AUTISM ADVOCACY
Parent Rights and
IEP Placement Options
You Need to Know
By Nicole BOVELL
Knowing and understanding your procedural safeguards (parental rights) is very
important when seeking the appropriate special education services for your child.
Since the majority of students with disabilities receive special education services in
the general education setting, being aware of laws and regulations with inclusion
will point you in the right direction.
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ederal law does not mandate inclusion.
However, the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA) has passed regulations
related to the education of children with
disabilities in inclusive placements. Accord-
ing to IDEA, children with disabilities must
be educated in the “least restrictive environ-
14 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 74
ment appropriate” to meet their “unique needs.” Ad-
ditionally, IDEA requires that a least restrictive envi-
ronment placement begins in the regular education
classroom. Since the regular education classroom
is not appropriate for all children with disabilities,
IDEA requires school districts to have a “continuum
of services” available so children with disabilities can