If you are not able to find an answer to your question about the mediation process on this website, you may contact Professor Eva Soeka at Eva. Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party assists persons in a dispute to resolve that dispute. Special education mediation is free, voluntary, and confidential. Mediation is facilitated negotiation. A neutral party, a mediator, helps parents and school districts resolve their disputes in an informal meeting.
Mediation is voluntary.
The mediator does not make a decision for the parties, like a judge or a due process hearing officer. When parties resolve all or some of the issues, then they work together to write an agreement. They both sign the agreement. Parties may ask an attorney to review the agreement before signing. If the parties are not comfortable with the agreement, they should not sign it.