When a student with special needs or a disability attends public school in California, the school district must provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are integral components of FAPE. If concerned parents believe children are being denied IEPs or school officials are not accommodating a student’s needs in adherence to an IEP, it can spark serious legal arguments.   There is an ongoing legal battle in another state regarding a class action lawsuit a group of parents filed against a school district, stating that district officia ..read more

No child in California or elsewhere makes it through 12 years of school without any challenges. However, some students can thrive more than others. If you have school-aged children in your household, each of them has the right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). You might have a child with special education needs, in which case, under special education law, you may request an individualized education program (IEP) which provides needed supports and services to your child. If you believe that your child is eligible for an IEP, you should meet with school district officials, as we ..read more

Any parent or guardian of a child with special education needs who attends a California public school understands the many challenges students and their families often encounter in an academic setting. Thankfully, students with special needs can thrive when their school districts implement an appropriate Individualized Education Program (IEP) for them. But what happens to an IEP if a student changes schools or moves to a new school district? What does special education law say about this?  There are several possible scenarios relevant to transferring students. A student might switch to a ..read more

Parents of children with special needs understandably have unique concerns about their child’s educational options in California. According to federal law, every child is entitled to a free appropriate public education, called FAPE. While FAPE doesn’t cover everything, it does provide parents with guidelines and information to help them if they feel like their child is not being educated appropriately based on their needs and capabilities.   Covered under FAPE  A free appropriate public education can look different for each child. Public schools are required to provide additiona ..read more

Parents of children who need particular types of help and support in the classroom may find that it is challenging to ensure that their kids have what they need for a full and fair educational experience. Special education is an area that is often underfunded in many California school systems, but federal lawmakers are looking to address that situation. Lawmakers in the House of Representatives are debating increasing federal funding that will make it easier to ensure students receive the services they deserve.  Addressing problems in special ed  The bill under consideration would in ..read more

When in school, students who have unique learning needs may benefit from additional support from teachers and other professionals. Through special education programming, students should be able to get the support and accommodations they need in order to succeed in the classroom. While there are different types of support available, the use of Assistive Technology (AT) is an important tool for California special education students of all needs and ability levels.  The benefits of assistive technology  Technology and its benefits in special education go far beyond just using a computer ..read more

If your child has specific types of learning needs, they may be eligible for support through special education programs. This provides your child with the opportunity to secure support and assistance they may need in order to have a full educational experience. One of the most important ways to accomplish this is by providing each student with reasonable accommodations.  Accommodations assist students who may need additional support to learn effectively. As each child is unique, the specific types of support a student may be eligible to receive depend on their learning needs and other fac ..read more

When a student has certain types of learning needs and challenges, they may be eligible for special education services. There is typically an initial assessment that evaluates a child’s needs to determine the specific types of help they require. After the assessment, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is created. An IEP outlines the types of services and support a California student needs, and assistive technology could be a critical part of a student’s educational plan.  What is assistive technology?  According to the U.S. Department of Education, assistive technology could b ..read more

When a student has certain types of learning needs, he or she could be eligible for support through the special education program. One of the most critical components of special education is the Individualized Education Program, which is a plan custom-tailored to the needs of the individual student. It outlines what types of support the student will receive to provide him or her with the best possible education.  Know what’s in it  A parent must know what is in his or her child’s IEP. This allows the parent to effectively advocate for his or her child, ensuring that the student gets ..read more

If a student requires additional support at school because of a mental condition or a physical limitation, he or she could be eligible for certain types of services provided by the school. Students who qualify for special education support could receive help in the form of accommodations with tasks, extra time to complete tests and more. Some students with autism may be eligible for special ed programming, but the types of help they may need depend on their situation.  Individualized support and assistance  When a student qualifies for special education support, he or she will receiv ..read more