Overview

DRM’s Education Workgroup is primarily focused on increasing opportunities for children with disabilities in K-12 public schools and ensuring their access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). On occasion, our work may extend to other education providers such as adult education, vocational programs, and universities. It is our mission to improve special education outcomes and educational equality through our advocacy and legal efforts.

DRM believes a student’s future depends on their educational experience. To this end, we advocate on behalf of your child to ensure educational programs are meeting their legal obligations under federal and state laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Article X of the Montana Constitution.

Eligibility

To qualify for DRM services, a student must experience a qualifying disability and meet DRM’s Education Unit objectives and priorities, which change from year to year. The cases we accept are also impacted by our resources and staffing at the time the case comes in.

Request Services

Education Intake Questionnaire

It is helpful if you fill out DRM’s Education Intake Questionnaire before calling or soon after submitting a Request for Service Form as noted above, so you have the information available when an Advocacy Specialist contacts you. If you need assistance filling out the Education Intake Questionnaire, one of our intake specialists would be happy to help by calling 1-800-245-4743 or 406-449-2344.

The Education section of the DRM website was supported in part by a generous grant from the Montana Justice Foundation.

Disclaimer

This site provides general information only and is not intended to provide exhaustive manual to education law.  Education law is complicated and comes from a combination of federal and state law and regulations, court interpretations of law and regulation, and administrative agency guidance. The law is complex and changes all the time, therefore there is no guarantee that information on this site is accurate, complete or applicable in your specific situation.  

The facts of each case are unique and how the law applies in any situation depends on the particular facts of the case. For legal advice about specific facts you should consult with an attorney licensed to practice law in your area. 

Nothing on this site should be relied on as legal advice, as a substitute for consultation with an attorney or the exercise of sound, independent judgment by the user. If you have any questions about anything on this site, you should consult an attorney. Use of the site does not create or imply an attorney-client relationship or consent to provide any legal or advocacy services by Disability Rights Montana. 

Disability Rights Montana shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity regarding any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained on this site. If you do not wish to be bound by the disclaimer, please exit this site now.