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
Outdated misconceptions of special education have led to a cultural reluctance to embrace educational intervention strategies, often associating services with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
In the 2024 edition of the Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Women of Influence: Attorneys,” California education rights advocate, Jennifer Chang, once again receives well-deserved recognition for her outstanding contributions. Continuing her legacy from the previous year, Jennifer stands among the esteemed roster of influential women attorneys, reaffirming her dedication to safeguarding the rights of children … Read More
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
Education rights attorney Jennifer Chang authored an article for the Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journal, titled, “The Complex Legal Terrain of Special Education Law,” which discusses how relatable legal situations beyond education can impact the rights of children with special needs. The article demonstrates how family law and personal injury lawyers, among others, … Read More
Were you sexually abused while in the care of the Los Angeles County Juvenile Probation Camp (LAC Camp) or Detention Facility? It’s time to hold those responsible accountable. Hundreds of individuals have come forward to allege sexual abuse and harassment that took place while in custody across dozens of Los Angeles County juvenile probation camps … Read More
On October 13, 2023, Federal Court Judge Jesus Bernal found that the Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) campus security program violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This ruling will hold MVUSD accountable for systemic discrimination displayed against students with disabilities and require district leaders to meet … Read More
In August 2023, Judge Consuelo Marshall of the United States District Court in Los Angeles ruled that California school districts must provide diverse and inclusive options for students with disabilities during the summer months. Judge Marshall’s ruling was the outcome of a lawsuit filed in 2020 on behalf of a student with Down syndrome, who … Read More
When children are overwhelmed by learning challenges, low self-esteem, or anxiety, school avoidance is a common form of coping. No matter the grade level or abilities of your child, it is your responsibility as a parent to identify the underlying causes of avoidance and ensure your child has proper support in place to feel safe … Read More
Section 504 Plans As a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 ensures that all individuals live free of discrimination. These federal laws and protections extend to students in California’s public school districts, providing children with disabilities or medical conditions equal access to a free and appropriate education by requiring adjustments to a … Read More
