Understanding Your Rights:
A Parent’s Guide to IDEA
and Procedural Safeguards
David Heuvelman, Esq.
Tuesday
September 29, 2026
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Westport Library
Board Room (Second Floor)
20 Jesup Road
Westport
Your child is entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). When do your rights apply? What can you do when concerns arise? How can you advocate effectively for your child?
Attorney David Heuvelman will use Connecticut’s Procedural Safeguards as a practical roadmap to help you understand your rights and become a more confident participant in your child’s special education journey. You will learn about key protections and processes in clear, practical terms, including:
- Your right to participate in decisions about your child’s education;
- Evaluations and reevaluations;
- Independent educational evaluations (IEEs);
- Parental and guardian consent;
- Prior written notice;
- Access to and confidentiality of educational records;
- Mediation and other dispute-resolution options;
- Due process hearings and Conecticut state complaints; and
- Protections involving discipline and educational placement.
View the Presentation Slides
More About About David Heuvelman
Presented by SPED*NET in partnership with Westport Special Education Empowerment Network (SEEN)
SPED*NET does not provide legal advice or medical/psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material in this presentation is provided for educational purposes only.
Understanding Your Rights:
A Parent’s Guide to IDEA
and Procedural Safeguards
David Heuvelman, Esq.
Tuesday
September 29, 2026
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Westport Library
Board Room (Second Floor)
20 Jesup Road
Westport
Your child is entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). When do your rights apply? What can you do when concerns arise? How can you advocate effectively for your child?
Attorney David Heuvelman will use Connecticut’s Procedural Safeguards as a practical roadmap to help you understand your rights and become a more confident participant in your child’s special education journey. You will learn about key protections and processes in clear, practical terms, including:
- Your right to participate in decisions about your child’s education;
- Evaluations and reevaluations;
- Independent educational evaluations (IEEs);
- Parental and guardian consent;
- Prior written notice;
- Access to and confidentiality of educational records;
- Mediation and other dispute-resolution options;
- Due process hearings and Conecticut state complaints; and
- Protections involving discipline and educational placement.
View the Presentation Slides
More About About David Heuvelman
Presented by SPED*NET in partnership with Westport Special Education Empowerment Network (SEEN)
SPED*NET does not provide legal advice or medical/psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material in this presentation is provided for educational purposes only.
Understanding Your Rights:
A Parent’s Guide to IDEA
and Procedural Safeguards
David Heuvelman, Esq.
Tuesday
September 29, 2026
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Westport Library
Board Room (Second Floor)
20 Jesup Road
Westport
Your child is entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). When do your rights apply? What can you do when concerns arise? How can you advocate effectively for your child?
Attorney David Heuvelman will use Connecticut’s Procedural Safeguards as a practical roadmap to help you understand your rights and become a more confident participant in your child’s special education journey. You will learn about key protections and processes in clear, practical terms, including:
- Your right to participate in decisions about your child’s education;
- Evaluations and reevaluations;
- Independent educational evaluations (IEEs);
- Parental and guardian consent;
- Prior written notice;
- Access to and confidentiality of educational records;
- Mediation and other dispute-resolution options;
- Due process hearings and Conecticut state complaints; and
- Protections involving discipline and educational placement.
View the Presentation Slides
More About About David Heuvelman
Presented by SPED*NET in partnership with Westport Special Education Empowerment Network (SEEN)
SPED*NET does not provide legal advice or medical/psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material in this presentation is provided for educational purposes only.