed up communication when everyone knows them. But, at the same time, the use of this shorthand can shut out people who don't know it. This list of acronyms will help you in the communication maze. Review it before a meeting so you can unravel the code. Use it after a meeting to clarify what you heard. Print it out and keep it with you during a meeting so you can decode the terms used.

Information Related to Special Education Programs and Services:

Early Intervention / Early Childhood Special Education
The Oregon Department of Education is the lead agency for the statewide system of early intervention and early childhood special education services for families with children ages birth to five that have developmental delays.
Interagency Educational Services
The Office of Student Learning and Partnerships, Interagency Educational Services, are state-supported programs serving toddlers, children and youth who require unique and individualized special education and regular education programs.
Regional Programs
Regional programs work in collaboration with Local School Districts, Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) programs, families, and community agencies to provide specialized educational support for children, birth-to-21, with hearing impairments, vision impairments, autism spectrum disorders, severe orthopedic impairments, deaf-blindness, and traumatic brain injury.
Oregon School for the Deaf (OSD)
OSD is a residential program for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. OSD offers a full range of curriculum and provides individually designed instruction for students leading to a variety of post -high school options, including college, competitive employment and supported work.
The Oregon Deafblind Project
The Oregon Deafblind Project is a "Technical Assistance and Dissemination" project, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The Oregon Department of Education is the project’s major partner, collaborating to ensure statewide technical assistance and support to educational teams who are responsible for the education of children who are deafblind, and to reach out to and assist parents and families of this population.
Oregon Blind & Visually Impaired Student Fund
The Blind and Visually Impaired Student fund (BVIS) was created by the Oregon legislature when it closed the Oregon School for the Blind (OSB) September 1, 2009.
Secondary Transition for Students with Disabilities
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 requires the consideration of transition needs for students beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the student is 16, and updated annually thereafter. Transition services are an integral part of the student's education plan and are designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.

Information Related to Assessment:

Assessment Options for Students with Disabilities
When testing students with disabilities, there are options which are considered on an individual basis as determined by the IEP team.
Special Education Assessment Website
On this main page, you will find various other resources explain the assessment for students with disabilities.
Assessment Accommodations
For statewide assessments, there are accommodations tables for all Multiple Choice Assessments (whether administered on paper/pencil or OAKS Online), as well as accommodations tables for the Writing Performance assessment. These tables explain and regulate the allowable accommodations for all students during the administration of assessment tests.
Extended Assessments
The Extended Assessments are alternates to grade level assessments for students with significant disabilities. The decision to administer Oregon’s Extended Assessment (the alternate assessment) can only be made by the student’s IEP team--including the parent.
Braille Interface of OAKS Online
New for 2011-12, OAKS Online will be available to students who use Braille. Accessing OAKS Online through a new Braille interface, students who use Braille will now have access to the adaptive OAKS Online test and have the same number of testing opportunities as general education students.