Special Education

Special Education in Alabama: A Right Not A Favor

"My son is in fifth grade and can't read. What's going on? Does he need special education?"

"My parent support group is looking for someone to come and talk about special education law."

"My daughter's school tells me she doesn't qualify for services under the IDEA but it wants to write a 504 plan for her. What's the difference between the two?"

These are a sampling of the questions that ADAP receives daily about special education in Alabama. Who's here at ADAP to help with these questions? What services can ADAP provide?

Information and Referral Services

ADAP answers all calls for technical assistance and referrals on special education matters.

Case Advocacy

Sometimes, a parent calls ADAP with a problem that needs more than simple technical assistance. ADAP would then consider this parent's need for individual case advocacy. ADAP's individual case advocacy services might include attending IEP meetings with parents, negotiating with school districts over disagreements about a child's IEP, participating in mediation procedures or representing parents in due process hearings. Unfortunately, ADAP cannot represent every person who requests individual case advocacy services. Please see ADAP's eligibility criteria for more information.

Training

ADAP annually provides dozens of trainings for parent support groups and school systems. Some of the topics which have been addressed at trainings include: how to write IEPs, self-advocacy for parents, special education law and school disciplinary procedures and transition planning.

Resources