Public Schools
Public School Options for Students with Cerebral Palsy
Public schooling for special needs students is governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) at the federal level and state special education rules at the local level. State laws vary depending on the state you live in; check with your school district or state Department of Education to learn about laws that apply to your child. Get the contact information for your state’s Department of Education. An educational specialist either within the school system or from the community social services agency may be able to help the family navigate the various bureaucratic pathways that will ensure the best schooling available. Contact the educational specialist in your area.
If you decide that public school is the best option for your child, be assured that the government guarantees your child's right to a free education- no more and no less than any other child in America. However, depending on the type and severity of your child's disability, arrangements may have to be made so that the school district can give your son or daughter the necessary tools for success.
Where you live may also play a part in how supportive your child's school is. The criteria that your child must meet in order to qualify for special education assistance varies from state to state, largely due to how much money the Department of Education has to work with. To determine what resources your child is eligible for, states use one of the following three programs:
- IEP - An Individualized Education Plan is a legal document that outlines a child's learning and physical limitations along with steps that must be taken to ensure his success in school. Learn more about IEP’s.
- 504 Plan - A 504 Plan outlines the steps a teacher should take to help a child with special needs learn in a traditional classroom. Because a 504 Plan is not funded with federal money, the school does not have to issue progress reports or make the extensive accommodations that may be required by an IEP. A 504 Plan may be an acceptable alternative if your child doesn't qualify for an IEP. Learn more about the 504 Plan.
- OHI Plan - If your child doesn't qualify for an IEP or 504 Plan, an Other Health Impairment (OHI) plan may provide some measure of educational assistance. "Other Health Impairment" is a general phrase used to describe a child that has difficulty learning in an educational environment due to chronic or acute health problems. Learn more about OHI plans.
This brings us to perhaps the most important thing you can do for your special needs child: be vocal. You are your child’s strongest advocate. If you feel your child is being denied the educational environment she requires to succeed in school, we can help you learn more about your legal rights as a parent and your child's rights as a student.
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