Posted on March 4th, 2023

As a Christian non-profit dedicated to assisting intellectually disabled children and adults, Carmona Caravan is committed to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to achieve their goals and live life to the fullest. One of the key ways we do this is by helping families understand their rights and options when it comes to special education for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

In this blog post, we'll provide an overview of special education and intellectual disabilities, including your rights and options as a parent or caregiver.

What is Special Education?

Special education refers to programs and services that are designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. These programs and services are provided at no cost to families and are intended to help students with disabilities achieve academic success and reach their full potential.

For individuals with intellectual disabilities, special education can provide tailored support and resources to help them learn and grow. Special education services can include things like individualized education plans (IEPs), assistive technology, and specialized instruction.

Understanding Your Rights as a Parent or Caregiver

As a parent or caregiver of an individual with an intellectual disability, it's important to understand your rights when it comes to special education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that outlines the rights of students with disabilities and their families.

Here are some key things to keep in mind:

1. Your child has the right to a free and appropriate education: Under IDEA, students with disabilities are entitled to a free and appropriate education that is tailored to their unique needs.
2. You have the right to participate in the IEP process: The IEP process is a collaborative process that involves parents, teachers, and other professionals. As a parent or caregiver, you have the right to participate in this process and provide input into your child's education plan.
3. You have the right to dispute decisions: If you disagree with a decision made by the school or district, you have the right to dispute that decision through a formal process.
4. You have the right to access your child's education records: Under federal law, parents have the right to access their child's education records and ensure that they are accurate and up-to-date.

Options for Special Education Services

There are a variety of special education services and programs available to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Here are some common options to consider:

1. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): IEPs are tailored education plans that are developed for each individual student with a disability. These plans outline the student's unique needs and the specific support and services that will be provided.
2. Section 504 Plans: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal funding. Section 504 plans are similar to IEPs but are designed for students who do not meet the criteria for special education services under IDEA.
3. Assistive Technology: Assistive technology, such as communication devices and specialized software, can help individuals with intellectual disabilities perform daily tasks and communicate more effectively.
4. Specialized Instruction: Specialized instruction, such as one-on-one tutoring and small group instruction, can help individuals with intellectual disabilities learn and grow in a supportive and tailored environment.

At Carmona Caravan, we believe that every individual with an intellectual disability deserves access to high-quality, tailored special attention. By understanding your rights and options as a parent or caregiver, you can help ensure that your loved one receives the support and resources they need to thrive.

If you have questions or concerns about special education services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (440) 477-6320 or [email protected]. We are here to help and support