Families often seek guidance when they’re unsure whether their child is getting the support they need at school. Federal and State education protections—such as those under IDEA and Section 504—help ensure that students with disabilities have the services, accommodations, or processes required to learn and participate. These protections also guide how schools must handle concerns with behavior or discipline.
We assist with the entire process, from the eligibility process, implementation, and due process litigation.
IDEA supports students who need specialized instruction. If a child is found eligible under the IDEA, the school develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that includes goals, accommodations, services, placement, and other supports to help the student make meaningful progress.
The IDEA is more than just accommodations or extra support, it provides individualized instruction and should be tailored to the unique needs and abilities of the student in order to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
Section 504 ensures students with disabilities have equal access to learning. A 504 Plan outlines the accommodations, modifications, or supports a student needs to participate in school alongside their peers.
Section 504 applies when a student does not require specialized instruction but needs adjustments to remove barriers to learning in order to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
School discipline issues—such as suspensions, expulsions, or MDRs—follow their own procedures and can intersect with IDEA or Section 504. These situations may involve questions about disability, behavior, implementation of services, and whether the school followed required steps.
Guardianship is sometimes considered when a person with disabilities reaches adulthood and cannot independently make certain personal, medical, or financial decisions. In uncontested guardianship cases, all parties agree that a guardian should be appointed and the court reviews the request before issuing an order.
We begin by reviewing your child’s situation, documents, and school communication to identify key issues.
Evaluations, IEPs, 504 Plans, meeting notes, and discipline reports help us understand what the needs of the student are and what steps need to be taken to ensure that they receive a FAPE.
We outline the steps available under IDEA, Section 504, or school discipline processes so you can make informed decisions.
This may include preparing for meetings, reviewing proposed plans or decisions, communicating with school districts, filing complaints, or helping you communicate with the school more effectively.
Yes. Many issues can be resolved through meetings, written requests, plan revisions, or mediation. We advise families on options and timing before taking formal legal steps.
Helpful materials include your child’s current IEP or 504 Plan, evaluations, meeting notes, disciplinary notices, report cards, and any relevant school communication. If you don’t have these items yet, we’ll guide you through how to request them.
You can request the school’s written explanation, review the evaluation data, and ask for an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) if needed. Our firm can help you understand the basis for the decision and explore options, including additional evaluations or dispute resolution processes.
Yes. We help families prepare for meetings, review documents, and participate when appropriate. We support 504 meetings and IEP meetings.
