Joliet, IL Special Education Attorneys

Knowledgeable Attorneys Assisting With IEPs and Other Special Education Issues in Joliet, Illinois

People with disabilities may face many challenges in their lives. In many cases, these challenges begin during childhood when children struggle to attend school and receive the proper education. In situations where children have physical or mental disabilities or are dealing with emotional or behavioral issues, families will need to understand what steps they can take to protect their children's rights.

Schools have legal obligations to provide services and accommodations for students with disabilities or other special needs. However, parents may be unsure about how to respond to teachers or school administrators, and they may not be prepared to navigate the proceedings followed when setting up special education plans. At Jordan Steele & Associates, LLC, our lawyers can provide legal support and representation for families in these situations. We will work to ensure that children can receive the educational services they need to succeed while attending school.

Rights of Children With Disabilities

Children with physical, intellectual, or mental health disabilities have specific rights under federal and Illinois law, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These laws require public schools to provide accommodations that allow children to receive the same level of education as other students and participate in school activities.

The rights of children with disabilities include:

• The right to have access to educational programs designed to meet their individual needs
• The right to receive accommodations for physical or mental health limitations
• The right to participate in extracurricular activities and school events
• The right to be protected from discrimination based on disability

In cases where children have disabilities or special needs, schools are required to perform evaluations to determine whether they qualify for special education services. If a child is eligible, the school must develop a plan to meet their educational needs.

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

An Individualized Education Program, or IEP, is a written plan that outlines the specific accommodations, services, and support a child will receive. An IEP will be tailored to the child's unique needs, and it is designed to support academic growth, social development, and participation in school activities. IEPs are a crucial part of ensuring that students with disabilities have the resources and guidance needed to succeed in school.

Components of an IEP may include:

• Academic Goals: Specific, measurable objectives may be included for reading, math, writing, and other subjects, with the goals tailored to the child's abilities.
• Specialized Instruction: A plan may provide for individual or small-group instruction, specialized teaching strategies, or therapy services such as speech-language, occupational, or physical therapy.
• Accommodations and Modifications: Adjustments may be made to classroom instruction, testing procedures, assignments, or schedules to ensure that a child will have equal access to education.
• Behavioral and Social Supports: A plan may provide interventions for behavior management, social skills training, or counseling services.
• Assistive Technology: Tools or devices may be provided to help the child participate in learning, such as communication devices or computer software.
• Transportation Services: Assistance with mobility or safe travel to and from school may be provided for children with physical disabilities.
• Participation in Extracurricular Activities: A plan may include provisions to allow the child to engage in sports, clubs, or other school programs.

IEPs are reviewed at least annually, or more frequently if needed, to ensure they remain appropriate as the child's needs change. Parents have the right to participate fully in IEP meetings, provide input, and request revisions when necessary.

How Our Attorneys Can Help Address Issues Related to IEPs and Special Education

At Jordan Steele & Associates, LLC, we can provide guidance and representation for families throughout the special education process, including:

• Representation in IEP Meetings: We can attend meetings with parents to ensure that an IEP will address the child's needs, support their academic progress, and include all necessary accommodations.
• Advocacy for Support Services: Our team can help parents advocate for physical, mental health, or learning accommodations that a school may not initially provide.
• Dispute Resolution: When disagreements arise, we can assist families in pursuing remedies, including administrative hearings or appeals, to secure appropriate educational services for children.

Our goal is to help families in Joliet and Will County protect their children's educational opportunities, ensuring that students with disabilities will receive the support and accommodations they need to succeed academically and socially.

Contact Our Joliet, IL Special Education Attorneys

Children with disabilities have the right to receive an education. For families who have encountered challenges related to special education for children, the attorneys at Jordan Steele & Associates, LLC can provide effective legal representation. With our experience advocating for people in marginalized communities, we can make sure the rights of children with disabilities will be protected and that they will have the tools they need to succeed. Contact our Joliet IEP lawyers at 872-314-0080 to schedule a free consultation.