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
Individualized Education Plan
Understanding Special Education Programs in California Public Schools
Outdated misconceptions of special education have led to a cultural reluctance to embrace educational intervention strategies, often associating services with intellectual limitations. The reality is that special education programs are increasingly important solutions for many children in California public schools. Embracing special education for students with disabilities and other learning needs can help children succeed … Read More
Appeals Court Upholds Due Process Hearing Decision in IDEA Violation Case
A 2024 decision by Judge Otis D. Wright, II, of the Ninth Circuit Court affirmed that the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) did violate the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and denied A.O., a child with profound hearing loss in both ears who uses cochlear implants, a free, appropriate public education in the … Read More
Jennifer Chang Discusses Access to Education on Absolute Trust Talk
Education Rights Attorney Jennifer Chang joined Kristen Howe on Absolute Trust Talk on April 6, 2023, to share her expertise and provide insight for parents who may be seeking additional educational support for their children. In a world where everything is complicated by legal nuances, the Absolute Trust Counsel provides a communications program, to introduce … Read More
US CA 9th District Court of Appeals Rules in Favor of Student with Special Needs
On December 20, 2022, the 9th Circuit ruled in favor of a student with special needs to be educated in the general education setting along with his non-disabled peers. “This is a huge victory for the student’s side as many IEP students are pushed out of gen-ed for the very reason ‘they can’t do the … Read More
Recognizing a Lack of 1:1 Services During Special Education Teacher Shortages
Special education aides are essential to the academic learning path of students with disabilities who require one-on-one assistance during their school day. Trained to administer the goals and objectives of a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), these aides offer an invaluable service to the school community. Across the nation, shortages of professionals in education are … Read More
Transition Planning for Students with IEPs
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
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
The Major Differences Between an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and a 504 Plan
When parents of children with special needs encounter the public school system for the first time, they often have questions about the kinds of assistance and services that will be available to their children. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), all students ages three and up are entitled to a Free and Appropriate … Read More