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Special Education Rights and Responsibilities (SERR)

Special Education Rights and Responsibilities (SERR)

The Federal and California special education laws give eligible students with disabilities the right to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). This manual explains how to become eligible for special education, how to request and advocate for special education services, and what to do if you disagree with school districts.

This manual is intended for use by parents of children with disabilities, but should also be useful for advocates and attorneys.

For information related to education during COVID-19-Link to https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/post/coronavirus-k-12-education

How to use this manual

The manual contains 16 chapters that can be used separately. The chapters are listed on the left hand side on your desktop or at the bottom on a mobile device.

Chapter 1 covers a broad explanation of relevant and fundamental concepts and requirements of the law that are addressed more specifically in subsequent chapters. It also includes explanation of provisions that could not be adequately described in other chapters.

Chapters 2 to 16 are dedicated to particular areas of special education law and provide an in-depth review of the multiple topics under each area.