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Special Needs Lawyers

The attorneys at Tsadik Law have years of experience specifically with Special Education Law. We advocate for students who may not be getting the legally required services at school to help a special needs or disabled child get the education they are entitled to. Our primary focus is to help obtain quality educational services for children with disabilities. We like to help educate parents about their children’s rights that have been guaranteed by law, and hold school districts accountable meet the required support and service standards.

All of the attorneys have a long track record of representing clients and obtaining successful outcomes, by getting the proper services for our clients . We are equipped with the knowledge to compel schools to provide the legally required accommodations, and we have represented hundreds of special education cases. Simply stated: we know how to take on the school system.

There are a myriad of complex laws and regulations about special education programs at school, and finding an attorney who has experience and knowledge in this area is important. At Tsadik Law we take pleasure in helping parents understand what laws and regulations applicable to their children, what services and supports your children are entitled to by law, and ensure that we are in regular communication with you throughout the legal process.

Services For Special Needs

If you wondering whether or not your child would benefit from legal representation from Tsadik law, fell free to call us. Our staff looks forward to speaking with you to find out more about your situation, answer your questions, and find out the best course of action we can take regarding your child’s educational future.

 Here are some common issues that children experience at school which may be represented by a special education attorney:

• Issues With Navigating the School Campus
• Inappropriate Classroom Placement
• Speech and Language Deficits
• Challenges With Organization
• Difficulty With Writing
• Lack of Behavioral Support
• Difficulty Concentrating and Focusing
• Lack of Support in the Classroom
• Dealing with Bullying
• Suspension and/or Expulsion
• Social and Emotional Problems

As a parent/legal guardian, you have the right to file a complaint against your child’s school district alleging violations of federal and state education laws. The issue or issues will in most cases be taken to mediation. However, if a resolution cannot be found in mediation, a due process hearing will take place with an administrative law judge. Tsadik Law will be able to provide an experienced Special Education Attorney to represent you throughout the entire process, attend the resolution session, mediation, and the due process hearing. 

Eligibility Assessment

If you believe that your child requires additional support for having special needs, and has yet to be assessed for eligibility, or if the school has already determined that your child is ineligible for special education services, we can assist you with getting a reevaluation.

How Do I Request Special Education Services For My Child?

If your child has been diagnosed with any of the previously mentioned disorders, or if you believe your child has one of these disabilities, you should begin by having your child assessed by the school district. The school district is required to have your child evaluated for free. Submit your request to the district in writing and keep a record of that request.

After your child goes through the eligibility assessment, you then present a written request to the school for an IEP team meeting. At this meeting, the results of the evaluation will determine your child’s special education eligibility.

What If The District Claims That My Child Does Not Qualify?

After the assessment and IEP meeting, the District may disagree with your opinion on your child’s need for special education provisions. However, this is not the end, there are several steps you can take. You could pay for an independent educational evaluation (which can potentially be reimbursed by the district after a legal process). You could also contact an attorney, like the attorneys here at Tsaki Law, and file a due process request. The district will the re-evaluate your child if you feel the initial assessments were not enough.

Special Needs Rights: Laws and Regulations to Protect Your Child

Many people are not aware of the regulations and laws that were created for special needs children. For example, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was created and became federal law in 1975. At first it was called the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, and the main purpose of IDEA was to give a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to special needs children, and to give legal guardians and parents certain rights in deciding their children’s educational curriculum.

Even with these protections in place, many parents have found that the services, supports, and accommodations their children are entitled to, are not being provided by the local school district. Tsadik Law is here to help your family, and make sure that you receive your rights and the full protection of the special education laws that you and your child are entitled to.

Is My Child Eligible For IDEA?

There are legal guidelines that determine if your child is eligible for IDEA services. To qualify for special education services a child must meet the legal criteria of one or more of the following categories of eligibility:

• Emotional disturbance
• Other Health Impairment (includes ADHD)
• Specific Learning Disability (includes Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, and Other Learning Differences)
• Speech or Language Impairment
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Deaf-blindness

You should take note, however, even if a child is medically diagnosed with one or more of the above disabilities, this does not automatically make them eligible for IDEA. The law is written that the child must have a disability or disabilities that impacts their ability to access the curriculum and, as a result of that disability, requires special education to make progression at school. If you are not sure if your child is eligible for special education services, give us a call for an initial consultation, at (510) 457-0242. Tsadik Law can help you decide the best course of action to help your child receive a quality education.