(a)
The parents or guardians of a pupil who has been referred for initial assessment, or of a pupil identified as an individual with exceptional needs, shall be afforded an opportunity to participate in meetings with respect to the identification, assessment, and educational placement, pursuant to Section 56342.5 and subdivisions (b) and (c) of Section 56341.5, of the pupil and with respect to the provision of a free appropriate public education, as provided in Section 300.501 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(b)
In accordance with subsection (f) of Section 1414 of Title 20 of the United States Code, when conducting individualized education program meetings and placement meetings pursuant to this part, and when carrying out administrative matters under Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 56500), including scheduling exchange of witness lists and status conferences, the parent of an individual with exceptional needs and a local educational agency may agree to use alternative means of meeting participation, such as video conferences and conference calls.