If you have found this page, chances are you have questions about your child’s educational needs, their placement, academic progress, or IEP. Perhaps your child has been evaluated by the school district and did not qualify for special education despite failing grades or a medical diagnosis. Perhaps despite interventions in the school setting, your child is not making progress. We are here to help. With over 30 years combined experience, Gallagher Law, is here for you and your family.
Special Education
Special Education and the IDEA
The purpose of the IDEA is to provide special education to children with disabilities through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) designed specifically to meet the unique needs of the child. Special education includes, but is not limited to, placement options, supports, services, behavior intervention plans, individually tailored goals, accommodations, and in some cases, transportation. Special education is the means through which a child with a disability can access their education. The IDEA also ensures additional procedural safeguards to students qualifying for special education under the IDEA that are not available under Section 504.
First things first: assessment and eligibility – 504 or IEP.
An accurate assessment is critical to understanding your child and how to best support your child academically, socially, and emotionally. Accurate assessments are the roadmap to developing your child’s independent education plan (IEP) through which your child can access a free appropriate public education as required by law. Gallagher Law, has experience at every phase of the special education process and can help guide you every step of the way in the following areas:
- Assessment Plans – determining scope of assessment
- Independent Educational Evaluation (IEEs)
- Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
- Attend SST meetings and develop 504 plans
- Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
- Educational Placement (considering the full spectrum of placement – known as the least restrictive environment)
- Manifestation Determinations
- Mental health advocacy (anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation/attempts, self harm, OCD, and others)
- Post-Graduation Accommodations
- Representation for resolution sessions, mediation, and Due Process
Here at Gallagher Law, we consider it an honor to represent your family. Let us help you today.
Civil Rights
Section 504 provides students with the right to equally access a free appropriate public education free from disability-based discrimination. These protections apply in public school settings. This means that disabled students cannot be excluded from receiving the benefits of a public education.
Title IX safeguards against sex-based discrimination. It has expanded over time to ensure that children are educated in a safe school environment free from sexual harassment, bullying, and cyberbullying. Students with disabilities are disproportionately victims of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and bullying than their peers. Gallagher Law, P.C. is committed to protecting the vulnerable among us in this unique specialization.
Students with disabilities are disproportionately victims of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and bullying than their peers. Gallagher Law is committed to protecting the vulnerable among us in this unique specialization.
Equal access includes:
- Equal access/participation in school, extra-curricular activities, and clubs on campus
- Access to an educational environment free from disability discrimination
- Equal access to safety at school
- A hostile free learning environment
- Policies and procedures designed for your student to remain safe, free from sexual harassment and bullying (including cyberbullying)
- Equal access to social interaction available to neurotypical peers
Childhood Sexual Abuse
If you are a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, our team provides trauma-informed representation in collaboration with one of the most prominent law firms nationwide. We know that it takes an incredible act of bravery to come forward. We are here to believe you and fight alongside you to hold those who hurt you accountable. We have experience working with cases involving school districts, religious organizations and more.