NEW! A workshop on special education - Second Monday of the Month

"Understanding Special Education" is an overview of the special education process, Section 504 and IDEA laws.

Where: Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), 2212 Sixth St, Berkeley, CA
Date: Second Monday of the month
Time: 6:30 to 9:00 (Pizza and salad included!)
Contact: Tyler Zoanni at tzoanni@dredf.org or 510-644-2555 ext. 227

 

NEW! IEP CLINIC – Third Tuesday of Every Month

DREDF holds a free Individual Education Program (IEP) clinic once a month for parents who want help strategizing and preparing for an upcoming IEP meeting. Appointments are required. Call or email Tyler Zoanni at 510-644-2555 ext. 227 or tzoanni@dredf.org

Where: Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), 2212 Sixth St, Berkeley, CA
Date: Third Tuesday of Every Month
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (30 minute appointments)
Contact: Tyler Zoanni at tzoanni@dredf.org or 510-644-2555 ext. 227

 

 

Parent Training and Information Center

DREDF is a Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) funded by the US Department of Education. PTIs serve families of children and young adults from birth to age 22 with all disabilities: physical, cognitive, emotional, and learning. They help families:

  • Obtain appropriate education and services for their children with disabilities

  • Work to improve education results for all children

  • Train and inform parents and professionals on a variety of topics

  • Resolve problems between families and schools or other agencies

  • Connect children with disabilities to community resources that address their needs

DREDF is the PTI for Alameda, Contra Costa, and Yolo counties in Northern California. Our parent advocates provide technical assistance to parents in order to help guide them through the special education process. If you live in these counties and have a child with a disability (0-26 years) or suspect your child may have an undiagnosed disability, you can call a parent advocate at DREDF for assistance: 800-348-4232 (voice/TTY), or email iephelp@dredf.org.

Visit our Local Resources page for information on special education services in our service (Alameda, Contra Costa an Yolo counties) area.

If you live in California, find the PTI that serves your area here.

If you live outside of California service area, go to the National Parent Centers Alliance to find the PTI or Community Parent Resource Center nearest to you.

Our Special Education Resource has links to dozens of websites with detailed information on many topics in special education.

Workshops on Special Education (as of October 30, 2007)

DREDF's education advocates provide workshops for parents and professionals throughout the year. If you are a member of an organization or parent group who is interested in hosting a workshop, call DREDF at 800-348-4232 voice/TTY and ask to speak to an education advocate to schedule a training. The following topics are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin and other languages upon request (A downloadable list is available here)

 

Special Education Process

The special education process follows the guidelines of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

 

Diabetes and Other Health Issues in School

Children with diabetes and other chronic illnesses often face challenges in receiving appropriate care and accommodations at school. DREDF, along with the American Diabetes Association, has developed a sample 504 Plan and a sample Health Plan for parents to use as a model when creating individualized plans for their own children.