Pam Cotrell gives a presentation to parents.

Pam Cotrell, from the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities, spoke to parents and guardians of children with special education needs Tuesday evening at the Knowlton Library.

Cotrell explained and helped answer questions about the parental rights of students with special education needs according to state and federal laws. (Video interview included.)

One parent at the seminar talked about why she attended. "It's overwhelming and I am looking for direction. I don't know where to start." She said that is how she has felt since her daughter was diagnosed as having borderline autism.

Most of the parents at the seminar had children that were about to enter school. 

Cotrell explained to them what the coalition is about.

Watch Pam Cotrell talk about the coalition 

Cotrell said it is helpful for the school, helpful for the parent, and helpful for the student, if the parents know the laws for IEP.

There are Individual Education Programs that can be provided for every child with special education needs. Each program is designed for each individual child that is most appropriate for their needs.

Testing is required to help a team decide what is best for each student.

For more information on IEP and parental rights, call the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities at 1-800-374-2806.

You can also contact the special education director at your local school district.

There is a also a website: www.ode.state.oh.us.