Basic Resources for Special Education

Disability Categories and Resources

All Ohio school districts are required to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for children with disabilities in accordance to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures that all children with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment and independent living.

Click here for a detailed description of each of the 13 categories of special education as defined by IDEA.

13 Disability Categories - Explanations and Info

Below are links to some resources organized by the categories of eligibility for special education. Please note: If you click on the specific disability word, it will take you directly to that disability webpage on the Ohio Department of Education website which gives you even further information.

Ohio Parent Mentor Project Website: Special Education Resources and Information

Special Education Resources
Overviews of every major stage of the special education process.

Ohio Parent Mentor Project Special Education Resource Library

Ohio Parent Mentor Project Special Education Resource Library
We know that navigating the vast world of education can feel overwhelming at times. The resource library is a continuously growing collection of tools and information to support you along the journey.

ODE Families of Students with Disabilities Resource Page

ODE Families of Students with Disabilities Resource Page
In Summer 2022, the Ohio Department of Education launched a new website with valuable information and resources to further support family members of students with disabilities.

Ohio Important Resources

Ohio Department of Education: Special Education

A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education

Ohio Department of Education

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities

Ohio Parent Mentor Project Links to Supporting Agencies

Ohio Parent Mentor Project Supporting Agencies List
Organizations to support you and your child through education and beyond.

County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Getting Help from Geauga/Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities Tool Kit
Milestones created a great checklist/tool kit to help guide you through the process of accessing the services for your child through the County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Can be used for both Geauga and Lake Counties.

Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (GCBDD)

Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD)

Special Education Tool Kits from Milestones

Special Education Tool Kits from Milestones
Milestones Autism Resources developed great Tool Kits to pinpoint more detailed answers and additional suggested resources for a variety of special education topics and age-related stages of services and milestones.

First Diagnosis Tool Kit

School-Related Tool Kit

Homework Tool Kit

Visual Supports Tool Kit

Toilet Training Tool Kit

Travel Tips Tool Kit

Sleep Tool Kit

Post-Secondary/College Tool Kit

Mental Health Tool Kit

Guardianship Tool Kit

Getting Help From the Ohio DoDD Tool Kit

Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit

Camp, Social & Recreation Tool Kit

Afterschool Activities & Independent Leisure Skills Tool Kit

Resource Center by Milestones

Resource Center by Milestones Autism Reources
Milestones Resource Center features a huge variety of educational, therapeutic, medical, and recreational resources with a special focus on resources in Ohio.