Welcome to the

New York State

Special Education Dispute Resolution Center

The Special Education Dispute Resolution Center (SEDRC) provides information, training, and access to mediation to help resolve special education conflicts. We serve parents, guardians, school district personnel, advocates, and special education mediators.

Special education mediation encourages schools and families to work together in a way that supports the well-being and educational success of the student. During mediation, a neutral person who is trained in mediation skills helps people in conflict talk through their issues. The mediator supports families and district personnel to hear one another, surface concerns and needs, and think through options together to create solutions for the child and their special education needs.


Mediation provides a safe place to talk,  is free, voluntary, and confidential. Mediators do not take sides, do not provide legal advice, do not make decisions on behalf of the parties, and do not impose solutions. Instead, they support the parties in making their own decisions and finding solutions that work for the child.

How do I request mediation?

To decide if mediation is right for you, call the Special Education Dispute Resolution Center (SEDRC) at 1-855-RESOLVE (1-855-737-6583) or email us at info@osedisputeresolution.org. 


You may also use the Special Education Mediation Form. This form is available in multiple languages on the New York State Education Department's (NYSED) special education mediation website.


While its use is not required, the form can help you think through the issues in dispute and consider ideas for how to solve the problems that are leading to conflict. 


Mediation Request Form

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What issues can be brought to mediation?

  • Identification/Classification;
  • Evaluation;
  • Recommendations for special education services;
  • Educational placement;
  • Disciplinary actions for a student with a disability; 
  • Attorney's fees; and/or
  • Other matters arising under Federal and State Special Education Law and Regulations that may not be the subject of a due process hearing request.

When can I use mediation?

Mediation can be used any time a neutral person could help with communication. Even if one of the parties has already filed a request for an impartial hearing or a State complaint, mediation can be requested. The sooner an issue is brought to the mediation table, the better the outcome for all involved—most importantly the student.


If you are considering mediation to solve a disagreement, you can get more information and help by calling 1-855-RESOLVE (1-855-737-6583) or emailing us at info@osedisputeresolution.org. 

Comments from those who have mediated:


  • "The mediator fully and thoroughly discussed all options and took a very serious approach to our concerns."
  • "I found the meeting very helpful and we all are on the same page in the best interest of our child."
  • "The mediator was an insightful listener with a solid understanding of the issue."
  • "The mediation was very focused with no wasted time. All in attendance were able to be heard."