Parents Need to Know

• Issues: Claim of discrimination based on disability
• Who is usually involved: Parent(s), organization, or any citizen, local 504 Officer, Office for Civil Rights (Region V Chicago)
• Decision maker(s): Office for Civil Rights (Region V Chicago) Hearing officer
• Timeline: File within 180 calendar days of violation
• Cost (parent pays): None

Points of Interest

• Can determine discrimination based on disability
• Office of Civil Rights (OCR) does not handle cases that are being addressed by another agency or within the school grievance procedure
• You have 60 days to refile your complaint with OCR once the other process is completed
• OCR does not represent parties or provide advice if the issues go to a court hearing
• Provides for an impartial 504 hearing but details aren’t provided; decision can be appealed within 60 days of OCR’s determination

Resources

• Minnesota Administrative Rules: 3525.3700 Conciliation Conference
• Minnesota Statutes: 125A.091 Alternative Dispute Resolution and Due Process Hearings