Special Education programs are provided for students with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. These disabilities include such conditions as Down's Syndrome; hearing, speech, or vision impairments; dyslexia; and autism. The school determines a student's eligibility for special education through evaluation and testing.

A bilingual student with a disability may participate in both special education and bilingual programs if testing determines that the disability is not the primary cause of the student's English language deficiency.

If you are notified of your child's eligibility for special education, you may contact the Bilingual Family Center for assistance. You have the right to have all information, the results of any tests or psychological evaluations, and the Individual Education Plan interpreted in your first language. (The Individual Education Plan, or IEP, is a written document that describes the special services and academic help your child will receive.)

If you will need an interpreter for Special Education and other school meetings, inform your child's school so someone can arrange to have an interpreter present for you. You can also bring a friend or a family member to the meetings to help you understand what is being discussed.

Updated January 3, 2005

For more information, contact:
Special Education Department
206-252-0055

SEAAC (Special Education Advisory and Advocacy Council), a parent information and support group at
206-252-4759
email: seattleseaac@yahoo.com