Who is responsible for conducting the IHO hearing?

The Impartial Hearing Officer (IHO) is responsible for conducting the IHO hearing. This role is central to the process outlined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures that disputes regarding a child's special education services are resolved fairly and impartially. The IHO is specifically trained to handle such hearings, ensuring that both the educational agency and the parents have an opportunity to present evidence and arguments regarding the child's Individualized Education Program (IEP).

This structure is designed to protect the rights of students with disabilities and their families by providing an unbiased forum for resolving disagreements about educational placement, services, or other aspects of a child's education. The IHO’s impartiality is crucial for ensuring that hearings are conducted with fairness and that decisions are made based on the facts presented rather than any personal biases or institutional pressures.