SPECIAL EDUCATION

Effectively meeting the needs of students with disabilities continues to be a significant challenge to boards of education. Our attorneys are experienced in assisting school boards in complying with the demanding requirements of the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and state law. This background is important in resolving many day-to-day issues which arise, particularly in the areas of evaluation, placement, procedure and discipline. Our attorneys participate at all levels of the special education process, including:

IEP conferences;

Mediations;

Due process hearings and subsequent appeals;

Responses to investigations by the Ohio Department of Education; and

Responses to investigations by the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education.

Many issues in special education can be resolved without resorting to costly hearings and unnecessary confrontation with parents. Through creative problem solving and open communication, the concerns of parents and advocates can be met effectively while satisfying the Board’s needs and the federal/state mandates. Nevertheless, in those instances where matters cannot be resolved by this strategy, we are zealous advocates for boards in due process hearings and subsequent litigation.