New Course
Procedural Safeguards - Since the first federal law dealing with the education of students with disabilities in public schools was passed, legal rights for parents has been an important part of the law. These legal rights for parents are generally referred to as "procedural safeguards". The current federal law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2004 (IDEA), continues to provide the parents and guardians of children with disabilities with a variety of legal rights to be involved in and make decisions about a student's education. The purpose of this course is to let parents know that they have legal rights and to help them understand what these rights are.
Available Courses
1. IDEA 2004 - The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the No Child Left Behind Act are currently the major federal laws impacting the programs and services for students with disabilities in all public schools throughout this country. This course will look at the key elements and processes of the IDEA regulations that parents and those working with parents and schools need to know.
2. Partners in Education - This three hour self-directed course was created to help parents of children with developmental disabilities understand and maximize the special education system. The course focuses on a child's right to a free appropriate public education, the laws that protect those rights and offers practical ways that parents can ensure that their children benefit from an inclusive education. This course was developed by the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities.
3. Making Your Case - This three hour self-study course is designed to help people with disabilities and their families create positive change through advocacy. The course helps participants understand the legislative process, the essential elements of good advocacy, identify and research personal issues, then advocate for systems change as individuals and as part of larger community efforts. The course includes opportunities to put what has been learned into practice through a series of interactive exercises. This course was developed by the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities.


