Former Educators Helping Special Education Students
For children who have a disability that interferes with their ability to progress academically, schools have a responsibility to develop a 504 plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP) to help the child meet his or her academic goals. The school must make academic accommodations. This can take many different forms and depends on the individual needs of the child.
The impact of physical and mental disabilities such as attention deficit disorder (ADD) or a physical disability such as being double jointed needs to be addressed. The school has to develop and monitor the progress of the child’s 504 plan or IEP.
Several issues arise around 504 plans and IEPs:
- Disagreement between parents and school regarding what is the best plan
- The school is not properly following the plan
- Discipline issues
- Bullying
Is Your Child Being Disciplined Unfairly?
Many children who have 504 plans or IEPs are disciplined at much higher rates than other students. Schools fail to understand the unique circumstances of the child and apply inappropriate standards of behavior and discipline. Children who have 504 plans or IEPs have substantial protection from discipline. If your child is not being treated appropriately, our attorneys can help you.
Is Your Child Being Bullied?
Many children with 504 plans and IEPs experience being bullied. Often the school is not taking sufficient steps to protect the child. If your child is being bullied, we can help you fight for the protection your child needs.
Disabled Students Have Rights, Too
At Kishinevsky & Raykin, Attorneys at Law, we understand the issues that parents of children with disabilities face as they fight to secure the education their children deserve. Attorney Igor Raykin was a teacher before becoming an attorney. His experience in working with the education system from both the inside and the outside allows him to create real results for his clients. No matter what sort of challenges you are facing, we can make a difference and help ensure that your child is treated appropriately and that he or she receives the type of education he or she needs.
Frequently Asked Questions On Special Education
Navigating the special education system can be overwhelming for parents, especially when trying to secure the right support for a child’s unique needs. Understanding how to begin the process and what to do if disagreements arise with a school is essential. Here is a brief guide to help answer some common questions:
How can parents initiate the process of obtaining an IEP for their child?
Parents can begin the process by submitting a formal written request to the school, asking for a special education evaluation. This evaluation will determine whether the child qualifies for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
What are the eligibility criteria for a child to receive a 504 Plan or an IEP?
To qualify for an IEP, a child must have one or more of the 13 following disabilities listed in IDEA and require special education services to make educational progress.
- Autism
- Deaf-blindness
- Deafness
- Developmental delay (only applicable for children ages three to nine, depending on the state)
- Emotional disturbance
- Hearing impairment
- Intellectual disability
- Multiple disabilities
- Orthopedic impairment
- Other health impairments like ADHD, epilepsy or diabetes
- Specific learning disability like dyslexia, dyscalculia or dysgraphia
- Speech or language impairment
- Traumatic brain injury
On the other hand, a 504 Plan is available to students with a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities, even if they do not need specialized instruction.
What steps can parents take if they disagree with the school’s proposed IEP?
If parents disagree with the school’s proposed IEP, they can:
- Request a meeting to discuss their concerns
- Ask for an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
- Initiate mediation or a due process hearing
It is often in the child’s best interest to consult a Colorado special education lawyer who can help advocate for the child’s educational rights and help ensure the school complies with federal and state laws. Legal representation can be helpful when facing resistance from public or charter schools.
Take Action To Protect Your Child
If your child is not being treated properly at school or his or her 504 plan or IEP is inappropriate or not being followed, an experienced lawyer can help. The Aurora special education attorneys of Kishinevsky & Raykin, Attorneys and Counselors at Law, are committed to helping you fight for your child’s rights. To schedule a free initial consultation, call 720-863-4256 or contact us online.
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