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

Parents of special needs children may feel the need to take a more hands-on approach to their child’s education by homeschooling. While this may seem daunting at first, with proper planning, resources and support, it can be a highly rewarding experience. Understanding the specific needs of your child is crucial, as it lays the foundation for designing an effective homeschooling plan. The following are a few other broad, introductory steps to consider when getting started with homeschooling your special needs child. Fulfill legal requirements Understanding the legal requirements for homeschooli ..read more

Bullying is an unfortunate problem that affects many school-age children. It can erode their self-esteem to the point of feeling unworthy or incapable. As a parent, empowering your child to speak up against bullying is crucial for their emotional well-being and development. Children may require support and guidance when it comes to speaking up against bullying. One of the ways to empower your child is by encouraging open communication. When you create a safe and supportive environment at home where your child feels comfortable expressing their feelings and experiences, they are more likely to ..read more

A 504 educational plan, named after Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, is a plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law – and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution – receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment.  Unlike the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 does not require a public school to provide an individualized educational program (IEP) that is designed to meet a child’s unique needs and provide them with educational b ..read more

Disciplinary hearings can be daunting for parents and children alike. Navigating through this process requires careful preparation to help ensure a fair and just outcome. Disciplinary procedures vary, but they generally follow a similar framework. Familiarizing yourself with this process is crucial for effective preparation. Understand the disciplinary process Before anything else, thoroughly review the school’s disciplinary policies. Each institution has its own set of rules and consequences. Understanding these policies is the first step in building a solid defense for your child. Don’t forg ..read more

Supporting the mental health of students is as crucial as their academic success. The 504 plan emerges as a key player in ensuring that children facing mental health challenges receive the assistance they need to thrive in a school environment. The 504 plan is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is designed to eliminate discrimination based on disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. For children, this means equal access to education and related benefits. Although commonly associated with physical disabilities, the 504 plan extends its reach to encom ..read more

Having a child with special needs likely means you will be fighting for your child’s education more than other parents would with their children. This may mean engaging with school faculty, student boards and government agencies to help ensure your child gets a quality education. Part of this process is disclosing private information to school faculty about your child’s needs and making a plan as to how their education is handled. Parents have the right to access their child’s private education records and keep them private if necessary under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA ..read more