Office of the Special Education Ombud (OSEO)

The Office of the Special Education Ombud (OSEO) is dedicated to advocating for public school students with disabilities throughout New Mexico., by providing comprehensive information, resources, and support to public school students and their families navigating the special education system in New Mexico.

• OSEO works with families of children from Pre-K through high school.
• We advocate for public school students with disabilities or special needs and their families.
• We provide comprehensive support for people navigating the special education system in New Mexico. 
• The OSEO assists public school students with disabilities and their families by providing information, resources and support to help them navigate the special education system and receive the appropriate educational services.
• The OSEO aims to ensure that every student in New Mexico receives the high-quality education they deserve. OSEO supports improving communication between families and schools. 

Request for Services

If your student or family are struggling with rules, regulations, policies, or procedures and school based or district based personnel are unable to assist them – please reach out to us for services. Our Request for Services form will reach the Office of the Special Education Ombud, and we will work with you to determine the referral process or possible solutions for the issue/concern. All information shared with the Office of the Special Education Ombud is confidential. 

If you need assistance or have any questions about this form, please call:  505-841-4565 or email:  oseo.intake@ddc.nm.gov

If you are already working with an attorney or advocate, please call us for guidance BEFORE filling out the form. 

Mission

The office of the Special Education Ombud (OSEO) provides information, expertise, and an advocacy partner for students in special education and their families to remove barriers and create opportunities for learning. Together they collaborate with schools, districts, state agencies, and advocacy groups to ensure every student receives an inclusive, appropriate education. 

The OSEO will work with the family and collaborate with the Local Educational Agency (LEA) to resolve most disputes informally and at the local level; if a formal process is needed, it is understandable, quick, and student-centered.

The OSEO office reports analyzed data and disseminates information for the Developmental Disability Council (DDC) the Public Education Department (PED), the New Mexico Legislature and the Governor of New Mexico to understand the needs of special education students and their families, and then lead the effort to guarantee every student receives an inclusive, appropriate education.   

Vision

The OSEO will advocate with families to ensure Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), SAT and Section 504 plans are data-based, inclusive, recognize the family as the student’s chief caregiver, are implemented as written, and create opportunities for students to achieve their highest level of independence and self-actualization.

Goals

1. Establish the Office of Special Education Ombud as a trusted, student-focused resource that offers services to students and families in all school districts in New Mexico.
2. Assist students in special education, their parents, teachers and other school personnel to remove barriers and ensure students receive an appropriate, inclusive, supported education.
3. Identify systemic issues in special education and report them to the Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC), Public Education Department (PED), the Legislature and the Governor on a regular basis.
4. Advocate for systemic change in special education.

OSEO Activities

• Supports parents of students with disabilities by helping them understand and navigate the special education system
• Attends and assists families with their Individualized Education Program meetings
• Provides information about state and federal laws and regulations governing special education
• Empowers students and parents to develop effective strategies that resolve their issues and concerns
• Promotes collaboration and positive communication among families, schools and district personnel
• Provides information about available resources that serve individuals with disabilities, and assists with referrals to advocacy groups
• Collects, analyzes and reports special education data
• Makes recommendations to the NMPED, the Governor's office, the Legislature, school districts and other governmental entities to address systemic concerns and noncompliance with special education laws and regulations

FAMILY OSEO OFFICE HOURS

We answer YOUR questions related to navigating the Special Education System in NM.

JOIN OSEO ONLINE
Every 1st Thursday of the Month (Through June 2026)
4:00-5:00 PM
meet.google.com/xav-qcjs-nxe
Dial-in: (US) +1 219-316-1681
PIN: 720 011825#
Developmental Disabilities Council
OSEO Intake: 505-841-4565