This manual for parents of children and youth with handicapping conditions presents an overview of the special education process in New York State. Part 1, after a brief history of legislation since 1960 which established public education rights for students with handicaps, briefly describes regular education and its interaction with special education. There follows an overview of the special education process in New York State and a detailed chapter discussing each of the seven steps involved in the process: (1) referral; (2) evaluation; (3) recommendation and initiation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP); (4) implementation; (5) the IEP planning conference; (6) the annual IEP review; and (7) triennial evaluation. Due process rights at each stage are explained, and a separate chapter summarizes these rights. A discussion of factors to be considered in planning for the child's future includes occupational education, rehabilitation services, employment and independence, postsecondary education, aging-out, sources of assistance, and financial planning. A resource list of 11 New York State departments or agencies is provided. Part 2 provides ideas and suggestions for parent participation in the educational process in the form of checklists, sample forms, record keeping ideas, and suggestions for parent-school cooperation. Also included is a timeline and sources of assistance for planning beyond high school and a list of frequently used acronyms. (BRM)