
Who Should Choose Alternative Dispute Resolution?
The design of ADR is for families and districts to work together, creating solutions for a mutually agreeable outcome that supports and strengthens the relationship. In ADR, a family does not have to hire an advocate or attorney to have a voice in resolving disagreements.
Why Choose Alternative Dispute Resolution?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) intended the IEP process to be non-adversarial. ADR keeps the decision-making in the hands of the family and the district and supports the team in moving forward, maintaining the focus on the needs of the child. Special education/IEP agreements are more effective when families and schools develop their solutions rather than abide by an agreement imposed by a third party.