A General Practice Including But Not Limited To Education Law
Helping Students With Special Needs Secure Free Appropriate Public Education
Mr. Roston is a vigorous advocate for special education because securing the promise of special education can be overwhelming for parents of a special needs child. Parents must learn about their child’s needs and the techniques available to meet them, the regulatory structure that supports special education, and the techniques of advocacy most effective to secure the benefits to which their child is entitled. Effective advocacy is often essential to secure the benefits promised by IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), and Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Even parents who become experts in their children’s needs, and the best choices for meeting those needs often need assistance in working with their school district to develop an individualized educational plan (IEP) which will provide their child with the free appropriate public education (FAPE) to which he or she is entitled.
Lawyers who practice in the special needs area provide important assistance to children and parents. As experts in the applicable law, we help parents translate their understanding of their child’s needs into specific legal obligations which must be met by educators. We guide parents through the process of identifying their child’s needs in terms which connect them to the world of special education. We then work with the parents and the school to develop the individualized educational plan which most appropriately meets the needs. When schools do not meet the requirements of the IEP or otherwise fail to provide special needs children with an appropriate education lawyers take on the task of bringing the schools into compliance with the law.
As a teacher in a private parochial school with no special education support, I learned firsthand the obstacles that face children with special needs. I saw how children intent on succeeding can fail when they face tasks that they cannot perform because of their disabilities, whether physical, mental or emotional. I saw students with special needs become frustrated and disruptive. These problems can be solved when parents and schools work together to meet the interests and needs of children. Often parents and schools successfully work together with the involvement of lawyers. Other times there are obstacles to success which counsel can help to overcome. I have seen first hand how special education and early intervention have benefited my autistic grandson.
Lawyers are advisers and counselors as well as advocates. While there are times when parents definitely need an advocate, many times it is sufficient to have advice and counsel. I can help you understand the laws and together we can devise a plan for getting your child the free appropriate public education to which he or she is entitled. Together we can work out the strategies and tactics which will meet your goals. When necessary I can also be your advocate in IEP meetings, a due process hearing or a court appeal. My ultimate goal is to create an effective relationship between parents and their school that promotes the best interests of the child.