Are you an Arizona parent with a child in special education? If so, this blog is for you. We understand the complexities of the special education system, and we also know resources that can make it easier. Keep reading for a list of Arizona Special Education parent resources that can make your life easier.
1. Procedural Safeguards Notice
Understanding your child’s rights is the first step in advocating for your child. You were probably given the Procedural Safeguards Notice when your child was referred for an evaluation. This document is the foundation to your journey through the special education system. It explains your rights and the safeguards in place to protect you and your child. The notice may seem intimidating with its length and legal jargon, but number 6 can help you understand the notice!
2. Arizona Department of Education
You are likely very familiar with the Arizona Department of Education, but have you explored their online resources? The ADE website has a well-structured special education page filled with parent resources. All their resources are organized by age and include links to ADE and external resources. Additionally, ADE offers parents an “Understanding Special Education” resource list that includes documents such as a Glossary of Terms and Acronyms and a Special Education Process Flow Chart. Even if you have received some of these resources before, exploring what they offer online is helpful as you navigate the system.
3. Kidvokit for Arizona
An excellent tool for staying organized is Kidvokit! Kidvokit keeps you prepared for IEP meetings by automatically detecting and filing all IEP related emails. It also creates a timeline with your documents and has a built-in AI assistant that can instantly answer your special education questions. IEP’s come with an abundance of emails and paperwork, and Kidvokit can keep you on top of it all. Visit our “How it Works” page to learn more.
4. Raising Special Kids
Raising Special Kids (RSK) provides multiple programs to special education families! One of their most helpful programs is Parent to Parent, which pairs families with a Parent Mentor who has experience navigating the special education system. Parent Mentors have years of wisdom and can provide advice, support, and referrals. Additionally, RSK offers individual consultations with families who are seeking guidance or referrals. RSK also offers family events and parent training. As you can see, RSK provides an abundance of assistance to special education families!
5. Parent Support Arizona
Another Arizona organization that offers free parent trainings is Parent Support Arizona. Parent Support Arizona primarily focuses on providing advocacy and helping parents advocate for their children. They offer free online resources for parents and a helpline for referrals. For more information, visit Parent Support Arizona’s website.
6. Disability Rights Arizona
If a problem occurs, Disability Rights Arizona (DRAZ) is there to help. Their mission is to “protect the rights of people with disabilities,” and they have a department specifically for special education families. DRAZ can provide legal consultation, referrals, representation at IEP meetings, and more. Even if you do not need legal assistance, Disability Rights Arizona’s website is a great resource to utilize. They provide many online guides that clearly explain the special education system and your rights. DRAZ is an excellent resource to help you understand the Procedural Safeguards notice.
7. The Arc Arizona
The Arc Arizona is another disability rights advocacy organization in Arizona. The wonderful thing about The Arc is that they offer support groups. Support groups are a great way to connect with other parents who understand the struggles and the joys of special education. Additionally, support groups often become hubs of wisdom and resources. Visit The Arc Arizona’s website for more details.
8. Facebook Groups
Speaking of support groups, Facebook is a great platform for online support groups. If you do not have time for an in-person support group, connecting with other special education parents in a Facebook group can provide most of the same benefits as a support group. A few Arizona specific Facebook groups worth checking out are: AZ Families Raising Kids with Disabilities, Autism Parents of Arizona, AZ Autism Moms, Arizona+ ADHD Parent Support, and Arizona Dyslexia Support Group.
9. YouTube
If you’re a visual learner, you probably already utilize YouTube as a main source of information. YouTube can be a helpful resource for special education as well! Two special education channels worth checking out are The Center for Parent Information and Resources and The National Center for Learning Disabilities. Both provide helpful videos on the special education system, learning disabilities, and resources available.
10. Understood.org
Lastly, a national resource worth mentioning is Understood.org. Understood’s mission is powerful: everyone deserves to be understood. Their website features hundreds of blogs written by experts that explain learning differences. Understood is a wonderful resource for better understanding what your child is going through and the resources available to them.
Arizona Special Education Resource Recap
Advocating for your child is not an easy task, but you are doing it! In the midst of everything you are balancing, remember to take a moment to be proud of the work you are doing. We hope the above resources remind you that you have options for help. Arizona parents have access to multiple advocacy organizations, a great parent center, online tools, and support groups. Save the resources listed and keep up the good work!
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