What We Believe

Welcome!  We believe your child and every disabled child is entitled to the education they need to help them learn, grow and develop.  That is not just our belief.  It is what the law requires.  Is your disabled child receiving the help he needs at school?  Is she getting what she needs to prepare for the life you envision for her?  Do you sometimes feel confused and overwhelmed by "IEPs," by school meetings where you feel "outgunned and outnumbered," and by educators' reports and terminology you don't understand?  You do not need to feel confused and overwhelmed.  You do not need to "settle" for an inadequate education for your child.  Help is available! 

You can take action at school that can change your child's life.  And we can help.  We can help assess whether your child is receiving the instruction and support that he needs and is legally entitled to received.  We can help empower you to be an effective advocate for your child at school - to learn, to prepare, to persevere, and to succeed in getting the services your child needs.  And if you cannot get what your child needs at school on your own, we can fight for you and your child to get the special education and related services the law requires.   Every disabled child is entitled to an appropriate education that will "meet [each child's] unique needs and prepare [each child] for further education, employment, and independent living."  (20 U.S.C. 1400(d)(1)(A)).  This is what federal law says.  It also is what we believe.  If you believe that, too, then read on - or simply call us now.  There is no charge for an initial phone consultation lasting 10-15 minutes.       

The Law is on Your Side!

Of course, raising any child is a challenge. But parents of a special education student or other special needs child face unique challenges in raising and educating their child ... at home, in the community, and, of course, at school. It can seem overwhelming. You worry about your child's future. Will she learn to read? Will he finish high school and go to college? Will she be able to take care of herself when you are no longer able to care for her? Will he stay out of trouble? Will she have a full, happy and independent life? 

You recognize that an education is essential to your child's future. But your dealings with the school sometimes are 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 are doing." You may feel that your child is falling farther behind and that time is running out. But you don't know what to do or where to turn. You feel alone.

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.

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. You can make a big difference in the results you get for your child at school.  Sometimes, you can do it on your own through self-help. Read. Learn. Take action.  There are many resournces that can help you get started. (Here's a list of some websites we like). Sometimes, you may need some help, such as a non-attorney education advocate. (We list some advocates on our "People Links" page). 

And 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 People 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.