Law
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. Infants and toddlers with disabilities (birth-2) and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C. Children and youth (ages 3-21) receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B. The U.S. Department of Education provides a site for resources related to IDEA and its implementing regulations here:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation. The US Department of Justice’s resource page for the ADA is found here:
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Section 504 provides: “No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States . . . shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance . . . “ The Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) section 504 page is found here:
California Special Education Reference (CASER)
The purpose of the Special Education Reference™ is to provide accurate and trustworthy information on special education statutory and compliance information as well as curriculum, instruction and assessment policy. The California Department of Education, Special Education Division reference is found here:
The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act
The Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act, known as the “Lanterman Act,” is an important piece of legislation that was passed in 1969. This is the California law that says people with developmental disabilities and their families have a right to get the services and supports they need to live like people without disabilities. The Lanterman Act outlines the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, how the regional centers and service providers can help these individuals, what services and supports they can obtain, how to use the individualized program plan to get needed services, what to do when someone violates the Lanterman Act, and how to improve the system. The California Department of Developmental Services link to the Lanterman Act is found here:
Useful Information
WRIGHTSLAW
Wrightslaw is an outstanding resource for all national special education issues. Not only does it have very useful content, but it also provides updates on the latest developments in special education across the nation and has several publications that are geared to parents. Visit their website here:
Tri-Counties Regional Center
TCRC provides supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities living in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties so that they may live fully and safely as active and independent members of our community. Visit their website here:
Rainbow Connection Family Resource Center
Rainbow has always been about families with children with special needs helping other families. The support of somebody who has “been there, done that” is so valuable. They offer information, training & support! Visit their website here:
United Cerebral Palsy
UCP educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. UCP works to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through an affiliate network that has helped millions. Visit their website here:
California Department of Education Resource Links for Families and Professionals
In addition to national and state laws, CDE also provides a list of links to helpful sites related to Special Education. Visit their website here:
Down Syndrome of Santa Barbara County
Support group, special events, fundraising and awareness for families and individuals with Down syndrome. Visit their website here:
CHADD
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), is a national non-profit, tax-exempt (Section 501 (c) (3) ) organization providing education, advocacy and support for individuals with ADHD. Visit their website here:
AUTISM SOCIETY
The Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. They do this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education, research and advocacy. Visit their website here:
PACER CENTER
PACER offers programs for parents, students, professionals and other parent organizations, the original philosophy of “parents helping parents” remains the foundation upon which PACER has grown. Parents can find publications, workshops, and other resources to help make decisions about education, vocational training, employment, and other services for their children with disabilities here: