Students can face difficulty deciding their next steps in life as they transition out of high school. However, for students with disabilities, that adjustment begins as early as elementary school and requires an in-depth analysis of personal interests, capabilities, and parental support to set each student up for success. As disabilities are manifested differently for … Read More
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What is Alternative Placement?
Alternative Placement is a disciplinary measure used in most public and charter schools to provide an alternative learning environment to a student who is struggling in a traditional school setting due to behavioral extremes. Through an in-depth process including observations, assessments, and district-level input, a student can be removed temporarily from their school and assigned … Read More
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia Defined Dyslexia is defined as an unexpected difficulty in reading in relation to a person’s higher level of intelligence. It is considered a language-processing disorder that affects how a person deciphers spoken or written language including the ability to effectively read, write, spell or comprehend text. Despite common misconceptions, this learning disability is not … Read More
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Disabilities are far more wide-reaching than most realize. In fact, the CDC reports that about one in four American adults and one in every six children are diagnosed with at least one disability. Visible disabilities such as those that affect mobility or require assistive devices are the most recognized, but only scratch the surface of … Read More
What Is a Section 504 Plan and Does My Child Need One?
There is a multitude of reasons why a student might require additional support in a school setting. School districts nationwide are required by law to ensure equal and fair access to free education for all, and special education services are designed to accommodate all students who need additional support – including students with cognitive and … Read More
Jennifer Chang Speaking to StarVista’s Special Needs Caretaker Support Group January 2022
Jennifer Chang, California special education rights attorney, will be speaking about school district assessments and parents’ right to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at StarVista’s Child and Parent Services special needs caretaker support group Thursday, January 20, 2022, from 6:30-8 pm PT. This virtual support group is held via Zoom and tailored for parents and … Read More
Understanding California Assembly Bill 104
Assembly Bill (AB) 104, a California state law that went into effect on July 1, 2021, allows a variety of educational supports to be put in place to counteract the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on students’ academic success. This bill requires each California school district to develop and implement a policy that will … Read More
The Steps of an Independent Educational Evaluation
Typically, public schools in the United States evaluate a student with special needs to determine the best placement and educational plan for providing that student with a free and appropriate education (FAPE). Sometimes, however, parents disagree with the school’s evaluation of their child. When this happens, parents may be entitled to request an Independent Educational … Read More
Jennifer Chang to Speak at StarVista’s Special Needs Caretaker Support Group
California special education rights attorney Jennifer Chang will be participating in a question & answer session at the launch of StarVista’s Child and Parent Services special needs caretaker support group on Thursday, December 2nd from 6:30-8 pm PT. This virtual support group is tailored for parents and caregivers of children with special needs and is … Read More
Winning Verdict Provides Students with Disabilities Distance Learning Option
After receiving a winning verdict on November 4, 2021, a group of fifteen Northern California students will be granted the opportunity to continue the 2021-2022 school year with virtual instruction. A California State Law, Assembly Bill (AB) 130, passed in July 2021, limited student access to online learning, not taking into account the heightened health … Read More