Montana Guides
United States-Wide Guides
These apply to all families of children with disabilities in United States:
General Resources
These guides work no matter where you live:
Articles for Montana
How to File an OPI State Complaint for Special Education in Montana Without a Lawyer
Step-by-step guide to filing a state complaint with Montana's Office of Public Instruction for IEP violations — no attorney required, no filing fee, 6…
Best Transition Resource for Parents of Teens with Significant Support Needs
Why transition planning is hardest for families of teens with autism, I/DD, and complex medical needs — and what a comprehensive resource must cover.
How to Prepare for the SSI Age-18 Redetermination Without a Benefits Planner
Step-by-step preparation for the SSI age-18 redetermination: documentation strategy, the 10-day appeal window, and what to do if you can't afford a pr…
Best Way to Prepare for an IEP Eligibility Meeting Using Evaluation Data
How to use your child's evaluation scores — WISC-V, Woodcock-Johnson, BASC-3 — to prepare specific, data-backed arguments for the eligibility meeting …
Best Special Education Rights Resource for Parents Who Can't Afford an Attorney
The best special education resources for parents who can't afford a $300-$700/hour attorney. Free and low-cost options for enforcing your child's IDEA…
How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting in Montana Without an Advocate
Step-by-step preparation guide for Montana parents attending IEP meetings alone — what to bring, what to say, and how to cite ARM and MCA at the table…
How to Plan for Life After High School with a Disability Without a Transition Consultant
You don't need a $125/hour consultant to navigate SSI, Medicaid waivers, and VR services. Here's the DIY approach that covers 90% of the work.
Special Education Rights Guide vs Hiring an Advocate: Which Do You Need First?
Compare using a special education rights guide versus hiring an advocate. Learn when each option makes sense, what they cost, and which gives you the …
Best Special Education Dispute Tool for Montana Parents Who Can't Afford an Advocate
The best advocacy tools for Montana parents who need to fight IEP disputes without paying $125-$400/hour for an advocate or attorney — ranked by cost …
Best Resource to Understand Your Child's Evaluation Report Before the IEP Meeting
Your child's eligibility meeting is this week. Here's the fastest way to understand the evaluation report — scores, scatter, and eligibility — before …