Cerebral palsy is a condition that sometimes develops during birth. It happens when the brain doesn’t get proper blood flow or proper oxygenation. This can stall or hinder brain development. Often, parents won’t immediately be aware that the child has cerebral palsy....
Education Law
What’s an inadequate Individualized Education Plan?
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are crucial documents for students with disabilities. They outline the specific accommodations and services a student needs to succeed in school. However, not all IEPs are created equal. An inadequate IEP can hinder a student’s...
Individual Education Plans and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a genetic disorder that affects the way that a person’s body produces collagen, so it affects their skin, bones and organs. Children who have this disorder often suffer from problems related to the hypermobility of their joints,...
3 Tips: Getting the most out of your child’s IEP
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) can be a valuable tool in ensuring that children with special educational needs receive appropriate services and accommodations. An IEP acts like a roadmap for a child’s education. As such, it is imperative that parents and...
How to get started with homeschooling your special needs child
Parents of special needs children may feel the need to take a more hands-on approach to their child's education by homeschooling. While this may seem daunting at first, with proper planning, resources and support, it can be a highly rewarding experience. Understanding...
Empowering your child to speak up against bullying
Bullying is an unfortunate problem that affects many school-age children. It can erode their self-esteem to the point of feeling unworthy or incapable. As a parent, empowering your child to speak up against bullying is crucial for their emotional well-being and...
What is a 504 educational plan?
A 504 educational plan, named after Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, is a plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law – and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution – receives accommodations...
How should you prepare for your child’s school disciplinary hearing?
Disciplinary hearings can be daunting for parents and children alike. Navigating through this process requires careful preparation to help ensure a fair and just outcome. Disciplinary procedures vary, but they generally follow a similar framework. Familiarizing...
What you should know about the 504 plan for kids’ mental illness
Supporting the mental health of students is as crucial as their academic success. The 504 plan emerges as a key player in ensuring that children facing mental health challenges receive the assistance they need to thrive in a school environment. The 504 plan is part of...
Understand your right to access and protect educational records
Having a child with special needs likely means you will be fighting for your child’s education more than other parents would with their children. This may mean engaging with school faculty, student boards and government agencies to help ensure your child gets a...