Special Education Resolution Center

As we begin to roll into summer, there are many activities, camps, and resources available for students with disabilities in the state of Oklahoma. Take a peek at some of the resources available to find the best option to meet your child's needs and interests! These are just a few ideas:
• Sooner Success programs
• Camp Bridges
• Camp ClapHans
• Charis Hills Camp
• Discovery Camp
Check out this article by TulsaKids for more inclusive summer camp ideas at https://bit.ly/3PfH82T

SERC hopes you enjoy the summer, making memories with your children!

Over the past several weeks, we’ve focused on several disability categories identified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Our attention has been on the most commonly occurring disability categories in Oklahoma, so our followers should refer to the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Special Education Services Evaluation and Eligibility Handbook at https://bit.ly/48pug09 for additional information and guidance.

The categories help guide how schools determine whether a student is eligible for special education services and what supports may be appropriate. We hope this has been helpful and encourage our followers to reach out with any questions you might have regarding disability categories and how they pertain to eligibility and additional supports.

We end this series around the same time the current school year is wrapping up. Our hope at SERC is this summer will be a time of fun and relaxation for our followers. In the coming weeks, we will be sharing information and tips to help you enjoy the school break and prepare for new learning opportunities in the coming school year. Stay tuned for more!

This week, we highlight autism as one of the disability categories under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Autism refers to a developmental disability that can affect communication, social interaction, and behavior. Students with autism may experience differences in how they learn, interact with others, and respond to their environment. These differences can impact participation and progress in school. In the special education process, this category helps guide evaluation, eligibility, and supports tailored to a student’s individual needs. It should be noted that a medical diagnosis of autism does not automatically meet eligibility criteria under the IDEA category of autism. The team will need to consider how autism affects a student’s educational needs and whether specialized instruction is needed.

More information about Autism as a disability category can be found on pages 40-45 in the Evaluation and Eligibility Handbook published by the Oklahoma State Department of Education Special Education Services at https://bit.ly/48pug09. We invite families and educators to share their experiences related to autism and the supports that have helped students succeed. Reach out to SERC at [email protected] for additional questions.

Más acceso. Más conexión. Más apoyo.

We’re excited to share that several of our SERC resources are now available in Spanish because meaningful participation starts with clear communication and full access. Families can now access Spanish versions of our:
-Agency Overview Flyer (“What Can SERC Do For You”)
-IEP Facilitation Flyer
-Mediation Flyer
-Communication Guidelines
-Asking Questions for Dialogue
-Managing Difficult Emotions

These tools are intended to provide information to families and schools about our agency and collaborative early resolution services, as well as to support stronger, more collaborative IEP meetings para que todas las voces sean escuchadas.

These resources are located on our website at https://bit.ly/3Zp66z3. Explore and share with families and communities who might benefit!