Suspension is still used as a form of punishment by schools. While studies vary, it is thought that over three million children face suspension every year in the U.S.  One concerning aspect of school suspension statistics is that kids with disabilities are disproportionately suspended compared to their peers. Unfortunately, schools do not always get it right, and some suspensions are… The post Potential impacts of a wrongful school suspension  first appeared on Law Offices of Joseph M. Fein ..read more

A language regression is different from a language delay. Speech delays are caused by a variety of factors and are relatively common. Some children may just be delayed compared to their siblings or their peers, even though nothing is actually wrong. Everyone develops at slightly different rates. However, a speech regression is when someone has already developed those skills and… The post Why would a child have a language regression? first appeared on Law Offices of Joseph M. Fein ..read more

If your child has special needs, you may have carefully selected a school that you think is going to meet those needs. This is a unique situation. The school has to be able to address your child in very specific ways, and these can change from student to student. Public schools simply try to get all of the students to conform to the same type of learning, but a program focused on special needs students has a very different goal. Unfortunately, it may become clear that the school is ineffective or is not meeting the child’s needs. What types of issues should you expect to see if this is the cas ..read more

Studies suggest that over 7 million children in the U.S. have some form of disability or special needs. Common examples of disabilities or special needs among children include learning disabilities, visual impairments, deafness, speech disorders and ADHD. Children with special needs are entitled to equal access to education, and children from all backgrounds can go on to achieve great things in terms of careers and education. However, to thrive, children need a safe learning environment.  What steps can educational institutions take to ensure that this happens? The classroom layout  ..read more

Navigating the world of special education can be complex and overwhelming for many parents. One crucial aspect of this journey is understanding your rights regarding your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) records.  These records are essential in ensuring your child receives the appropriate support and services at school.  What is an IEP? An IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is a legally binding document for public school children needing special education. It outlines specific educational goals for the student, the services the school will provide, and how progre ..read more

Finding the right school for your children can be tricky, particularly if they have special educational requirements. Fortunately, there are several schools out there that provide excellent facilities and staff.  However, some schools don’t perform as advertised, and they may implement problematic disciplinary procedures. It is not uncommon for children to be unfairly expelled from school. As a parent, how can you address this?  Listen to your child’s point of view  There can be a tendency to listen to an adult’s point of view over a child. Nonetheless, adults, even professional ..read more

Cerebral palsy is a condition that sometimes develops during birth. It happens when the brain doesn’t get proper blood flow or proper oxygenation. This can stall or hinder brain development. Often, parents won’t immediately be aware that the child has cerebral palsy. They’ll begin to notice that the child is missing milestones, such as not walking or talking when they should. They may also notice things like stiff movements or a muscle tone that seems too rigid. So they may discover the cerebral palsy diagnosis sometime around preschool age. This can make schooling much more challenging. How c ..read more

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are crucial documents for students with disabilities. They outline the specific accommodations and services a student needs to succeed in school. However, not all IEPs are created equal. An inadequate IEP can hinder a student’s progress and leave them feeling frustrated and unsupported. If you’re a parent to a differently abled school-going child, you should equip yourself with the knowledge to identify an inadequate IEP so you can advocate for a more effective plan for your child, should the need arise. The hallmarks of an inadequate IEP IEP goals should ..read more

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a genetic disorder that affects the way that a person’s body produces collagen, so it affects their skin, bones and organs. Children who have this disorder often suffer from problems related to the hypermobility of their joints, including dislocations, subluxations and chronic pain. They may also suffer from severe fatigue, muscle weakness, easy bruising and a host of related symptoms that affect their energy levels, ability to concentrate and mobility. They may also have comorbid conditions like gastrointestinal complaints that create additional challenges. How ..read more

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) can be a valuable tool in ensuring that children with special educational needs receive appropriate services and accommodations. An IEP acts like a roadmap for a child’s education. As such, it is imperative that parents and caregivers actively engage in the process to ensure that an IEP effectively addresses their child’s unique needs. The process of developing an IEP involves an initial meeting where parents, educators and relevant specialists come together to assess a child’s strengths, weaknesses and specific educational needs. The following are som ..read more