Queens mediation coordinator outlines free, confidential process for special-education disputes

Karen Rodriguez, the special-education mediation coordinator for Queens, described mediation as a free, voluntary and confidential alternative for families and schools to resolve special-education disagreements.

Rodriguez explained that mediation can be requested by parents, schools or the district, but all parties must agree to participate. “The process is confidential, which means that anything said in the mediation will be not be used in due process, hearing or any other lawsuit,” Rodriguez said.

She outlined the typical intake and scheduling process: an initial intake phone call, coordination with the district or school to ensure appropriate participants attend, and a mediation session that usually lasts about an hour but can run longer. Agreements reached in mediation are written during the session and are not binding until signed by all parties; parties may decline to sign and pursue an impartial hearing instead.

Rodriguez encouraged parents to contact the impartial hearing office or her directly to start mediation and said mediators do not provide legal advice or act as judges; the role is to facilitate communication and restore working relationships. “It is a way to restore damaged relationships,” she said.