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The Power and Potential of the IEP
To address the inequity of limiting special needs children from obtaining an appropriate public education, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) was implemented in 1975 across the United States school systems. The IEP is an educational road map for children with disabilities. It is required by...
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Preserving Educational Stability: Understanding the Role of Pendency in Tuition Reimbursement Cases for Students with Special Needs
Parents of children with special needs sometimes face a daunting challenge when it comes to securing appropriate educational services. Fortunately, many legal avenues exist to advocate for an appropriate education. One critical aspect that often goes unnoticed is the indispensable role of pendency...
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Advocating for the Overlooked Needs of Autistic Individuals in the US Criminal Justice System
Over the past 7-15 years, many forensic/clinical professionals working in the US criminal justice system recognize the need for significant change within the US criminal justice system for autistic individuals to be treated humanely and with dignity. “Recently, a diverse team of autistics, family...
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Autistics, Law Enforcement, the Law, and Unfortunate and Tragic Encounters
I am not an attorney, nor do I have any legal background. As such, I claim to have no knowledge of the law, and do not offer legal advice of any kind. What I am writing here is strictly my own opinion and impressions and is based entirely on personal experiences and stories I have heard from others...
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Pathways to Resolution of Special Education Conflicts
When conflict arises in an educational setting, there are multiple ways to resolve it. Some are small and easily resolved but may potentially lead to bigger conflicts and issues. Sometimes the conflict is substantial, and a resolution harder to achieve. Understanding different available methods of...
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Compensatory Services in the Age of COVID
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, school districts across the country have struggled to meet their legal obligations as set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for students...
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Avoid Mistakes with Important Legal Forms
Many individuals have wills prepared, put their copies of the will away, and don’t think about their estate plan again. However, they should review their estate plan from time to time to make sure that their will and other legal documents, such as beneficiary designation forms and trusts, comport...
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Accessing Government Benefits and the “Golden Ticket”
If you are a parent of a special needs child, government benefits and legal options are often confusing - even to those who have worked with them before. You know that there are programs out there for your child, but you are not sure where to start. You may wonder what the government provides, what...
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Legal Guardianship: The Pros and Cons for Your Adult Disabled Child
What happens when your special needs child turns age 18? It’s a crucial question faced by every affected parent and family. The answer to the question, and special needs planning, means different things depending upon your state’s laws. How can you make certain you’ve done all you legally can...
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The Challenge of Early Intervention Law for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their Families
In the contentious world surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), one issue bridges the gap among researchers, parents, advocates, health and educational professionals and policymakers -- Early Intervention (Part C of the IDEA) for infants and toddlers with ASD works and provides the best...
