The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) provides the resources for families and educational agencies
ODR manages special education mediation and due process systems regardless of a child’s age. We offer IEP/IFSP facilitation, mediation, and due process hearings for infants, toddlers, and Preschool-age children receiving Early Intervention. For more information about these services, call ConsultLine at 1-800-879-2301.
Want a better understanding of Pennsylvania’s Procedural Safeguard Notice? This video may help!
New Hearing Officer decisions have been posted on our website!
https://odr-pa.org/resources/new-decisions/
Mediation can occur any time before or during the due process cycle. It’s free, voluntary, and confidential. Learn more about mediation on our website.
https://odr-pa.org/mediation/
Our free Conflict Resolution Skills for Schools and Families training can be held in one 3-hour or two 1.5 sessions. Learn about conflict management styles and strategies for effective communication that can be universally applied in many different settings. Act 48 credits are available. Contact us to learn more about scheduling a session.
https://odr-pa.org/contact/
Are you curious about what IEP facilitation/mediation would be like? Visit our website and check out “Voices from the Field.” Real families who have used these resources share their experiences.
https://odr-pa.org/
Have procedural questions about the mechanics of mediation or need resources to prepare for a due process hearing? Contact our ConsultLine at 1-800-879-2301 or email us at [email protected].
Gifted education mediation can be requested at any time. Parents do not waive their rights to a due process hearing by participating in mediation. Call Consultline at 1800-879-2301 with questions.
Our Parent and Family Guide on Understanding Special Education Due Process Hearings is available in multiple languages.
https://odr-pa.org/due-process-parent-and-family-guide/
A new Hearing Officer decision has been added to our website!
New Hearing Officer Decisions Home Resources New Hearing Officer Decisions New Hearing Officer Decisions Added 8/24/23 27912-22-23: Marple Newtown School District (Autism Spectrum, Least Restrictive Environment, Parent Rights, Private School) opens PDF file Added 8/7/23 27262-22-23: Southern Tioga S...
Enlisting a neutral third party can help maintain a student-focused approach in the IEP process. IEP Facilitation is a voluntary service offering significant benefits. Interested in exploring IEP facilitation? Get in touch with us or fill out the IEP Facilitation Request Form.
http://www.odr-pa.org/facilitation/iep-ifsp-facilitation
The Office for Dispute Resolution has a vacancy for a ConsultLine Specialist (Special Education Coordinator) position.
Applications will be accepted through September 4, 2023. Please visit https://csiu.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=839 for additional details and to apply.
This is a full-time exempt position, following a 12-month, 260-day schedule, located in Harrisburg, PA. A hybrid telework schedule may be permitted upon administrative approval. JOB LOCATION: Office for Dispute Resolution - Harrisburg, PA JOB DEFINITION: The Office for Dispute Resolution Special Edu...
Our virtual training sessions are free for schools and families. Contact us to learn more.
https://odr-pa.org/contact/
School is starting soon! If you are new to special education, the PEAL Center website offers many resources to help you navigate the world of special education in English and Spanish.
https://www.pealcenter.org
Special education mediation is a voluntary and collaborative process offered by PA ODR that can help resolve disagreements between parents and schools about a child’s program. Our complete parent’s guide to mediation is available online.
https://odr-pa.org/wp-content/uploads/medguide.pdf
Need more information about the state complaint process for school-age students? Access the information packet on our website. https://odr-pa.org/parent-resources/state-complaint-process/
Interested in learning strategies to resolve conflicts that arise when planning a child’s educational program? Sign up for our Conflict Resolution Skills for Schools and Families Training on January 12.
https://fb.me/e/2582yR6WR
Our Parent Resource materials are available in Spanish. https://odr-pa.org/parent-resources/parent-resource-library/recursos-en-espanol/
Have questions about discipline issues for students with special needs? Call our Consultline at 1-800-879-2301 with questions.
Mediation can be much less time-consuming and more cost-effective than a due process hearing. Special education mediation is a service offered by ODR to help families of children with disabilities and schools resolve their different viewpoints on a child’s special education program.
Resource Spotlight– HUNE (Hispanos Unidos para Nino’s Excepcionales) is a non-profit organization working to improve educational outcomes for children and youth with emotional, learning, mental, and physical disabilities from 0-26 years of age. HUNE’s website shares quick tips and videos on mediation in special education in both English and Spanish. Learn more at: www.huneinc.org
HUNE is a not for profit organization that provides free bilingual English and Spanish training, technical assistance and individual assistance to families of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities and to professionals who work with children. This assistance helps families.
Conflict is normal, natural, and in some situations, ongoing. Conflict creates change and new possibilities. Check out our series of training modules on engaging in a productive conflict resolution process. https://odr-pa.org/conflict-engagement/
Research shows that when parents and schools work together, children have better educational outcomes. ODR mediators are trained in mediation with knowledge and experience in special education.
Have questions about Gifted Education? Our ConsultLine specialists can help. 1-800-879-2301
Register for our upcoming free Conflict Resolution Skills Webinar for Schools and Families on January 12, 2023, from 1-4 p.m.
Training will focus on skills to successfully resolve conflicts and communicate well throughout a child's educational experience. Topics covered will include: introduction to conflict resolution; conflict management styles and self-assessment; communication skills; perceptions and attitudes; and a six-step conflict engagement model. https://www.pattan.net/Events/Webinar/Course-3085/Events/Session-37301
Resource Spotlight– Since 2005, the PEAL (Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership) Center has been empowering families, children, and young adults with disabilities, as well as the professionals who serve them. They promote inclusion, leadership development, and access to education and health care. Learn more at https://www.pealcenter.org/
Interested in learning more about what we do at ODR? Check out our overview video. https://youtu.be/R-rGf_QPIfo
Gifted education is provided under Chapter 16 of the Pennsylvania Education Code. https://odr-pa.org/parent-resources/parent-resource-library/gifted-education/
Learn more about the conflict cycle and how to communicate better and successfully resolve conflicts through our free training for schools and families. Contact us to learn more about scheduling a session. https://odr-pa.org/contact/
Looking for information that will help you navigate the world of special education? Explore information designed for families and advocates in our online resource center. https://odr-pa.org/resources/
The Bureau of Special Education (BSE) and The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) serve different functions. This video explains.
https://youtu.be/ZIL4-It4g2Y
What’s an IEP? Children who qualify for special education have an IEP or Individualized Education Program tailored to meet their specific needs.
https://www.pattan.net/getmedia/64359186-f776-4822-a7ca-c20d579cb37d/Eval_IEP_Process_0418
Mission Empower is a community resource designed to support and empower families so that all children and youth with disabilities can reach their full potential. https://www.facebook.com/MissionEmpower
ConsultLine is a toll-free information helpline for parents and advocates with questions about special education services. 1.800.879.2301
ConsultLine specialists also help parents and advocates prepare for mediation and facilitation.
https://youtu.be/puDbg0fVOwo
Is your child eligible for gifted education? Learn more about eligibility, find forms, and frequently asked questions on our website.
https://odr-pa.org/parent-resources/parent-resource-library/gifted-education/
Our annual report is now available online.https://odr-pa.org/wp-content/uploads/ODR-AnnualReport-Web.pdf
ConsultLine is a resource available to family members and advocates of school-age children with disabilities. Call 1-800-879-2301 or email [email protected]
Receiving a Procedural Safeguards Notice can seem overwhelming at first. This video covers some basic questions about Procedural Safeguards Notices. https://youtu.be/6nW6aNHMUbI
The CADRE (Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolutions in Special Education) website offers helpful resources for educators and advocates of children and youth with disabilities. Find dispute resolution guides in over a dozen languages. https://www.cadreworks.org/resources/idea-early-intervention-family-guides-and-companion-videos
CADRE developed the following four Family Guides and the Quick Comparison Chart with the support of OSEP and Parent Leaders from across the country:
6340 Flank Drive
Harrisburg, PA
17112
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Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania
Flank Drive
Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania
N Front Street
Pennsylvania Medical Society Alliance
E Park Drive
Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Dist
Stevenson Avenue
Lower Paxton Township Historical Commission
Prince Street
Pennsylvania DBE Supportive Services
Fulton Street
Harrisburg Human Relations Commission
North Second Street
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