What Schools Must Do for Students with Disabilities: A Parent’s Guide

What Schools Must Do for Students with Disabilities: A Parent’s Guide

For parents of students with disabilities, navigating the education system can feel overwhelming — but knowing what schools are legally required to do can turn confusion into confidence.

At Covenant of Courage, we believe every parent should be empowered with the knowledge to advocate fearlessly for their child.

Here’s a straightforward guide to what schools must do for students with disabilities — and what you can do if they don’t.

1. Schools Must Identify and Evaluate Students Who May Need Support

Schools are legally obligated to find, locate, and evaluate students who may have disabilities under a rule called Child Find (part of IDEA and Section 504).

This means:

• If a child is struggling academically, behaviorally, emotionally, or socially, schools must offer evaluations — they cannot ignore signs of a disability.

• Evaluations must be comprehensive, timely, and free to families.

Tip for Parents:

If you believe your child needs support, you have the right to request an evaluation in writing at any time.

2. Schools Must Provide Appropriate Accommodations and Modifications

Once a student qualifies, the school must create either a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) — and actually implement it.

Accommodations might include:

• Extra time on tests and assignments

• Preferential seating in the classroom

• Assistive technology (speech-to-text devices, calculators, etc.)

• Modified homework or reduced workloads

• Behavioral support plans

Tip for Parents:

Schools cannot pick and choose which accommodations to provide — they must honor what’s written in your child’s plan.

3. Schools Must Ensure Equal Access to Education

Disabled students have the right to access the same educational opportunities as nondisabled students.

This means:

• They must be included in regular classrooms to the maximum extent possible (“Least Restrictive Environment” rule).

• Schools must remove barriers — both physical (like inaccessible classrooms) and procedural (like unfair testing policies).

• Online learning platforms must also be accessible.

Tip for Parents:

If your child is being isolated unnecessarily or cannot access programs or activities, you have the right to challenge it.

4. Schools Must Protect Students From Discrimination and Retaliation

Under the ADA and Section 504:

• Schools cannot discriminate against a student because of their disability.

• Schools cannot retaliate if you advocate for your child’s rights (such as filing complaints or requesting meetings).

• Disciplinary actions must account for a student’s disability — schools must determine if behaviors are related to the disability before punishing.

Tip for Parents:

If your child is suspended, expelled, or disciplined, demand a “Manifestation Determination Review” before any long-term disciplinary action happens.

5. Schools Must Involve Parents in Every Step

Parents are not just “invited” to participate — they are required team members when schools make decisions about evaluations, eligibility, services, and placement.

You have the right to:

• Attend all meetings

• Access all educational records

• Be fully informed about your child’s rights

• Consent (or refuse) before evaluations or placement changes

• Request mediation, hearings, or complaints if you disagree with the school

Tip for Parents:

Never feel pressured to agree to something you don’t understand.

You can always ask for more time, more information, or a second opinion.

What If a School Fails to Follow the Law?

You have options.

If a school violates your child’s rights, you can:

• Request an IEP or 504 team meeting immediately

• File a complaint with the school district’s Special Education Office

• File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

• Request mediation or a due process hearing

At Covenant of Courage, we help parents every step of the way — because no family should have to face the system alone.

Final Thought

Your child’s future is worth fighting for.

Schools have legal duties — not just moral ones — to support, accommodate, and empower students with disabilities.

When you know the rules, you can demand the respect, access, and success your child deserves.

Stand strong. Speak out. Stay courageous.

Covenant of Courage: Here to Protect and Empower Every Step of the Way.