Modifications to the regulations governing the Individuals with Disabilities Act will allow parents to decline special education services and clarify who can have non-attorney representation.

The new rules, which take effect December 31, make it such that parents can request in writing that their child no longer receive special education services. Under such circumstances, the student will be treated as a general education student and lose protections provided under IDEA. However, if parents later want to request a reevaluation for special education services, they may.

Also, the rules say that state law will determine whether or not parents may be represented by a non-attorney at due process hearings. 

To read more from the new rules published in the Federal Register click here.

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