Students with disabilities are entitled to certain protections/supports under 2 federal laws; the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), 2004 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Below are links to various state agencies and organizations that provide in-depth information about special education law/regulations and specialized services available in Arkansas.
Arkansas Department of Education/Special Education – The Arkansas Department of Education is responsible for dispersing funds to local school districts for special education and related services, and they also regulate services. This website contains complete Arkansas regulations and forms that are required for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
Centralized Intake and Referral / Consultant Unified Intervention Team – CIR/CUIT is a regional cadre of special education consultants is available who can assist in interventions for students with sensory disabilities, multiple physical disabilities, behavior, and autism spectrum disorders. Services can be requested by parents, guardians, caregivers, school personnel, or any other concerned party.
Department of Workforce Education/Arkansas Rehabilitation Services – ARS provides services including career and technical education and training, transition from school to work or postsecondary education, on-the-job training, and ancillary support services that clients may need for successful employment.
Mediation Clinic, UALR Bowen School of Law – A free service provided by the Arkansas Department of Education, mediation brings together parents and educators to work with each other to resolve disagreements about a child’s special education needs. Special education mediation is voluntary and confidential.
Disability Rights Arkansas (DRA) – DRA is the federally funded and authorized Protection and Advocacy (P&A) system and Client Assistance Program (CAP) for people with disabilities in Arkansas. DRA is authorized to advocate for and protect human, civil and legal rights of all Arkansans with disabilities consistent with federal law and services are provided free of charge. Disability Rights Arkansas, a nonprofit agency, is independent from state or local government.
Wrightslaw – Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities
Arkansas Legislative Task Force on the Best Practices for Special Education DRAFT Report – The Task For on Best Practices for Special Education has released it’s DRAFT report with recommendations.