By Randy J. Blankenship
Parents with special needs children often have to fight for those children to get the educational support and services which they need from their schools. Navigating the special education system can be overwhelming for families. When schools fail to provide the services which the child needs, many parents begin searching for a special education attorney or special education lawyer to help protect and secure their child’s rights. Knowing when to seek legal help- and what a special education attorney can do- is an important step in ensuring that your child receives the education they deserve.
WHAT DOES A SPECIAL EDUCATION LAWYER DO?
A special education lawyer focuses on laws which protect students with disabilities, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). A special education attorney can help families resolve disputes with school districts and advocate for appropriate educational services.
Parents often contact our firm for help with:
- Developing or enforcing an Individual Education Plan (“IEP”)
- Disputes over eligibility for educations services
- Problems with a 504 Plan
- School discipline involving children with disabilities
- Denial of accommodations or specialized instruction.
Many times, though, parents wait too long, hoping the issue will resolve on its own. However, early involvement of the special education lawyer can sometimes prevent problems from escalating and help protect your child’s rights to a free appropriate public education.
You may want to contact a special education attorney if:
- A school is denying legally required special education services
- Your child faces unfair or excessive discipline
- A student experiences discrimination based on disability, race or another protected status
- Communication with school administration has broken down.
HOW AN EDUCATION ATTORNEY CAN HELP FAMILIES AND STUDENTS
An education lawyer acts as both an advocate and an advisor. We can review school records, explain your legal options, communicate with school officials on your behalf, and represent you in meetings, hearings and in Court. In many cases, simply having an education attorney encourages schools to take your concerns more seriously and to comply with the law.