In Ohio, children three years of age and older who need
significant modifications in their educational programs may be
eligible for special-education services through their school
district. I asked Lee Ann Derugen, co-director of the Ohio
Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities in
Marion, to give us a quick overview of special education in Ohio
and suggest some things parents can do to get started. Who
should a parent in Ohio contact about having a child classified
for special education?The parent should send a letter to contact
the principal of the building their child would attend
requesting an initial evaluation to determine if their child
qualifies for special-education services. [Download the booklet
"Whose IDEA Is This? A Parents Guide to the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004," which explains
Ohio's special-education procedures.] What does special
education look like in Ohio?Special education means specially
designed instruction, at no cost to the parents,