504 Plan
A plan developed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to ensure a student with a disability receives accommodations that ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment
Accommodation
Changes made to the teaching methods or environment to help a student with disabilities access the curriculum. Accommodations do not change what is taught but how it is taught.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including schools. The ADA ensures that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
Annual Review
A yearly meeting where the IEP teamIEP Team A group of individuals, including parents, teachers, and specialists, responsible for creating, reviewing, and updating a student’s IEP. reviews and updates the student’s IEP to ensure it is still meeting their needs.
Assistive Technology (AT)
Any device or software that helps a student with disabilities perform tasks that they otherwise might struggle with, such as speech-to-text programs, communication devices, or specialized keyboards.
Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
A plan that uses positive behavior strategies to prevent or address challenging behavior in students with disabilities.
Child Find
A legal requirement under IDEA that schools identify children who may have disabilities and be in need of special educationSpecial Education Instruction designed to meet the unique needs of a student with a disability, provided at no cost to parents, including specially designed instruction and related services. services.
Due Process
A formal legal procedure used to resolve disputes between parents and schools regarding the identification, evaluation, or placement of a student with disabilities
Extended School Year (ESY)
Special educationSpecial Education Instruction designed to meet the unique needs of a student with a disability, provided at no cost to parents, including specially designed instruction and related services. services provided beyond the regular school year for students whose IEP teams determine that these services are necessary to prevent significant regression.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
A federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student to release information from a student’s record, except under specific circumstances.