When disputes arise regarding educational services for children with disabilities, WDE offers an impartial system for resolving those disputes in an equitable manner. The Wyoming system includes: mediation, state complaint, and due process hearing options. More information about each of these processes can be found in the Quick Guide to Special Education Dispute Resolution Processes or WDE Dispute Resolution Comparison Chart.
Processes for resolving disputes are guaranteed to Wyoming families of children ages 3 to 21 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 34 CFR §§300.151 through 154, §§300.506 through 300.508, and Chapter 7 Wyoming Education Rules Governing Children with Disabilities, Section 7. The Wyoming Department of Education is required by federal regulations and state rule to investigate alleged violations of the IDEA. Dispute resolution options are explained in the Notice of Procedural Safeguards, provided at least annually to parents of children ages 3-21 by school districts and other local education agencies.
All requests for mediation, state complaints, and due process must be filed with WDE by mail or faxed to:
State Director of Special Education
WDE Special Education Programs Division
122 W. 25th St. Suite E200
Cheyenne, Wyoming 82002
Phone: (307) 777-2961
FAX: (307) 777-6234
Or email to: wde-disputeinbox@wyo.gov
Due Process Hearing Decisions
Pursuant to 34 CFR §300.513(d), WDE must, after deleting any personally identifiable information, transmit the findings and decisions of Due Process Hearings to the Wyoming Advisory Panel for Students with Disabilities (WAPSD), and make those findings available to the public. The information provided through this public reporting increases transparency, accountability, and provides districts with an opportunity to apply that information to improve outcomes for all children with disabilities served under IDEA.
State Complaint Investigation Decision Summaries
The WDE makes complaint investigation decisions available to the public upon request; however, all decisions will be redacted to remove any personally identifiable information of the student and the student’s parent/guardian. To request a copy, please send a request to Linda Finnerty at linda.finnerty@wyo.gov or fax (307) 777-6234. If making your request via email or fax, please include your first and last name, address, phone number, and title/organization (if applicable).
