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SPECIAL EDUCATION
WHAT IS I.D.E.A.?
The Federal law that supports special education and related service programming for children and youth with disabilities is called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
OBTAINING A COPY OF CONNECTICUT’S SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW
The IDEA is a Federal law and, as such, provides minimum requirements that states must meet in order to receive federal funds to assist in providing special education and related services. State law may go beyond the federal requirements. Parents may want to contact the Connecticut State Department of Education, Office of Special Education and ask about Connecticut's laws and regulations regarding special education.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SERVICES UNDER THE IDEA?
The regulations for IDEA define a "child with a disability" as a child evaluated as having autism, deaf-blindness, deafness, developmental delays (3-5 year olds), emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, intellectual disability (mental retardation), multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, physical impairment, specific learning disability, speech and language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment including blindness and other health impairments.
WHAT IS SPECIAL EDUCATION?
Special education is defined as instruction and services that are specially designed to meet the child’s unique learning needs. This instruction is provided at no cost to the parents.
For more information about the federal law I.D.E.A. go to National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
STATE EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTER
Agency serves as a centralized resource center for professionals, families, and community members regarding education and early intervention/prevention for all of Connecticut's children and youth and their families, particularly children with special needs, at-risk learners, and diverse learners. SERC services include professional development and other technical assistance initiatives, family education and support, and information and materials dissemination. For more information go to:
http://www.ctserc.org
PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Child Development Infoline provides information for families of children ages 3 through 5 who have developmental or learning problems requiring special education services. Referrals are made to local education agencies for evaluation and assessment. Eligible children receive special instruction and related services addressing their developmental needs.
ADVOCACY GROUPS
Advocacy groups inform parents of children with special needs; educate public officials; and provide information regarding inclusive education laws, strategies for PPT meetings and taking legal action.
The following are Advocacy Groups in Connecticut:
TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by service names:
Education Advocacy Groups
Special Education
Special Education Advocacy
Disability Related Support Groups
Parent Support Groups
Individual Advocacy *Disability Issues
Specialized Information and Referral *Special Education Issues
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SOURCE: National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities, Conn. Dept. of Education
PREPARED BY: 211/lb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: September2008
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