Thus far, mediation has proven to be a viable alternative to due process. It has shown parents and educators that they can work together to find common ground and develop a plan that works best for the student. CEC supports the use of mediation said Nancy Safer, CEC's Executive Director. Mediation offers numerous advantages to all parties concerned, not the least of which is that parents and schools learn to trust each other and work together as they develop an educational plan that is appropriate for the student. We hope to see mediation used more often to resolve disputes concerning children with disabilities.
Mediation is an informal process that is voluntary and confidential.
During mediation, all parties try to understand each other's views and reach an agreement together. Each party is encouraged to speak openly about issues that concern them. As mediations are confidential, what is said cannot be used in a hearing. The only record that is kept of a mediation is a written agreement, if there is one. A hearing is a formal legal proceeding.