ABILITIES Not Disabilities
SOME RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO YOU
(links updated August 2026)
Disclaimer: These resources are being provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.
"The meaning of disabled is not having any power. But I have the power to do anything I am willing to try. That makes me able."
- TEYANNA ALFORD,
young contestant
"Miss You Can Do It"
As parents or guardians of children with disabilities, you have probably heard some of the terms referred to on this website.The first resource to consult is the Parent's Notice of Procedural Safeguards. You should have received a copy from your School District if you have begun the special education eligibility process.
There is also a wealth of information available for free on the internet.
The Parents Guide to Special Education - written by the Federation of Children with Special Needs and the Massachusetts Department of Education to "assist families in obtaining the supports and services that their children with disabilities need to succeed in school."
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) - providing up to date information, special education information, including the 2023 Dyslexia Guidelines.
Department of Development Services (DDS) - offers services and supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities and children with developmental disabilities. DDS requires that the child have a “severe, chronic disability” such as: Intellectual disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Smith-Magenis Syndrome or intellectual disability or other condition that results in “substantial functional limitations” such as: Prader-Willi Syndrome, Williams Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome.
For DDS support with Chapter 688 Transition Planning and the "Turning 22 Services," click here.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) - Federal Law ensuring that all students with a disability are provided with a Free and Appropriate Public Education that is tailored to their individual needs.
Joint DESE/DCF Advisory Regarding Mandated Reporting Responsibilities of School Personnel in Cases of Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (51As) - co-written by DESE and DCF on October 28, 2021, to provide guidance on mandating reporting of 51As in schools; includes DCF definitions of abuse and neglect.
Dear Colleague Letter and Resource Guide on Students with ADHD - Office of Civil Rights letter with clarification and guidance on the school districts' federal obligations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to students with ADHD, and attached Resource Guide
Bullying Prevention and Intervention in Massachusetts
Extended School Year (ESY) - Contained in the IEP. This is not "summer school" but a continuation of special education and/or related services to prevent regression or loss of skill. Click here for DESE's Question and Answer Guide on Special Education Extended School Year Programs (603 CMR 28.05(4)(d)).
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) - Federal regulation protecting student privacy (34 CFR PART 99).
Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) - "OCR’s mission is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence through vigorous enforcement of civil rights in our nation’s schools." However, recent structural changes within the U.S. Department of Education have altered where and how OCR complaints are processed.
Age of Majority - 603 CMR 28:07(5) addresses the transfer of rights under special education law when the student reaches age 18, the age of majority in Massachusetts.
https://www.autismspeaks.org - "Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families."
Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) - DESE's Special Education Policy Memo SY2024-2025 — 7, Clarification on Independent Educational Evaluations.
Home or Hospital Education - up to 14 days - "Upon receipt of a physician's written order verifying that any student enrolled in a public school or placed by the public school in a private setting must remain at home or in a hospital on a day or overnight basis, or any combination of both, for medical reasons and for a period of not less than fourteen school days in any school year, the principal shall arrange for provision of educational services in the home or hospital." 603 CMR 28.03(3)(c) (Form - "Physician's Affirmation of Need for Temporary Home or Hospital Education for Medically Necessary Reasons" to be completed by physical and submitted by parent(s))
Home or Hospital Education - more than 60 days - "If, in the opinion of the student's physician, an eligible student is likely to remain at home, in a hospital, or in a pediatric nursing home for medical reasons for more than 60 school days in any school year, the Administrator of Special Education shall, without undue delay, convene a Team to consider evaluation needs and, if appropriate, to amend the existing IEP or develop a new IEP suited to the student's unique circumstances." 603 CMR 28.04(4) (Form - Physician's Affirmation Home Hospital Form - 60 Days or Longer)
Mass Advocates for Children (MAC) - MAC is a non-profit organization that works with students, families, communities, and at the policy level to remove barriers to education for children across Massachusetts.
PANS/PANDAS - “My Kid is Not Crazy,” a film by Tim Sorel, tracks the journey of six children and their families and how PANDAS has changed their lives. Click here for more information about the Documentary and for the YouTube link.
WrightsLaw.com - An incredible resource for advocates, attorneys, and parents on all areas of special education law.
Secondary Transition Services and Graduation with a High School Diploma - Special Education Policy Memo SY2025-2026, Graduation and Transition Planning for Students with IEPs
"Assent to Petition to Change Name of Minor" - A Probate document for children ages 12 and older, if you agree to their name change.
Disclaimer: The resources listed above are for informational purposes only. The listing of this information does not establish an attorney-client relationship with Allexenberg Law nor does it constitute or convey any legal opinion by Allexenberg Law. The websites and the thoughts expressed and/or information contained therein, is in no way affiliated with Allexenberg Law. Any action taken based upon the information contained in any of the above-listed websites - or other resources mentioned on Allexenberg Law's website - is at your own risk.