Serving both students with special needs and all students in educational environments:
From initial identification of a disability to the choice of the appropriate school , EdLaw New England Law is dedicated to guiding parents of children with special needs through every aspect of the special education process.
We help parents in the identification process by assisting with the evaluation process; explaining the meaning and implication of reports; reviewing all documentation relevant to the child; referring parents to appropriate providers, schools and programs; and providing advocacy and support to families when families and school districts are not in agreement.
Our knowledge about education and special education is extensive from Early Intervention to Post High School options including college. We maintain close relationships with leading professionals with expertise in disabilities which impact education.
Our team of lawyers are accessible to their clients, responsive to their concerns and available to answer questions and explain the process. Our representation includes consultations, representation at school meetings, and representation in dispute resolution including mediation, and impartial due process hearings with state education agencies, and actions in State and Federal Courts.
Working with parents and with students with legal issues from pre-school through post graduate programs:
The Students we serve have a variety of diagnoses and classifications, all of which impact their development and educational opportunities.
In addition to Broad categories of disability under the IDEA, the Students we represent might have any number of diagnoses or conditions, which are recognized under Section 504 and other state and federal laws. These can include:
Typical Categories of Disability Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The IDEA and State laws recognize broad categories of disability which include: Autism; Deafness; Deaf-blindness; Emotional Disturbance (ED); Hearing impairment; Specific Learning Disability (SLD); Intellectual Disability; Multiple disabilities; Orthopedic impairment; Other health-impairment (OHI); Speech or Language Impairment; Traumatic Brain Injury; Acquired Brain Injury; Visual Impairment Including Blindness.
Typical Categories of Disability Under Section 504
The determination of whether a student has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity must be made on the basis of an individual inquiry. The Section 504 regulatory provision at 34 C.F.R. 104.3(j)(2)(i) defines a physical or mental impairment as any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genito-urinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or any mental or psychological disorder, such as intellectual developmental disability, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities.
Other Disorders and Conditions:
ADD and ADHD; Apraxia; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Asperger Syndrome; Pervasive Developmental Disorder; Emotional Disturbance; Bi-Polar Disorder; Depression; Mood Disorder; Oppositional Defiant Disorder; Deafness and Hearing Impairments; Speech and Language Disorders; Central Auditory Processing Disorder; Dyslexia; Learning Disabilities; Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities; Executive Functioning Disorders; Genetic Disorders; Fragile X Syndrome; Sensory Integration Disorder; Traumatic Brain Injury; Cancer; Brain Tumors; Tourette Syndrome; Schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.
This does not set forth an exhaustive list of specific disorders and conditions that may constitute physical or mental impairments of the clients we represent because of the difficulty of ensuring the comprehensiveness of such a list.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
This federal law requires that each student who qualifies for special education receive a free appropriate education. Each student must receive at no cost an education which meets his or her needs and provides for appropriate progress.
Section 504
This federal law prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities and requires that every student with a disability receive an education as adequate as that provided to students who do not have disabilities.
OTHER LAWS
Sexual Harassment under Title IX Racial Discrimination under Title VI
The Americans with Disabilities Act The Civil Rights Act
State Statutes and Regulations Negligent Supervision
Manifest Educational Hardship Best Interest Reassignments
Bullying Suspension and Expulsion
In addition to federal laws, we work with and apply laws and regulations which have been adopted by the various states. These laws may apply to bullying, harassment, change of school setting, discipline, or other circumstances.
Families may benefit from legal assistance when faced with the issues described below
Some parents seek our advice and services at the beginning of their child’s entry into special education, either at the early intervention level or at the pre-school level. Other parents need our services for their school age child, when he or she is not succeeding in general education. This can occur at anytime throughout a child’s school experience. And, some parents find us when emotional problems severely impact on their child’s overall functioning and they are considering a residential school or treatment center placement. We are here and can arrange an appointment with one of our attorneys within days of your initial call.
- WHEN YOUR CHILD IS NOT MAKING PROGRESS IN SCHOOL
- WHEN YOUR CHILD IS FACING EXPULSION, SUSPENSION OR OTHER DISCIPLINE
- WHEN YOUR CHILD IS TRANSITIONING TO A NEW SCHOOL
- WHEN YOU FEEL THAT YOUR CHILD MAY NEED A DIFFERENT SCHOOL OR PROGRAM
- WHEN YOUR CHILD NEEDS ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS SERVICES OR SUPPORTS
- WHEN YOU NEED TO RESOLVE A DISPUTE WITH THE SCHOOL
- WHEN YOUR CHILD IS FACING A BULLYING OR HARASSMENT ISSUE AT SCHOOL
- WHEN YOU FEEL YOUR CHILD NEEDS AN INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLAN (IEP) OR 504 PLAN
