Exceptional Ed Phone:  770-606-5800
Exceptional Ed Fax: 770-606-5858

General Info
The Department of Exceptional Education offers comprehensive Special Education services to students ages three through twenty-one who are eligible for special education and related services according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The department assists in the assessment process for determining special education eligibility.
A full continuum of services is available, ranging from the least restrictive to more restrictive environments, depending on the specific needs of the student. The department also supports schools in ensuring students with disabilities appropriately access the Common Core Performance Standards and provides specialized instruction as determined necessary by the individualized education plan (IEP).
In collaboration with students, schools, families, and the community, the Department of Exceptional Education assists students with disabilities in increasing academic performance and enhancing postsecondary options

Department for Exceptional Education
Tania Amerson, Executive Director of Exceptional Education
Melissa Martin, Administrative Assistant

Central Office Staff List    

Department for Exceptional Education
School Lead Teacher Contact List           

Special Education Program Areas
BCSS provides  educational services for students who meet the eligibility criteria established  by the Georgia Department of Education for the following areas of  exceptionality: 

• Autism

• Deaf/Blind

• Deaf/Hard of Hearing

• Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

• Intellectual  Disabilities

• Orthopedic Impairments

• Other Health Impairments

• Significant Developmental Delays

• Specific Learning Disabilities

• Speech and  Language Impairments

• Traumatic Brain Injuries

• Visual Impairments and Blindness

   

Facilitated IEP Meetings

• Facilitated IEP Meeting Webinar.flv

• Facilitated IEP Request Form

• IEP Facilitation Parent Guide

• Informational Brochure

Overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973—Public Law 93-112 of the Social Security Act—is a comprehensive law that addresses the rights of handicapped persons and applies to all agencies receiving federal financial assistance. It applies to a variety of agencies and organizations including preschool, elementary, middle, secondary, vocational, and post-secondary educational programs. Compliance with Section 504 eradicates discrimination against individuals with disabilities while opening doors to a broader range of opportunities for them.
Eliminating barriers to educational programs and services, increasing building accessibility, and establishing equitable employment practices are thoroughly and specifically addressed in Section 504 regulations. The law is based on the same principles underlying the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin) and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (which prohibits discrimination based on sex).

Section 504 states:
No otherwise qualified handicapped individual ... shall, solely by reason of his/her handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prohibit discrimination against handicapped (disabled) persons. All federal, state, and local governments, as well as all public and private schools, are required to fully implement these laws in order to protect the rights of all qualified individuals.
For further information regarding Section 504 eligibility and accommodations for students, please contact the Department of Exceptional Students at 770.606.5800.
Overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 Procedural Safeguards
Notice of Rights of Students and Parents Under Section 504
A Parent's Guide to Section 504 in Public Schools (coming soon)

• Model Procedural Safeguards under Section 504

• Model Section 504 Student Rights

• Overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Additional Program Information

• Exceptional Education Preschool

• Exceptional Education Parent Mentor

• Project Search

• Psychological Services

• Child Find 

Links

• Georgia Department of Education

• US Dept of Education

• GA DOE Parent Right's Video

• BCSS Exceptional Education Facebook Page

Files

• Parent Rights 23-24

• Parent Resource Guide

Covid Guidance Letters