As a parent of a child with dyslexia, I understand the challenges and emotions that come with the diagnosis. It can be overwhelming to discover that your child is struggling with reading and writing, and you might be unsure of where to start when it comes to finding help. In this blog post, I want to share my journey and insights with you, especially if you’re interested in the software called “Nessy” to help remediate dyslexia but want to explore free options first. When I first learned that my child was dyslexic, I felt a mix of emotions – concern, confusion, and a deep desi ..read more

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, commonly known as IDEA, is a fundamental piece of legislation that plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives of children with disabilities and their families. As a special education attorney and a parent of a child with learning disabilities, I’ve dedicated my career to helping families understand and access the support they need to ensure their children receive a quality education. In this blog post, I’ll share my insights on IDEA, its impact on the lives of children, and answer some common questions about this vital law. The IDEA Act: At-a ..read more

Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals are a critical component of special education plans. These goals should adhere to a specific and structured formula to ensure clarity, effectiveness, and measurability. To explain this formula, we have provided a simple graphic (see below) that outlines the key elements of an IEP goal and includes example IEP goals. The formula typically includes a clear statement of the desired outcome, the conditions under which the goal will be achieved, the specific criteria for success, and a clear timeline. To help you practice creating IEP goals, we’ve deve ..read more

As a parent of a child with moderate autism and a seasoned Special Education attorney, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with advocating for a child’s education. In this blog post, we’ll explore the world of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for autism from both personal and professional perspectives. We’ll address important questions such as whether having autism qualifies a child for an IEP, the different levels of autism, and how IEPs can benefit children at each level. Additionally, we’ll define IEPs, autism, provide examples of autism goals in an IEP ..read more

As a seasoned Special Education attorney and a parent of a child with a history of anxiety, I understand the immense challenges that come with the territory. Anxiety, a silent and relentless adversary, can cast a shadow over a child’s education, even ones with remarkable academic potential. In this guide, I’ll shed light on the importance of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for anxiety, explaining how they can be the key to unlocking your child’s true potential. Understanding the Impact of Anxiety on Education Anxiety isn’t a one-size-fits-all emotion. It comes in various forms, each ..read more

Navigating the landscape of special education services can be a complex task for parents and caregivers who may be looking for the best place for their family to live. One of the ways people often try to assess the quality of special education services in their area is by looking at state-level data. The U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) releases annual rankings of states and territories based on their implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). However, it’s important to understand that while these rankings provide a broad ..read more

Here is a quick answer to the question “what does IEP stand for?” ‘IEP’ stands for: Individualized Education Program (IEP) which is a personalized plan that is designed to meet the specific educational needs of students with disabilities as defined by the 13 official categories of IEP disabilities, and are identified as being in need of special education. The purpose of an IEP is to ensure that these students receive appropriate support, services, and accommodations in order to access and participate in their education. One of the most common questions I get as a Special Education attorne ..read more

A 504 plan is designed to ensure that a student with autism has equitable access to the learning environment. On the other hand, an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) is tailored to address educational benefits and often includes direct services like speech or occupational therapy. Both plans are provided at no cost to parents, and some students may have both plans in place, while others may have one or the other. As a parent who has walked the path of special education with my own child on the autism spectrum, I understand the importance of choosing the right support system. When it c ..read more