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I am just trying to figure out how to live stream in the forums...which I have been told I can do. So don't mind me, if you see me popping in and out, and this thread will be deleted once I figure it out.

In Ohio, the school or parents can request mediation or facilitation (by calling 877-644-6338 or emailing OECMediationFacilitation@education.ohio.gov), but both parties have to agree to participate in it. Usually ODE will send bios of around 3 mediators/facilitators to choose from. You and the district would need to agree on the mediator/facilitator. Mediation/facilitation are similar. If an agreement is reached in mediation, the mediator can write up a legally binding agreement for both parties to sign. A facilitated IEP meeting can be helpful in contentious relationships as the facilitator should ensure all voices are heard and that the meeting stays on schedule. Some facilitators are more fair to families than others (giving them time to share their concerns/ideas), but they're all technically supposed to be neutral third parties. School staff may be more polite to you if an ODE facilitator attends your meeting. Mediation sessions may run much longer than facilitated IEP meetings.