The Law Office of Charles Weiner is focused on representing families and their children with disabilities such as ADD / ADHD, Aspergers, Autism, Learning Disabilities, Reading Disabilities, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Tourette Syndrome, Depression, Anxiety, School Phobias as well as other cognitive and physical disabilities in educational rights matters. Charles Weiner is a child’s lawyer dedicated to improving schools, education and special education.
The IDEA and Section 504
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, provide a complex set of procedural and substantive rights to students with disabilities. As such, it is often necessary to hire an attorney, experienced with school law, special education and laws on disabilities. Because a child’s education occurs over many years, typically with the same school district, we strongly believe that a collaborative relationship with your school district provides the best environment for creating a meaningful educational plan. Accordingly, we believe in getting involved early in the process to identify the issues and develop a plan of action specific to a child’s special needs, before a dispute or litigation occurs.
A Child’s Rights to an IEP
If your child is struggling in school or falling behind his or her classmates or exhibiting conduct that interferes with school including excessive absence, these may be signs of a disability. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that your public school evaluate your child for disabilities, at no cost to you. If the evaluation report concludes that your child has a disability and is in need of special education services, then the school district must issue and implement an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to ensure that your child receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). An IEP is a document, which describes the type of education program that is to be delivered to address your child’s unique needs and includes goals and specially designed instruction.
Our services are available through the full cycle of the special education process. We assist you in understanding the procedural process and provide guidance in creating a documentary record. A thorough comprehensive educational evaluation is the starting point of creating an appropriate education plan. If your school district has not conducted a satisfactory evaluation, we can assist you in securing a thorough evaluation and seeking reimbursement for the cost. We can further counsel on developing an appropriate and enforceable IEP. Finally, in the event a dispute arises with your school district, we provide experienced litigation services to aggressively pursue due process and civil court litigation.
Bullying and School Discipline
We have knowledge and experience in Pennsylvania’s anti-bullying laws and the special rights related to school discipline. We advocate for children who have been victims of bullying and cyber bullying. We have also successfully handled matters involving school discipline such as suspensions and expulsions.
If your child is not being provided with appropriate educational services,
contact an experienced special education lawyer.
Law Office of Charles Weiner
267-685-6311 | info@charlesweinerlaw.com