Special Education and Regional Center Blog

Way back in 2014, when I began volunteering at the Office of Clients’ Rights Advocacy, I have been told that the Self-Determination Program is coming. From that day, I started planning for my own daughter to enter the program. I have also become an Independent Facilitator to help families navigate the Self-Determination Program.  The big news that starting June 7, 2021, all regional center clients can choose to enter the Self-Determination Program. Here is a …

Continue reading “A Quick Overview of the Self-Determination Program”

School Districts are required to provide special education services for a child with a disability if the disability falls within one or more of 13 categories addressed by IDEA and the child needs special education services. The following chart is only a general outline of a broad range of characteristics associated with the 13 disabilities that are included under IDEA. This chart will help in your initial IEP or whenever eligibility is discussed at an …

Continue reading “Chart of Special Education Eligibilities”

This is a presentation by Melissa Amster given to The Clubhouse about the California Self Determination Program starting for Regional Center Clients in June 2021. For more information please contact us. Click here to Download the Outline on the Presentation This is a more in-depth presentation given to the Beverly Hills Bar Association  entitled “The New Self-Determination Program and How to Maximize it for your Regional Center Clients.”   Click here to Download the Outline …

Continue reading “The Self Determination Program Explained”

This presentation given on November 2, 2021 discusses what districts are required to do in terms of assessments, distance learning, services, supports, in-person services, and IEPs.  Click Here to Download a the Outline of the Presentation

If you are a parent of a special needs child, you face challenges every day. One of them should not be waiting for your child to be tested to determine whether or not learning disabilities are getting in the way of educational progress. If you have been put on hold due to the pandemic, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 177 into law, effectively …

Continue reading “District Must Now Conduct Assessments”