Due Process

February 22, 2009
Understanding the Due Process
This blog is to help explain the due process to parents, educators and students. The due process right is limited to two years from when the parents or school system from the violation. For a parent to file for the due process they have to submit a complete complaint notice from the HCPSS department of education. When filing the parent will have to describe in detail the problem that relates to the problem trying to be proposed or changed. For parents the due process is the best way to handle special education concerns but is the most costly. It’s recommended that the party should try all possible options before filing for the due process and to make the due process the last resort if all possible.
This blog is to help inform parents and make them aware of the resources available online and reading material that will help educating parents to explore the options of having a due process hearing. For more information on how the parent should begin the due process paper work and if the party qualifies for a hearing please review the following sites:
www.wrightslaw.com/info/dp.index.htm
www.hcpss.org
http://www.cga.ct.gov/2007/rpt2007-R-0059.com
http://learningdisabilites.about.com
Books to review:
Due Process in Special Education: On Going to a Hearing
M Budoff, A Orenstein, C Kervick-1982- Ware Press

Rethinking Special Education for a New Century
CE Finn Jr., AJ Rotherhan, CR Hokanson JR 2001

Diagnostic Testing / IEP Development- Addressing a Learning Disability

Thursday February 12, 2009

Diagnostic Testing / IEP Development- Addressing a Learning Disability

The title of this blog posting is “Addressing a learning disability.” This blog is geared to parents and educators as they assess their students learning behaviors and abilities. Its main purpose is to aid and inform parents and educators on how to properly assess a student with possible learning disabilities according to federal and state regulations through diagnostic testing. Its goal is to provide a better understanding of how the Individuals with Disabilities Act plays into effect with a student with learning disabilities and how important the Individual Education program is to the student and the school each year. I feel that this posting will offer resources explaining and clarifying how to determine if additional assistance is needed and how the Individual Education program becomes an important tool for each student with disabilities each year. The main topics that these resources will address include the following:

• Assessment process
• Federal and state regulations
• Importance of IEP
• Assessment and testing of learning disabilities
• Formative and summative assessment

Here are several websites I found very informative that will explain and help parents and educators determine if a student has a learning disability and needs special attention.

1. Testing for Learning Disabilities by Ann Logsdonhttp://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/assessmentandtesting/a/spedtesting.htm
2. Diagnostic Testing by Alan Dessoff
   http://www.districtadministration.com/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=1490
3. National Center for Learning disabilities- Before special education
   http://www.ncld.org/content/view/328/456006/
4. Find a learning disability professional in your area:
   http://www.iser.com/CAassess.html

I also found some books that can be used a good guide to direct each student differently according to their learning disability.

1. The Special Educator's Comprehensive Guide to 301 Diagnostic Tests, Revised and Expanded EditionRoger Pierangelo, Ph.D., Long Island University, Dept. of Special Educ. and LiteracyGeorge Giuliani, J.D., Psy.D., Hofstra University, School of Education and Allied Human Services ISBN: 978-0-7879-7813-6©2006504 pageshttp://he-cda.wiley.com/WileyCDA/HigherEdTitle/productCd-0787978132,courseCd-ED3600,pageType-copy,page-authorInfo.html

2. A Parents Guide Special Education

http://books.google.com/booksid=VHmPuIEc694C&dq=Diagnostic+testing+

for+special+education&printse=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=YPeUSdLbNpq

WsAOSg4mcBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=11&ct=result

Making a difference with Assistive Technology

February 8, 2009

Assistive Technology

“Making a difference with Assistive Technology." This blog posting is to inform and educate parents, students and educators on the impact that assistive technology is making on children that have special needs. The main goal is to provide information and resources that will enhance the services to children with disabilities. The resources below help narrow down different disabilities and can help customize the students learning depending on their need. I feel like this blog will help and guide individuals that are struggling or lacking the resources to aid them in Assistive Technology and will give them a better understanding on what is actually being offered today. The main topics that these resources address include the following:

• Information on available software for specific types of disabilities
• How assistive technology is being used in the classroom setting
• How teachers and students find assistive technology more effective

Here are several websites that will provide more information on Assistive Technology and how its making a difference.

• Becoming an Infound Consumer
  http://www.nichcy.org/InformationResources/Documents/NICHCY%20PUBS/nd13.pdf
• Education World
  http://www.education-world.com/special_ed/assistive/index.shtml
• Closing the Gap
  http://www.closingthegap.com/
• Internet Special Education Resources
  http://www.iser.com/special-needs-software.html
• What works in Public Education
  http://www.edutopia.org/assistive-technology-young-children-special-education
  

Also I have listed below some reading material that will help guide you as well:

1. Computer Resources for People with Disabilities: A Guide to Exploring Today's Assistive Technology by Stephen Hawking
   
   
2. When Your Child is Technology Assisted: A home care guide for families by Paul Kahn
   
   
3. Assistive Technology in Special Education by Diane Golden