Raising any child is a challenge. Parents of a special education student or other special needs child face unique challenges in raising a child with special needs and obtaining needed services.  Challenges arise in the home, in the community, and, of course, in the school.

You recognize that an education is essential to your child's future. But your dealings with the school are sometimes confusing and intimidating. Twenty-page IEPs that you cannot understand. Meetings with administrators and teachers where you feel outnumbered and "outgunned." Requests for help from the school that sometimes are met with responses like, "We know what we're doing." You fear that your child is falling farther behind. You are concerned that time may be running out. You don't know what to do.  You feel alone.

The Law Is On Your Side!

Help is available! The law is on your side. Federal law states that every child with a disability is entitled to receive a "free appropriate public education" that meets their unique needs and prepares them for "further education, employment and independent living."  Check it out for yourself:  http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cstatute%2CI%2CA%2C601%2C.  (Section 601(c)).  

The law's promise is simple:  Every child counts!   Every child is entitled to an education.  Every eligible child with a disability is entitled to a "special" education - one that targets each child's unique special needs and employs "specialized instruction" to help each child improve in each area of need.  And the school's legal responsibility is not limited to "academics."  The school also must help your child with "developmental" and "functional" needs by providing psychological counseling, physical therapy, "occupational" therapy, social skills training, or other services.

The law protects every special needs child.  The law protects you as your child's parent.

But getting the services your child needs is about more than just the law.  Do you need to know your legal rights as the parent of a special needs child?  Of course you do! Can you simply have total trust and confidence in the school folks to provide what your child needs year after year with little involvement from you?  Of course not!  There's an old Arab expression: Trust in God, but tie up your camel!  As the parent of a special needs child (and, really, as the parent of any child), you must remain vigilant and involved.  You can't fall asleep at the switch!

The good news: You can accomplish a lot on your own - and our website and newsletter are designed to help you get the services your child needs on your own, wherever possible.  But sometimes you may need an attorney.

We Can Help                                                                                      

The education attorneys at EdLaw are parents, too. (For a photo and a description of our approach, click here). We know what it is like to search for help for a child with special needs. As lawyers - and as parents - we are confident we can help you obtain the special education or other services your child needs and is legally entitled to receive.

How can we help? Our services include:

So we can help. With information. With advice. With parent "coaching" behind the scenes.  With legal representation focused on getting results amicably and "informally." Or, when necessary, with knowledgeable, aggressive legal representation at a "due process" hearing or on appeal to federal or state court. We cover all the bases. And remember: You have options!  In most cases, filing a lawsuit is a last resort.

Let our attorneys help you and your child get back on track. We can assess your child's situation. We can advise you on how to take action. An initial phone call lasting 10-15 minutes is free. If you call before or after our business hours (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.), we will get back to you promptly. We know it is important to you - or you wouldn't be calling.

Take control and take action! Call us now at 610.696.5006 or email us now!

Want To Know More?

Choosing an education lawyer is an important decision. Want to know more about us? Click on the "Who We Are" button on the right. Want to know more about the approach we take to helping you and your child? Click on the "Our Approach" button. Want to know about our charges? Or where we are located? Or have other questions? Click on the "FAQ" ("Frequently Asked Questions") button. Want to know more about the laws affecting you and your child's right to a special education? Click on the Law Links button. Want to know more about other individuals and organizations that can help? Click on Web Links. Want to know more about IDEA 2004 or the Gaskin settlement in Pennsylvania? Click on What's New.

We invite you to contact us. But whether you contact us or you don't, we sincerely encourage you to never give up in your efforts to obtain the education for your son or daughter that is so important for their future.