An
open letter to parents of children with disabilities
I
have been an advocate for people with disabilities
since 1979, serving the public by the Governor’s
appointment, as a consultant, as an interventionist
and as a volunteer. It has come to my attention
that many parents of children with disabilities
still do not know how, when or why to file
an administrative complaint regarding the
special education of their children.
Anyone
can file a complaint with the Arizona Department
of Education if they believe that a public
educational agency is not in compliance with
state or federal laws regarding the provision
of special educational services to students
with disabilities. There is no charge to do
this. An investigator will be assigned to
you and in most cases complete the investigation
within 60 days.
You
also have the right to file a complaint with
the Office of Civil Rights if you believe
that your child with disabilities has been
discriminated against, or if you or your child
have been retaliated against for your advocacy
efforts on your child’s behalf.
This
affords you and your child many rights, like
the right to prior written notice before any
changes in your child’s placement or services
for example. Learn your rights for your child’s
sake. Ask for support for your child and your
child’s teacher to ensure that he or she receives
a free appropriate public education. You are
the tax payer, empower yourselves.
Helen
Keller said, “Science may have found a cure
for most evils; but it has found no remedy
for the worst of them all–the apathy of human
beings.” Going back a little further in time,
Plato said, “The price of apathy toward public
affairs is to be ruled by evil men.”
Here
is your contact information:
Exceptional
Student Services
1535
W. Jefferson
Phoenix,
AZ 85007
Phone:
(602) 364‑4000
U.S.
Department of Education
Cesar
E. Chavez Memorial Building
1244
Speer Boulevard, Suite 310
Denver,
CO 80204
Phone:
(303) 844‑5695
Fax:
(303) 844‑4303
Self
Advocacy Guides and advocacy information:
The
Arizona Center for Disability Law
Phone:
(602) 274‑6287
