Begin by asking questions and developing a better understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Public Law 102-119. This law guarantees a free appropriate public education to children with disabilities. You may also want to talk to parents of children who are already receiving special education services. Local parent organizations can assist you.

The first step is to arrange for your child to receive an evaluation. The term "evaluation" refers to the total process of gathering and using information to determine whether a child has a disability and the nature and extent of the special education and related services that the child needs. The public schools are required to conduct this evaluation of your child at no cost to you.

The evaluation process should look at the "whole child" and include information about your child's total environment. Tests are an important part of an evaluation, but the family's input is also important. Additionally, the evaluation process should include:

• observations by professionals who have worked with your child

• your child's medical history, when it is relevant to his or her performance in school

• information and observations from the family about your child's school experiences, abilities, needs, and behavior outside of school, and his or her feelings about school

A multidisciplinary team should be involved in performing the evaluation. The team conducting the evaluation may include the following professionals, as appropriate:

• school psychologist

• speech and language pathologist

• occupational therapist

• physical therapist and/or adaptive physical education therapist

• medical specialist(s)

• educational diagnostician(s)

• classroom teacher(s)and others

Professionals will observe your child and may administer tests and use other procedures such as interviews that examine your child's:

• speech and language functioning

• personality and adaptive behavior patterns; academic achievement

• potential or aptitude (intelligence)

• functioning levels,perceptual ability and vocational interest and aptitude.

All tests and interviews must be conducted individually in your child's primary language. The tests must also be given in a way that does not discriminate on the basis of disability or racial/cultural background.

The law states that schools may not place children into special education programs based on the results of only one test. Many tests are needed to measure areas that might be problematic. However, the law does not mention the specific tests to be used. There are many tests that measure the same thing. A specialist may choose to use a certain test as long as the test is considered to be nondiscriminatory and measures what the specialist says it will measure.

from kidsource.com

Also, check out this website http://www.isbe.net/spec-ed/html/parent_rights.htm or click on the link, "Parents Rights" to the left of the screen.

DISABILITY HELPLINE 773-467-3838

iPADS IN THE CLASSROOM

Teachers and learners check out link. https://sites.google.com/site/schrockipad/

MERCY MINISTRIES

Mercy Ministries’ free-of-charge, voluntary, faith-based residential program serves young women from all socio-economic backgrounds, ages 13-28, who face a combination of life-controlling issues such as eating disorders, self-harm, drug and alcohol addictions, depression and unplanned pregnancy. Mercy also serves young women who have been physically and sexually abused, including victims of sex trafficking. Using proven methods, a holistic approach and professional counselors in a structured residential environment, Mercy has helped thousands of young women be restored to wholeness. Mercy’s goal is to help these young women find freedom from their issues and empower them to serve in their communities as productive citizens.

WEBSITE: http://www.mercyministries.org/
Or go to the left side of the screen and click on "Mercy Ministries".