Governor Chris Christie has signed a bipartisan measure designed to help protect the rights of students with disabilities.
A new Office of the Special Education Ombudsman in the Department of Education will function as a resource to provide confidential information and support to parents, students, and educators regarding special education rights and services.
The ombudsman’s duties will include:
- helping interested parties better understand laws governing special education;
- providing information and support to parents in navigating the process of obtaining special education evaluations and services;
- aiding parents and school districts working to resolve disagreements related to education or disciplinary action;
- recommending strategies to improve the state’s implementation of special education services; and,
- serving as a resource for disability-related information and referral to other available programs and services for individuals with disabilities, including early intervention and transition to adult life.
