Disability
Understanding your child’s rights
I understand how mystifying the process can be for parents trying to get their children support in school, which is why I offer my expert guidance and advocacy to help you cut through the many roadblocks put up by the system.
If your child has a condition that qualifies as a disability, you may be legally entitled to accommodations in school through an IEP or 504 Plan. These are legal documents filled with terminology and bound by specific federal and state requirements. The more you understand all of these details, the sooner you can help your child get their needs met well and quickly.
Interpreting the terminology
IDEA, CSE, FAPE, LRE, ICT, IEP, 504? What does it all mean?!
Informed parents are the best advocates for their children! When working with me, we won’t leave any stone unturned. I will make sure you understand everything from ___ to ____.
Breaking through obstacles
I will empower you to support your child by demystifying the legal requirements, breaking through bureaucratic obstacles and interpreting clinical information to make a strong case for getting powerful, legally binding accommodations in school. I will help you behind the scenes or advocate for you directly in IEP and 504 meetings, mediations and/or agency complaints. My goal is to help you get the services and accommodations your child needs without having to go through a lengthy and frustrating hearing.
Gender
Info about Gender…
race
Info about Race
I can help
you if…
Your child is experiencing difficulty in school due to mental health challenges, medical conditions, ADHD or learning issues.
You need help figuring out where to start trying to get the school to modify the environment.
All the confusing terms make your head spin!
You have been asking the school for help with no luck.
You have been told that your child’s grades are too high to get services.
You have been told to get a private evaluation for your child to understand what is going on with them.
Your child’s IEP or 504 plan not helping.
You need someone to help you communicate with the school or attend meetings.
You hit a roadblock trying to get services at school but want to avoid a hearing.
You need help choosing a public or charter school that can serve your child’s needs.
Services
I Offer:
Assistance requesting evaluations from the DOE, including independent neuropsychological evaluations.
Guidance in seeking a private neuropsychological evaluation, and support obtaining reimbursement for private evaluations when possible.
Coordination with private evaluators to obtain compelling recommendations for school-based services. The right recommendations can be game-changers in getting children legally-binding services and accommodations on IEPs and 504 plans.
In-depth preparation for IEP and 504 meetings. IEP’s have many layers that can be hard to understand, including management needs and goals. You will learn how to build your argument for creating sophisticated IEPs and 504 plans that serve your child’s best interest - and what to do if you and the school disagree.
Assistance seeking formal behavior plans at school, and representation in disciplinary proceedings.
Representation at IEP / 504 meetings.
Support following meetings to clarify and strengthen key components of draft plans developed.
Behind-the-scenes assistance in communicating with your child’s school to ensure full IEP / 504 implementation.
Drafting of and representation in mediation/administrative complaints.
Assistance obtaining compensatory vouchers for tutoring or related services.
Support navigating the school choice process to identify schools best suited to meet your child’s IEP / 504 needs.
Assistance deciding when to seek private school tuition reimbursement.
