Can my child qualify for an IEP if diagnosed with no academic deficits? Many parents believe their child must be failing in school to qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This misconception often leads to delayed support for children who need it....
Every Child Deserves A Meaningful Education
Year: 2024
Your rights during a Manifestation Determination Review (MDR)
When a child with special needs shows serious behavior problems at school, the school calls a special meeting called a Manifestation Determination Review (MDR). It is a structured discussion where a dedicated team asks: Did the child's disability trigger the behavior?...
What is “substantial limitation” under Section 504?
Section 504 is a federal law that ensures that students with disabilities get the support they need in school. It requires schools to provide tools like extra time on tests or special technology to eligible students. But how do schools decide who qualifies for this...
504 plans for children with allergies
Parents of children with allergies may, very understandably, find themselves feeling very anxious about their children attending school, field trips, extracurricular activities, etc. After all, a single exposure to an allergen could result in a potentially devastating...
Your language access rights during IEP assessments
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are legally binding plans designed to meet your child's unique learning needs. Assessments are necessary to develop these plans, helping you and the school identify your child's strengths and challenges. As a parent, you are a...
How do I start my child’s educational journey?
After years of patiently waiting and determining your child’s educational capacity, you and your child’s developmental doctor decide that a specialized school system would benefit them more. You choose to bring your child into the individualized education program or...
When is an IEP litigation necessary?
As a parent, you have the deepest understanding of your child's strengths and areas for improvement. Still, during IEP discussions, do you feel that others truly listen to your input? At what point should you consider taking legal action to advocate for your child's...
Transitioning your child with special needs to a new school
Moving to a new school can be tough for any child, but it could be incredibly challenging for children with special needs. As a parent, you, too, might feel overwhelmed by the process. But don't worry – with some planning and preparation, you can make this transition...
3 testing accommodations that can be useful in an IEP
School is often challenging in unique ways for children with special needs. They may find it more difficult to focus in class or to obtain the same scores that their peers do on important tests. Federal and state laws help ensure that even those with debilitating...
Can schools refuse LRE for my child?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) institutionalized the concept of the least restrictive environment (LRE) in special education, requiring schools to provide free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with special needs. Under this law,...