SPECIAL EDUCATION MEDIATION PROGRAM

Through collaboration between the New York State Dispute Resolution Association (NYSDRA) and the New York State Education Department, Community Dispute Resolution Centers Programs (CDRCPs) such as ACCORD mediate Special Education disputes. These disputes can relate to the identification, evaluation, educational placement or the provision of a free and appropriate public education for a child. As a result of revised legislation, all school districts are required to make Special Education Mediation available to parents of children with disabilities.

ACCORD's Special Education Mediation Program provides parents and school representatives the opportunity to meet with each other, and a neutral third party, to discuss the issues, express their concerns, and work together to ensure the best educational plan for the child.

Special Education Mediation helps set the tone for cooperative decision making between the parents and school officials which in turn leads to a richer educational experience for the child.

Resources VESID Special Education Mediation NYSDRA's Special Education Mediation Program Forms Request for Due Process Proceedings Referrals To begin the Special Education Mediation process, follow the link above to the Request for Due Process Proceedings form, print out the form, complete the form, and submit it to your school district. To learn more about ACCORD's Special Education Mediation Program, contact the Special Projects Coordinator at (607) 724-5153.

To learn more about ACCORD's Special Education Mediation Program, contact the Special Projects Coordinator at (607) 724-5153.

How Can I Volunteer?
Volunteer mediators for ACCORD's Special Education Mediation Program must have completed ACCORD's Initial Mediation Training, ACCORD's Apprenticeship Program, and must be a certified mediator who has mediated for a minimum of one year or eight cases. In addition, 12 hours of Special Education Mediation Training are required. Volunteer Opportunities at ACCORD

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