We regularly advise clients in the area of Special Needs law, which generates a significant amount of litigation, and is an increasingly difficult area to manage from a budget perspective. We understand the delicate balance between serving the educational needs of children with Individualized Education Programs, and the school district's responsibility to educate all children. We are familiar with the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA), No Child Left Behind, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and we are also conversant with state laws and regulations, like MGL Chapter 71B (also known as Chapter 766), and the various DESE regulations and advisories implementing all of those statutes.
We have defended our clients at hearings before the Bureau of Special Education Appeals, and in court. We also understand the complex interplay between special needs and student discipline, and we have provided advice and representation at local hearings and in other forums. We have attended mediations and resolution sessions when requested by the client. While we tend to leave Team meetings to the educators, we have also attended those meetings when it is fruitful to do so, or when there will be a difficult parent representative present.