IDEA

The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) is a federal law that requires students with disabilities ages preschool through school age to receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Williamsburg Local School provides a continuum of services to meet the needs of learners with special needs in their least restrictive environment.

If you suspect there is an academic issue, set up a meeting with your child's counselor or contact Dr. Shelby Wright, School Psychologist. 

Prior to an evaluation for special education, students may participate in a Multi Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS), where they are given the opportunity to develop skills and close learning gaps through research based interventions.  This is individualized to meet each students’ needs based on their data. Students who struggle to respond to these intensive interventions may be referred for an evaluation to determine if the student is eligible for special education services. 

Williamsburg local  follows an evaluation model set forth by the Ohio Department of Education, Office of Exceptional Children. Evaluations are coordinated by the child’s building team which may consist of all or some of the following team members: principal, classroom teacher, school psychologist, speech and language pathologist, guidance counselor, intervention specialist, and parent.

In accordance with rule 3301-51-06 of the Ohio Administrative Code, students may be defined as having a disability in one of the following areas:

  • Intellectual Disability

  • Hearing Impairment

  • Deafness

  • Speech or language impairment

  • Visual Impairment

  • Autism

  • Traumatic Brain Injury

  • Other Health Impairment (minor/major)

  • Specific Learning Disability

  • Deaf-Blindness

  • Multiple disabilities

  • Emotional Disturbance

  • Orthopedic Impairment

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 requires that “to the maximum extent appropriate,” children with disabilities are educated with children who are not disabled. A full continuum of special education service delivery exists in meeting the individual needs of students with disabilities.

A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education (Procedural Safeguards Notice)

Read the ODE guide to Parental Rights.

Summary: This document outlines the rights and protections available to parents under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It provides details about the special education process, consent requirements, access to educational records, complaint procedures, and due process hearings. It is designed to help parents understand and participate in decisions regarding their child's education.

Specific questions may be directed to the Director of Student Services or School Psychologist.