Special Education
HETAC Resources
Addressing the Needs of Students Experiencing Homelessness Who Have Disabilities
This HETAC tip sheet provides basic information about the homeless education and special education programs, including their authorizing statutes and supports provided to eligible students; explores the intersection of policy and practice when supporting children experiencing homelessness who have a disability; and shares resources for more information.
Addressing the Needs of Students Experiencing Homelessness Who Have Disabilities (archived webinar)
This April 2023 HETAC webinar focuses on the educational rights of students experiencing homelessness who have disabilities. Learn about navigating the intersections between the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including related to immediate enrollment, school selection, continuity of education, unaccompanied youth, surrogate parents, transportation, and dispute resolution.
OTHER Resources
California Department of Education: Special Education webpage
This California Department of Education webpage shares information and resources to help equip schools to address the unique needs California's students with special education needs. The webpage addresses a variety of topics related to special education administration, including data collection and reporting, family involvement, laws and regulations, and post-secondary transition planning.
This U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Program's website shares a wide range of research-based products, publications, and resources to assist states, local district personnel, and families to improve results for students with disabilities.
National Center for Homeless Education: Special Education webpage
This National Center for Homeless Education webpage provides informational and practical resources on supporting students experiencing homelessness who have special education needs.
National Association of State Directors of Special Education website
Founded in 1938, the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) is a premier membership organization that supports state leaders of special education throughout the United States and its territories. NASDSE's website provides informational and practical resources — including issue briefs, a guide to disability rights law, and resources on online learning — on supporting students with disabilities.
National Center for Learning Disabilities website
The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) works every day to make meaningful change for individuals with learning and attention issues. The NCLD website shares about NCLD's work and provides a variety of resources and publications in support of addressing the needs of learners with disabilities.
Unlocking Potential: What Educators Need to Know About Homelessness and Special Education
This issue brief from Virginia's Project HOPE provides school personnel with the information they need to enroll, promote the attendance of, and ensure the success of students with disabilities who are experiencing homelessness.
Unlocking Potential: What Families and Shelters Need to Know About Homelessness and Special Education
This issue brief from Virginia's Project HOPE provides families experiencing homelessness and service providers who work with these families an overview of the special education process. It includes a table outlining the steps in the special education eligibility process and what families and service providers can do to make the process easier, resources to assist families or youth when special education services are being pursued, and definitions of words commonly used by educators and local homeless education liaisons.