K-12 Special Education Formal Dispute Resolution Options Virtual Summit
Monday, April 20, 2026, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
While navigating special education, concerns and disagreements can arise and impact a student’s education. Some problems can be resolved informally, but others may require formal dispute resolution options. Join the Office of Education Ombuds with Sound Options, OSPI, and Disability Rights of Washington as we discuss the four formal special education dispute resolution options in the K-12 public school system. After their presentations, a panel of community members will share their lived experience.
Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) and ASL will be available. Additional interpretation available upon request. Please request by 4/10/2026. If you have questions, please contact me at 564-669-0323 or by email at tamika.dean@gov.wa.gov.
Event Highlights:
Sound Options - Kristine Sogn and Mindy Hyde discuss Mediation and Facilitation
Sound Options Cadre, LLC serves as the Administrative Agent to OSPI to provide Special Education Mediation and IEP Meeting Facilitation in Washington State
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) - Alyssa Fairbanks discusses Community Complaints
Alyssa Fairbanks serves as the Assistant Director of Special Education Dispute Resolution at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
Disability Rights of Washington - Andrea Kadlec, Staff Attorney and
Nicholle Mineiro, President of Attorneys for Education Rights (AFER) Private Practice discuss Due Process
Disability Rights Washington is a private non-profit organization that protects the rights of people with disabilities statewide
Parent Panel - Parents discuss their lived experience with these processes.
Register:
https://tinyurl.com/Register-for-Virtual-Summit or
https://ofm-wa-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Hg3Kb0pGQQK5cnEd0rVIeA#/registration