Special Education – The Law is on Your Side

Help is available – and the law is on your side. His promise is simple: Every child counts. Every child has the right to an education. Every eligible child with a disability is entitled to a “special” education – one that will bring “significant benefits”. Congress said so. That’s what the US Supreme Court said.

The law protects every child. The law protects you as the parent of your child.

Individualized Education Plan (IEP) – Each special education student is required to have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) developed by a team that includes parents, teachers, school administrators and other professionals. An IEP sets educational goals and describes the specific services that will be provided to the student.

Due Process – The Special Education Act provides many due process hearings and appeals.

“Section 504” classroom accommodations are available to many students (K-12 and collegiate) with disabilities.

There are only five types of communication that can lead to disability; they are auditory, visual, verbal, nonverbal and tactical communication.

If your child’s disability is interfering with their education, they may be eligible for benefits under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The IDEA requires that public schools be able to identify and identify children with disabilities who need it a professional training. Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs must be “available” to these children” 20 USC Section 140(d). Children with disabilities must “to the greatest reasonable extent [be] be raised with able-bodied children” 20 USC 1412(e)(5).

Many parents find themselves in a situation where their child is either struggling at school or has discipline problems at school. Often there may be an unidentified disability that is causing these problems. If they have a disability that negatively impacts their education, they would likely benefit from special education services.

Special educational services can be:

occupational therapy

Speech and language therapy

Resource Specialist Programs

Change in regular educational programs

Special day classes

non-public schools

inpatient treatment and much more.

If you think your child will benefit from special education services, consult a professional. Your child only goes through their educational process once. So give your child the best chance for the future by making sure they get the kind of education that will help them learn and thrive. Nothing is more important for their future.

Thanks to Paul Epstein | #Special #Education #Law #Side