This newly updated six-page laminated reference guide is an indispensible tool for school administrators and educators that outlines key features of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the federal law that entitles students with disabilities (SWD) to free and appropriate public education (FAPE), including specialized instruction and related services, or special education. Author Karen Norlander, Esq., details the requirements schools must meet according to the law, and presents a chart comparing Section 504 and IDEA.

Aimed at parents of and advocates for special needs children, explains how to develop a relationship with a school, monitor a child's progress, understand relevant legislation, and document correspondence and conversations.

Educators will find an expert analysis of Section 504 and the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and their impact on educational opportunities for persons with disabilities.

[This text] teaches you how to use the law as your sword and your shield. Learn what the law says about: Child's right to a free, appropriate education (FAPE); Individual education programs, IEP teams, transition and progress; Evaluations, reevaluations, consent and independent educational evaluations; Eligibility and placement decisions; Least restrictive environment, mainstreaming, and inclusion; Research based instruction, discrepancy formulas and response to intervention; Discipline, suspensions, and expulsions; Safeguards, mediation, confidentiality, new procedures and timelines for due process hearings.--Back cover.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004) is confusing to parents, educators, and even to most attorneys. Wrightslaw: IDEA 2004 provides a clear roadmap to the law and how to get better special education services for all children with disabilities. Learn what the law says about Individualized Education Programs (IEPS), IEP teams, transition, progress. Learn about evaluations, reevaluations, parental consent, and independent educational evaluations. You will learn about research-based instruction, early intervening services, discrepancy formulas and response to intervention. This book includes information about assessments, accommodations and alternate assessments. You will find information about procedural safeguards, new procedures and timelines for due process hearings. Wrightslaw: IDEA 2004 is and invaluable resource for parents, advocates, educators, and attorneys. You will refer to this book again and again.