News
Back to School: Know Your Rights
August 26, 2026
As students across South Carolina head back to school, it is a good time for students with disabilities and their families to review their rights and make sure they have the supports they need for a successful school year.
Disability Rights South Carolina has an extensive collection of education resources to help students and families understand special education, Section 504, transition planning, discipline, assistive technology, and other education-related rights.
A Few Back-to-School Rights to Know
Know your IEP rights.
If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), the school must provide the services and supports listed in the plan. Parents can request an IEP meeting when they have concerns or believe the IEP needs to be reviewed or changed.
Behavior can be a sign that a student needs more support.
Going back to school can bring changes in routines, expectations, and sensory demands that may lead to increased behavioral challenges for some students with disabilities. If behavior is affecting a student’s ability to learn, parents can request an IEP meeting and ask to review the student’s supports and consider whether a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) or changes to the IEP or behavior intervention plan are needed.
Transition planning can help students prepare for life after high school.
For students 13 and older receiving special education services, transition planning should help prepare them for life after high school, including education, employment, and independent living. Our Life After School guide can help students and families learn more about planning for life after high school.
Students have the right to participate in their education.
Students with disabilities should be included in school activities and provided the supports they need to participate. As students get older, they should also have opportunities to participate in decisions about their education and future.
Parents and students can ask questions and speak up.
If services are not being provided or a student is struggling, families can request an IEP meeting, ask for evaluations, discuss accommodations, or use dispute resolution processes.
More Education Resources from DRSC
Every student’s needs are different, and education rights can be complicated. Our resource library provides information to help students and families better understand their rights and take action when problems arise.
Know your rights. Know your options. Know where to turn.
Explore DRSC’s Education Resources