Know Your Rights

As a parent or legal guardian, it is important to know your rights in the special education process. These rights help you work with your child’s school team to make sure your child has the services and guidance they need to learn and grow.

Your school team wants the best for your child. If you have questions, start by talking with the professionals who work directly with your child. As needed, schools and families may connect with an Educational Service Center. A local Educational Service Centers (ESC) may provide specialists, such as Teachers of the Deaf (TOD), who can work with your child to support their learning needs.

In addition, the Outreach Center for Deafness and Blindness at OCALI is available to connect with families and help you learn about both your rights and the special education process. This can be especially helpful if you are new to special education or want extra guidance.

To learn more about special education rights in Ohio, you can review A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education.

You may also find these resources helpful:

• Ohio Operating Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities: Explains the state rules schools must follow to serve students with disabilities.
• Ohio’s Required and Supplemental Forms: Provides links to the forms you and your school team may use during the special education process.
• Wrightslaw: Offers family-friendly information about special education law and advocacy.
• Family Empowerment kits can be found here:
• Deaf or Hard of Hearing
• Deafblind

If you face challenges with your child’s school team, the Department of Education and Workforce also provides Dispute Resolution options to help families and schools work through disagreements.