Education

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Education services are available for children, starting at age three, and through age 21 who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides the legal grounds for children with disabilities to receive a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment possible. These services are administered by the school district where the child lives.

Strategies

Disability Rights Wisconsin is a champion of the rights of children to have access to a free public education, regardless of their disability status. Our advocates have represented many children with disabilities and their parents in ensuring that children are treated with dignity and respect, and are awarded their full legal protections. We have also supported and helped craft legislation to combat unlawful seclusion and restraint in public schools.

Self-Advocacy Resources

Our self-advocacy resources have helpful guidance and further information on issues related to this topic. Learn more below:

DRW Self-Advocacy Guide: Filing an IDEA State Complaint
As a parent of a child receiving special education services, you have the right under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) to engage in dispute resolution when you disagree with your child’s school regarding their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and educational services. One form of dispute resolution is to file what is called a “state complaint” with Wisconsin’s Department of Public Instruction (DPI). This guide will walk you through the process.

This guide is available in the following languages:
Fact Sheet: Bullying
This DRW fact sheet provides information and resources on what to do if your child is experiencing bullying based on their disability, race, color, sex, or national origin.

This factsheet is available in the following languages:
Fact Sheet: Open Enrollment
Wisconsin pupils with disabilities can and do participate in open enrollment. A pupil may not be denied open enrollment because the pupil is a child with a disability nor based on the category of the disability. Learn more about open enrollment with this Disability Rights Wisconsin factsheet.

This factsheet is available in the following languages:
Fact Sheet: School Athletics
This DRW factsheet provides information and guidance on non-discrimination in extra-curricular activities, including athletics.

This factsheet is available in the following languages:
Fact Sheet: School Transportation
Many students with disabilities use the same school transportation as their nondisabled peers. A student with a disability has the right to transportation in their least restrictive environment. Learn more about school transportation with this DRW factsheet.

This factsheet is available in the following languages:
Fact Sheet: Special Education Evaluations
School districts are required to identify children who may have disabilities and evaluate them for special education eligibility. This guide provides information for parents on special education referrals, the steps of an evaluation, and options if a student is found “not eligible” for an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

This fact sheet is available in the following languages:
Fact Sheet: Truancy
Wisconsin law requires that students be educated between the ages of 6 and 18. This DRW fact sheet provides resources and information on truancy for parents, school districts, and school attendance officers.

This factsheet is available in the following languages:

Referrals

Other places that may be able to help you:

CESA

CESAs serve educational needs in all areas of Wisconsin by serving as a link between school districts and between school districts and the state.
Civil Rights Compliance Information

The Department of Health Services Civil Rights Compliance (CRC) Office works with those that receive federal financial assistance through the Department to ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations and departmental policies and procedures prohibiting discrimination in employment and service delivery.
Department of Public Instruction

The Department of Public Instruction is the state agency that advances public education and libraries in Wisconsin.

Learn More

You can find more information on this topic from these websites and publications:

Advocacy Tool Kit

This Advocacy Tool Kit provides individuals with information and skill building exercises to develop and enhance self and peer advocacy skills.
Out of Darkness: Into the Light

A report outlining DRW’s findings on the topic of Seclusion and Restraint, and recommendations on how to combat unlawful and unneeded seclusion and restraint.
Seclusion & Restraint In Wisconsin Public School Districts: 2013-2014 School Year Data

Report Offers First Statewide look at Seclusion and Restraint in Wisconsin’s Public Schools
Special Education Subjects Reference: Seclusion and Physical Restraint

2011 Wis. Act 125 addressing the use of seclusion and physical restraint in public schools takes effect on September 1, 2012. The Act applies to both regular and special education students and prohibits the use seclusion or physical restraint except when certain conditions apply.
The Key to Your Future- Understanding the Postsecondary Transition Plan

This guide will help explain the transition that is required for all students receiving special education from the age of fourteen until they leave school. It will also provide information on the new post secondary transition plan required by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Act

Want to do more to help protect individuals with disabilities? Please visit our Take Action Page for some ideas and to sign up for news and other alerts from our website. Or Donate Now to help protect and advocate for the rights and futures of all Wisconsin citizens. We'd love to have you join us.

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