Advocacy

The special education process can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. The assistance of experienced counsel can make a world of difference for parents, caregivers, and ultimately the student. We understand that each student has unique needs and we will guide you through the process with expertise, compassion, strength and determination. We advocate for the interests of students with special education needs throughout Bay Area Counties, Central and Northern California. We provide attorney consultation, and representation on a sliding scale, based upon income.

Eligibility

If your child is struggling in school and the school is telling you she/he is not eligible for special education supports and services, we can help you obtain eligibility. Sometimes a school district refuses to test a student for special education eligibility or fails to conduct an appropriate assessment. We can help you obtain testing, and eligibility so that your child gets the help she/he needs. We represent students in all areas of disability including, but not limited to: specific learning disabilities, dyslexia, auditory processing disorders, non-verbal learning disorders, emotional disturbance, autism spectrum disorders, and attention deficit disorders.

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

An IEP is a customized education program for a child based on that child’s unique needs. If your child has an IEP, he/she may not be getting all of the support and services he/she needs and is entitled to. We can attend IEP meetings with you, and help maximize the services and placement your child receives. Such services include, for example, academic support, speech and language services, behavioral support such as a 1 to 1 paraprofessional aide, counseling, social skills support, occupational therapy services, nonpublic school, private school, and residential treatment center placements.

Due Process Hearing Requests

We will prepare and file due process hearing requests, when necessary, in order to obtain an appropriate education for students. We represent the interests of students and their parents or caregivers throughout the process. We will negotiate the best settlement possible at early resolutions sessions and mediations, and if necessary, we will represent you at due process hearings.

Your Educational Ally

Every student is entitled to an appropriate education so that they can reach their potential. We are passionate about protecting the rights of children with special needs, and vulnerable youth. We advocate for students ages 3 through 22, in all areas of disability so that they can obtain the educational program they deserve and require. We also guide parents and caregivers so that you can participate in your child’s education fully and effectively.

Know Your Rights

If you suspect that the school is not doing enough for your child, it likely isn’t. Understanding what is lacking, or what your child needs in order to reach his or her potential is not always easy. We can partner with you in the educational process, helping you understand your legal rights in order to obtain a free and appropriate education for your child.

Get Results

We provide expert and exceptional legal services to help your child obtain what she/he needs to be a successful student, which can change the trajectory of your child’s life. For example, we can help you obtain an Independent Educational Evaluation that will identify your child’s unique needs, we can help obtain special education eligibility and an IEP for your child, and we can help obtain appropriate placement such as a non public school, or a residential treatment center, and we can help your student get services she/he needs such as resource support, speech and language, or occupational therapy. In addition, sometimes parents have to pay for placement or educational services themselves, and we can help you get reimbursed from the school district.