Resources

Verifying Information or Filing A Complaint with Board of Education: If you are having difficulty securing services for your child and you are concerned the district may be out of compliance with MA law, there is a Program Quality Assurance (PQA) Representative at the MA Board of Education assigned to cover our district who can answer your questions, intervene with MVYPS if they are out of compliance, or help you file a formal complaint. Contact George Haile at 781-338-3780 or via email at ghaile@doe.mass.edu

Click here for more information about the PQA process.

Federal Law
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Section 504 Regulations

Massachusetts State Law
Chapter 71B, Children with Special Needs

Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE):

Special Education Laws
The IEP Process
Parent’s Notice of Procedural Safeguards (English & translated versions)
Guidance for Special Education Parent Advisory Councils

DESE Special Education Guidance:
Administrative Advisories (all)
Technical Advisories (all)
Discipline

Federation for Children with Special Needs
A Parent’s Guide to Special Education
A Parent’s Guide to Selecting a Special Education Advocate
MassPAC
Transition (ages 14-22)

Evaluations
Types of School Evaluations
Independent Evaluations (IEE)

Advocacy
A Parent’s Guide to Selecting a Special Education Advocate (Federation for Children with Special Needs)
Special Needs Advocacy Network (SPaN)
Massachusetts Advocates for Children
Wrightslaw
SPED Watch

Specific Advisories & Findings
Parental Consent to Access MassHealth (Medicaid)
DESE Best Practices for Considering Needs of a Child with Autism
DESE Finding / IEP and Service Delivery Grid
Bullying Prevention and Intervention
Bullying Prevention Resources

Island Organizations
Island Autism Group
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services
Island Wide Youth Collaborative (IWYC)

Parent Mentor Program
If you are interested in either being a mentor parent for another Island family OR if you would like to be matched with a parent mentor who may be further along in the school system, please fill out a contact form or contact Laura Silber at demolitionlaura(at)gmail.com

Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
It is never too early to apply and go through the eligibility process with DDS. While there is limited funding available until a child reaches adulthood, the process involves a lengthy application plus an in-person intake interview. DDS disability designation entitles your child to local support from Family Support Service coordinator at Community Services. It also entitles your child to MassHealth Disability coverage which can provide additional coverage and benefits for your child no matter who your primary insurance provider is. Kathi Hackett at Community Services can assist you with the application. She also coordinates on-island interviews with DDS. Click here for the online application, or contact Kathi at khackett@mvcommunityservices.com

MassHealth / CommonHealth / Disability supplement
If your child has a disability diagnosis it is well worth your time to apply for MassHealth’s Disability supplement. If you have private insurance you can still apply for MassHealth as a secondary insurer and for a child who qualifies, everything is covered — from doctors’ visits to prescriptions to specialized therapies and equipment. Plus a host of other benefits are available to you, including behavioral therapy and PCA (personal care attendant) funding. **Children already set up with a disability designation from DDS have an easier time getting and keeping Mass Health Disability coverage.** Click here for the online application.

If you need assistance, the Vineyard Health Care Access Program has people on staff who can walk you through the application process. Just call them and make an appointment!

The Autism Insurance Resource Center
Resources for consumers, providers, clinicians, employers, and educators on issues related to medical insurance for autism treatment.