Questions And Answers On Mediation Question What Is Mediation 1

This document provides answers to 17 questions about mediation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It defines mediation as a voluntary process that brings parties with a dispute to confidentially discuss issues with a neutral third party mediator with the goal of resolving disputes in a written agreement. Key differences between mediation and due process hearings are outlined. The benefits of mediation include potentially lower costs and increased commitment to agreements from developing own remedies. Public agencies cannot require parents to participate in mediation, and mediation discussions are generally confidential.