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 

Family Resource Center for Disabilities and Special Needs (Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester Counties)

Autism Society of South Carolina 

South Carolina Legal Services

SC Dept of Education Ombudsman

Resources

Below are a variety of resources organized by topic.

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.

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.

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.