Office for Dispute Resolution

09/11/2026

Special education can come with a lot of questions.

ConsultLine provides free, confidential information to parents and advocates of children with special needs or children who may need special education services.

ConsultLine specialists can explain special education laws, procedural safeguards, available options, and other resources that may be helpful.

📱 1-800-879-2301
https://odr-pa.org/consultline/

Contact ConsultLine ConsultLine is a toll-free information help line for families and advocates of children with disabilities who have questions or concerns about the education of a school-aged child. ConsultLine specialists answer questions and provide information about special education, gifted ed...

09/08/2026

What role does an IEP facilitator play?

When families and schools both agree to IEP facilitation, a neutral facilitator joins the meeting to support communication and help keep the discussion focused.

The facilitator does not make decisions for the IEP team, and all required responsibilities of the school remain in place.

Learn more: https://odr-pa.org/facilitation/iep-ifsp-facilitation/

09/03/2026

Understanding your rights is an important part of navigating special education.

Pennsylvania's Procedural Safeguards Notice explains the rights of parents of children receiving special education and the procedures in place to protect those rights under state and federal law.

The notice includes information related to IDEA, FAPE, evaluations, confidentiality, dispute resolution processes, and more. ODR also provides videos and an audio recording to help families better understand the information.

Explore the Procedural Safeguards Notice and available resources: https://odr-pa.org/parent-resources/procedural-safeguards-notice/

The Procedural Safeguards Notice The Procedural Safeguards Notice describes the rights of a parent of a child with a disability and the procedures that safeguard those rights under state and federal special education law, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, commonly referred t...

08/29/2026

Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming meeting or simply have questions about special education or gifted education, ConsultLine is here to help.

Families can call to receive free, confidential information about rights, processes, and available dispute resolution options.

🔗 https://odr-pa.org/consultline/
📱 1-800-879-2301

Contact ConsultLine ConsultLine is a toll-free information help line for families and advocates of children with disabilities who have questions or concerns about the education of a school-aged child. ConsultLine specialists answer questions and provide information about special education, gifted ed...

08/25/2026

Looking for information you can review on your own time?

ODR’s Family Resource Library includes publications covering special education rights, dispute resolution processes, procedural safeguards, and more.

Browse our available resources:

The pages in this section contain information and resources that may help you to navigate special education procedures and to better understand the different special education dispute resolution options. If, at any point, you would like to speak with a live person, please contact the Special Educati...

08/21/2026

Mediation provides families and schools with an opportunity to have guided conversations in a confidential setting.

Participation is voluntary, and a trained, impartial mediator helps facilitate discussion while remaining neutral throughout the process.

Learn more: https://odr-pa.org/mediation/

The Office for Dispute Resolution Providing Resources For Parents and Educators The Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) provides the resources for families and educational agencies to resolve educational disputes for children served by the early intervention system, students who are gifted (or thoug...

08/18/2026

Every situation is different, which is why ODR offers a range of dispute resolution processes.

Some services are designed to support communication early, while others are available when concerns become more formal.

Learning about each process can help families and schools better understand the options available.

🔗 https://odr-pa.org/services/

08/14/2026

If a due process complaint has been filed, families and schools may choose to participate in Resolution Meeting Facilitation.

This voluntary service provides a neutral facilitator who helps guide the conversation during the resolution meeting. The facilitator does not make decisions or determine outcomes.

Learn more about Resolution Meeting Facilitation: https://odr-pa.org/facilitation/resolution-meeting-facilitation/

08/11/2026

If questions or disagreements arise regarding a student's gifted education, it's helpful to understand the dispute resolution processes available.

ODR provides information about gifted education dispute resolution in Pennsylvania, including facilitation, mediation, and due process hearings.

Learn more: https://odr-pa.org/due-process/gifted-education/

08/07/2026

Register for ODR’s free Conflict Resolution Skills for Schools and Families training webinar.

Participants will explore:
• Conflict management styles
• Conflict resolution strategies
• Effective conflict engagement across settings

✅ Act 48 credits available

📅 August 19
🕐 1:00–4:00 PM

Register here: https://www.pattan.net/Events/Webinar/Course-3085/Events/Session-43021