During the mediation process, parents and school districts will often agree to an independent assessment. An ALJ at a due process hearing may also order an independent evaluation as part of the hearing. In this case, the independent evaluation is at public expense. [Cal. Ed. Code Sec. 56505.1(e).] You should contact local hospitals, medical centers, parent resource-training centers, parent support groups, regional centers or other community-based agencies to explore the availability of low-cost evaluations.