Parent to Parent Training: DEAF ACCESS Washington in cooperation with Washington State Parents are Vital in Education (PAVE), provides education and training to parent and student to help them understand their right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under 34 CFR Part 300 the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and WAC 392-172 Rules for the Provision of Special Education to Special Education Students in Washington State.

FAPE: Under IDEA a “Free Appropriate Public Education” (FAPE) consists of instruction that is specially designed to meet the needs of the student, along with whatever support services are necessary to permit him to benefit from that instruction. The instruction and support must be provided at public expense and under public supervision. They must meet the State's educational standards, appropriate to grade levels used in the State's general education system and comport with the child's IEP. Every eligible special education student between the ages three and twenty-one have the right to receive a FAPE.

Section 504: S ection 504 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Section 504 ensures that the child with a disability has equal access to an education. The child may receive accommodations and modifications such as a sign language interpreter, wheelchair access, material provided in brail, healthcare and other accommodations.

Unlike the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 does not require a school to provide an individualized educational program (IEP) that is designed to meet the child's unique needs and provides the child with educational benefit. Fewer procedural safeguards are available for disabled children and their parents under Section 504 than under IDEA.

WAC 392-172: The purposes of this chapter are to: Implement chapter 28A.155 RCW consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 United States Code section 1400 et seq., ensure that all special education students as defined in this chapter have available a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for employment and independent living.

Ensure that the rights of special education students and their parents are protected; assist school districts and other public agencies to provide special education and related services; and assess and ensure effectiveness of the public agencies responsible for providing special education pursuant to chapter 28A.155 RCW, including state residential education programs established and operated pursuant to chapter 28A.190 RCW, state schools for the deaf and blind established and operated pursuant to chapter 72.40 RCW, and education programs for juvenile inmates established and operated pursuant to chapter 28A.193 RCW.

Program components include; conducting workshops for parents and others on the laws governing special education, testing and assessments, and discipline. Attending with parents and students, IEP meeting, 504 planning meetings and providing education and assistance with other topics as needed.

Interested persons may contact Washington PAVE , or e-mail DEAF ACCESS Washington by using the form on our CONTACT US page .