| Special Education Mediation |
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Issues which arise between parents of students with disabilities and school personnel are often challenging and emotional. Although everyone wants the best educational program for each student, not everyone always agrees on what is best. The Dispute Resolution Center offers the following services to parents and schools, free of charge:
Mediation The Michigan Special Education Mediation Program (MSEMP) provides parents and schools with Special Education Dispute Resolution services free of charge in every county throughout Michigan. Common disputes mediated include: evaluation, eligibility for services, educational programs, placement, disciplinary issues, procedural safeguards and other matters that may interfere with the successful delivery of Special Education Services. Mediation is voluntary, confidential, and can result in a written, signed agreement that may be incorporated into an Individualized Educational Program (IEP), or and Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP).
Facilitation Neutral facilitators can help parents and schools work together to plan for students with special needs. Facilitation is used for IFSP, IEP and resolution meetings. Facilitators can organize meetings so participants can focus on the issues, contribute ideas and work toward solutions. Facilitation ensures that meetings stay student-focused, clarifies points of agreement and disagreement, models effective communication and listening, supports all parties in participating fully, and encourages parents and schools to identify new options to address unresolved problems. |
