If a child’s ADHD or psychological condition severely affects their ability to learn, you can request a special education evaluation and it is possible that the child may qualify under the category of Other Health Impaired.
Think of this as our online Parent Consultant. Here we try to answer as many common questions as come to mind. Hopefully this acts as a big time-saver for many parents and yet an indispensable tool for years and years.
A place where you’ll find answers to common questions from people who have walked in your shoes. Our goal is to save you time, ease stress, and give you the tools you need to feel confident in supporting your child. Whether you’re here for quick information or guidance for the long haul, we’re here for you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
If you don’t find the support or information you’re looking for, please give us a call, we’re always happy to help.
Rowell Family Empowerment is a non-profit organization that provides direct support and services to individuals with disabilities.
The biggest difference is: We’re parents, too. We’ve been there – and in many cases, we’re still there. We’re not on the outside looking in; nearly everyone at Rowell has a child with a disability or a close connection to someone who does. This lived experience shapes everything we do. It means we listen differently, advocate with heart, and offer guidance grounded in real-life understanding.
We serve the Far Northern California region including the following counties: Butte, Glenn, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity counties.
Yes, we can attend your child’s IEP meeting in-person, virtual, or by phone if given ample notice. Attendance is not guaranteed if a parent consultant is not available. We are here to support you and prepare you for your meeting if we cannot attend.
No, our services are provided free of charge. We are funded through grants and contracts to serve families in our catchment areas.
No, but we can guide you to relevant regulations such as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), The Lanterman Act, or other resources to help you better understand your rights and options.
We are still here to help! If you have concerns about your child’s development, behavior, or learning, we are here to support you and family’s needs.
We serve birth through the lifespan in a variety of ways.
If you suspect your child has a learning disability and needs additional support to be successful, you must first request to have him/her evaluated in writing and submit that to the child’s teacher
Referral → Assessment plan (15 days) → Evaluation & IEP meeting (within 60 days of consent) → Services begin upon parent consent → Annual review (12 months) → Reevaluation (every 3 years).
Yes. It is completely reasonable to request a copy of the proposed IEP to take home and review more carefully. We will even review with you if necessary. Your child will continue to receive their current special education services and remain in their current placement while you review the document within a reasonable time.
Yes. If you need an interpreter to participate at the IEP meeting, one must be provided at no expense to the parent. In addition, you are entitled to a copy of your child’s IEP in your primary language.
A 504 plan is for students who do not need special education services but do need accommodations or modifications to help them succeed in the general education classroom.
504 plans fall under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a civil rights law. IEPs are part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
If you feel your child needs more support, you can request an IEP meeting anytime. Working together with your school team is often the best path forward. Schools are required by law to provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). If you can’t agree with the team, the next steps may include district-level discussion, medication, or due process – but most issues can be resolved early.
Yes, but a manifestation determination meeting must be held by the IEP team to determine if the incident was a direct result of the student’s disability. If the IEP team determines that it was caused by the child’s disability, he/she cannot be expelled.
If your child has an IEP, request a meeting with your IEP team. Sometimes the teacher may need additional guidance regarding the implementation of accommodations and modifications as listed on the IEP.
Janeth moved to Redding when she was 13 from the Bay Area. She the second oldest of seven kids and from a young age she has helped translate for her mom. Janeth previously worked as a CNA for 4 years before she started to learn about Rowell which then led her to work for her sister, Jasmin, as well as caring for other adults with disabilities who she has grown close with them and their families. She has always found myself wanting to help people so she’s happy to be able to continue with that here at Rowell. Outside of everything, Janeth enjoys trying new foods, whether that be cooking at home or trying a new restaurant. She loves to go thrifting and being on the hunt for good pieces to be re-loved. Her all-time favorite pastime is to just be at home watching musicals and singing her heart out on the couch.
