If you have a special needs child, it's up to you to advocate for them. Advocacy is important once your child gets into school. Your advocacy ensures that your child gets the services they need. One way to make sure your child gets the right services is to advocate for an IEP and a 504 plan. The IEP and the 504 plan are contracts between you, your child, and the school. These plans ensure that your child gets the right services for their special needs. Unfortunately, even with an IEP and a 504 plan, your child can still fall through the cracks. That's why you need to be there as your child's advocate. Read the list provided below. If you're dealing with any of the issues described here, it's time to hire a special education attorney. They'll make sure your child gets the right services.
Your Child Isn't Progressing
If your child isn't progressing in their classes, the first thing you should do is talk to their teacher. If you don't get answers from their teacher, follow through with the site administrator. If you still don't get the answers you're looking for, it's time to talk to a special education attorney. If your child isn't progressing, and accommodations aren't being made, a special needs attorney can help get your child back on track.
Your Child's IEP Isn't Followed
If your child has an IEP, it's up to the school to follow through with the accommodations. But, not all schools follow IEPs. Unfortunately, if the IEP doesn't get followed, your child can fall behind educationally. If you've tried to get the school to follow your child's IEP, you need legal help.
That's where a special education attorney becomes beneficial. An IEP is a legally binding contract. That means the school is required to follow your child's IEP. If that doesn't happen, a special needs attorney can step in on your behalf. They'll make sure the school follows your child's IEP.
Your Child Isn't Getting Certain Services
If your child is getting denied services that could benefit their education, don't try to go it alone. As your child's advocate, you have the right to seek legal representation. That step is especially important when your child isn't getting services.
Some of those services include one-on-one aides, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. These services can help your child advance in their education. A special education attorney can help your child get those services as part of their educational plan.
