The back-to-school season can be both exciting and overwhelming for families with children who have special needs. New classrooms, schedules, and teachers offer growth opportunities, but they can also bring stress and uncertainty. With preparation, communication, and collaboration, parents can help their children feel more comfortable and confident while ensuring educational needs are met. Education … Read More
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is designed to provide a customized approach to your child’s education. But what should you do if you disagree with that plan? Whether the disagreement involves goals, services, placement, or accommodations, it is your right as a parent or guardian of a child who needs special education to advocate for … Read More
Once your child is determined eligible for academic services, the school will schedule a preliminary meeting to establish the specific goals, accommodations, and related services that will be part of your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Recurring and annual IEP meetings will measure student growth and update goals, accommodations, and services as needed. Attending these … Read More
As a parent or guardian, you have the fundamental right to ensure your child receives a comprehensive and inclusive education. The Supreme Court protects all children in their right to attend school and receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), including special education services. When the public education system fails to provide your child … Read More
Access to education is a fundamental right that students with disabilities and their families have to advocate for every day. When a public education program fails to provide services required under law, administrative or legal action is often necessary to ensure a student receives the services and resources they need to be successful in school. … Read More
Children with special needs, including sensory processing disabilities, can easily be overwhelmed by all the noise, festivities, and business of the holiday season. As a parent, it can be challenging to balance their needs and help them experience family traditions that will create lasting positive memories. Education Rights Attorney Jennifer Chang shares some strategies to … Read More
Empowering students with disabilities begins with prioritizing an inclusive school environment that recognizes and appreciates others’ differences. When school culture takes a back seat to test scores, finances, and bureaucracy, all students lose opportunities for learning and growth. Jennifer Chang is an award-winning Education Rights Attorney who works with families to help protect the rights … Read More
As a parent, ensuring your child has access to the best possible tools for education is essential for their success as learners. However, for students with disabilities or medical conditions, the traditional classroom settings can present significant barriers to learning, requiring assistance through accommodations provided by a 504 Plan. Schools are required to comply with … Read More
Navigating special education law as a parent advocating for your child with special needs can be a daunting task, full of acronyms and terms that are frequently used and hold great importance. Because school district documentation can be complex and confusing it is necessary to understand what the acronyms stand for and what the terms … Read More
While inclusion in public schools is moving education toward equality for students with disabilities, many stigmas still influence the way students are treated in an academic setting by peers, educators, and other adults. Embracing inclusion holds many benefits for not only students with disabilities but also their typical learning peers, as well as our educational … Read More
