Education
What We Do
We work to make sure that students with disabilities, especially those from underserved communities get the right behavioral services and support to stay in their most inclusive setting possible.
How We Can Help
We can help by giving you information and connecting you with the right resources for you to advocate for yourself. The resources below are organized by topic and will help you understand your rights and how to stand up for them. There are many ways to solve a problem, and not all issues need a lawyer. We handle very few individual cases, focusing instead on matters that can create changes in policies and procedures to help more people. In education, sometimes we assist people in improving behavioral services and support so that students can learn in the most inclusive setting possible.
Who Else Can Help
If you have reviewed the resources provided below and still think you need help with a problem concerning an education matter, we suggest contacting one of the following organizations.
Family Connection South Carolina
Autism Society of South Carolina
SC Dept of Education Ombudsman
Resources
Below are a variety of resources organized by topic.
General Rights
Students with disabilities should have equal access to education. This includes receiving support and accommodations needed to participate in school, without discrimination.
- Education for Children with Disabilities
- Protections For Students Not Yet Identified as Eligible for Special Education Services
- Bullying and Students with Disabilities
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FEPRA)
- Health Care Needs of Students Attending Public Schools
- US Department of Education: Families and Parents Information
- SC Department of Education: Parent Resources
IEPs and 504 Plans
IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and 504 Plans are important tools that help students with disabilities get the support and services they need to succeed in school.
- Advocacy Tips for IEP Meetings
- Testing Students Who Have Disabilities
- Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
- Related Services in Schools
- Prior Written Notice
- Prior Written Notices Video
- Remote Meetings: Tips for Parents
- Assistive Technology and Special Education
- Video: Assistive Technology and Education
Resolving Problems
Learning how to solve problems and speak up for yourself or your child helps you get the support you need.
- Special Education Evaluations
- Expulsion and Manifestation Meeting
- Filing a Complaint with the South Carolina Department of Education
- How to File a Complaint under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 for Students in Public Schools
- Mediation: An Alternative to Due Process
- SC Department of Education Dispute Resolution Information
- Video: Dispute Resolution - What is Advocacy?
- Video: IEP Team Disagreements
- Video: South Carolina IDEA Dispute Resolution Options
Behavioral Issues and Rights
Students with disabilities who have behavior challenges should receive support and accommodations that help them manage their behavior and succeed in school.
- Discipline of Students with Disabilities
- How to Address a Student’s Problem Behavior: Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) & Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
- US Department of Education: Guidance Helps Schools Support Students with Disabilities and Avoid Discriminatory Use of Discipline
- Video: Meeting Behavioral & Academic Needs of All Children Part 1
- Video: Meeting Behavioral & Academic Needs of All Children Part 2
- Video: Behavior Concerns- Parent and Student Advocacy
- Video: IDEA and Behavior
Transition to Adulthood
Preparing for the transition to adulthood is important, for young adults with disabilities this can mean very different things, such as working, going to college, and living independently. Transition is a time to get ready for these changes and learn how to find support when needed.
- School Transition Services
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services for High School Students
- The Rights of College Students with Disabilities
- When a Child Grows Up: The Legal Effects of Becoming an Adult
- Adult Students with Disabilities Educational Rights Consent Act
- US Department of Education Transition Guide
- Video: Transition Services the role of vocational Rehabilitation
- Video: Vocational Rehabilitation and CAP 101
Words to Know
The ADA is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.
Any device, software, or equipment that helps to increase or maintain the ability of persons with disabilities function in daily living
Special education term used to describe the written plan used to address problem behavior that includes positive behavioral interventions, strategies and support.
Term used to describe services that place students with disabilities in general education classrooms with appropriate support services. Student may receive instruction from both a general education teacher and a special education teacher.
Legislation guaranteeing students with disabilities a free and appropriate public education and the right to be educated with their non-disabled peers.
The term outlined by IDEA to define the written document that states the disabled child’s goals, objectives and services for students receiving special education.
An extended school year is a component of special education services for students with needs who require services in excess of the regular academic year. Extended year often refers to summer school
The guaranteed right of children with disabilities to receive an education that meets their unique needs at no cost to parents.
The procedure conducted to find the reasons for students’ behaviors interfering in their learning.
The placement of a special needs student in a manner promoting the most possible interaction with the general school population.
Term used to describe the integration of children with special needs into regular classrooms for part of the school day. The remainder of the day is in a special education classroom.
Required written notice to parents when the school proposes to initiate or change, or refuses to initiate or change, the identifications, evaluation, or educational placement of the child.
Extra supports that help a student with a disability benefit from special education. These services can include things like speech therapy, counseling, or transportation.
Supports that are provided in school settings to allow a student with a disability to be educated with his non disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate.
A set of activities as listed in the IEP that facilitate the student’s move to postsecondary options; may include vocational assessment, career exploration, and vocational education.