Sound Options Group provides mediation services for special education, dissolution, and workplace disputes. Mediation is an informal, voluntary and confidential process. A mediation session gives disputants an opportunity to present their views and learn about the other side's perspective. The mediator works as an impartial facilitator to help the parties clarify issues, make decisions and build mutual agreements.

Special Education Mediation

Sound Options Group, LLC serves as the Administrative Agent to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction for Washington State to provide mediation services under Part B of the IDEA. We also serve in a similar capacity to the Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program of the Department of Social and Health Services providing mediation under Part C of the IDEA.

IDEA mediation services are available at no charge to parents, school districts, lead agencies or service providers. Mediations occur statewide at locations that are mutually acceptable to the participants.

Mediation is a voluntary process for the parents and school districts to resolve problems that involve the initial identification of a student, evaluations of the student, the educational placement, and the educational services provided to a student (FAPE). Parents and school districts may invite any participants they believe will assist in the mediation. Either the district or the parent may refuse to mediate, and there are occasions when parties are not able to reach an agreement. Mediation may not be used to delay or deny rights under IDEA or the right to proceed to a due process hearing. When parties reach an agreement, those agreements are in writing and are enforceable in state and federal courts.

To learn more about the process, download and read:

• Mediation in Special Education: Parents and School Systems Working Together.
• Preparing for Your Special Education Mediation

For more information, contact Karen Davis at karend@somtg.com or call us at 206-842-2298 (Seattle) or 1-800-692-2540 (statewide).

Sound Options Group serves as a Senior Consultant to the Consortium for the Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE). We have consulted nationally on the development of statewide special education dispute resolution systems design and professional development. Sound Options Group offers a range of training and professional development opportunities focused on building skills for effective collaboration within IDEA.

 

Workplace Mediation

Sound Options Group mediators work with clients from both public and private sectors to resolve workplace disputes. We help clients assess their readiness for mediation and intervene in conflict between:

• individuals;
• groups, teams, or departments;
• labor and management.

Sometimes groups or teams have conflict issues that require a more flexible structure than formal mediation affords. We draw on our experience as mediators and trainers to provide team building opportunities to groups in conflict within a safe, structured experience.