The parents of a child with special needs are often overwhelmed with caring for the child's needs and obtaining every appropriate service that will help their child learn and develop life skills. However, they are often intimidated by school personnel during ARD meetings or unaware of the full range of educational services available to their child. Rebecca provides parents with a thorough understanding of their child's legal rights and assists them to obtain the services that are appropriate for their child's special needs.
Schools are required by law to design and adhere to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a child, based on that child's unique and individual needs. The IEP should include clear and measurable goals and objectives that are appropriate for the child. The IEP will also outline special education support that is appropriate and enables the child to participate in education in the least restrictive environment. Rebecca advises parents on developing an IEP that is individualized for that child's special needs. She will review current and draft IEPs, counsel parents on how the IEP can be improved, how parents can keep thorough and accurate records of school communications, and recommend a course of action parents can feel confident in executing.
Schools are required by law to hold a regularly scheduled ARD meeting to review and update a child's Individualized Education Program (IEP). This meeting typically takes place in a school conference room with parents and representatives from general education, special education, school administration and, if applicable, staff such as speech, occupational and/or physical therapists, if such services would be provided to the child. At the discretion of the parent or the school, other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, such as such as psychologists, behavior analysts, therapists, family friends, and advocates, among others may also attend the ARD meeting.
ARD meetings can be extremely stressful experiences for parents. In most cases, parents want to develop and maintain a good dialog with their child's teacher(s). They often need to advocate strongly to ensure that their child's special needs are appropriately provided for by the public school system. A parent may request additional ARD meetings if a situation arises where their child's needs are not being met by the school or they feel a change is needed.
Rebecca advises parents on ARD planning and provides guidance on what to do and what NOT to do during the meeting. She counsels parents on what can be expected and how they can appropriately advocate for their child. Upon request, Rebecca will represent the child at an ARD meeting alongside the parents.
The parent of a child with special needs may need to communicate with their child's teacher(s) on a regular basis. The child's needs may change in between scheduled ARDs whether the child is meeting their IEP goals and objectives more rapidly than anticipated or exhibiting behavior issues that need to be addressed. Parents often need guidance on what is appropriate and reasonable to ask the school to provide. Rebecca counsels parents on the best procedure for formally making a complaint or asking for additional services. She reviews each specific situation and provides guidance on appropriate procedures and procedural violations. She advises parents on the steps and actions they can take independently and what parents should expect of the school. She will review communications and counsel parents on their best course of action.
Occasions arise when a parent is in disagreement with their child's teacher, school administration, Individualized Education Program (IEP), special education services, placement or other educational issue. Mediation is one mechanism of dispute resolution between the parents and the school. Rebecca will provide counseling and legal support during these sessions. In mediation, parents bring their list of proposed remedies to a mediation session with the school. The school personnel are typically located in a nearby room, with an independent mediator acting as a go-between. This process is generally informal, and can be helpful to resolve issues quickly. Rebecca will consult with parents to determine if mediation is an appropriate action to take in their particular circumstance.
When parents do not feel that a school is providing the appropriate services for their child or mediation does not successfully meet their child's needs, parents may file for a due process hearing. This is a formal procedure for an administrative hearing that will determine whether the school has provided a free and appropriate education for the student. Parents may request, as a remedy, that the school make a change in the educational services or placement of the child, among other things. Rebecca advises parents on methods for requesting appropriate special education services or adjustments to the child's IEP. She provides due process representation in the event that conflicts cannot be resolved between the child's parents and educators in an ARD meeting or through mediation. She will represent the child's best interests in a due process hearing and argue for appropriate services to meet the child's special needs.
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Educating and empowering parents to advocate for their child
Rebecca Ryan, an attorney who represents children with special needs and their parents in Central Texas, has extensive experience working with parents and children with autism spectrum disorders. Her comprehensive practice in special education law services includes:
Protecting the rights of children with special needs
"I can not speak highly enough of Rebecca Ryan. She committed herself fully to helping my son get the services that most effectively meet his individual education needs. Not only did she go above and beyond my expectations, she is extremely thorough and thoughtful in her work. Her comprehensive knowledge of Special Education Law united with her years of experience in working with children that have unique challenges is an unbeatable combination! After working with Rebecca I now have a better understanding of how to help my son and the confidence to do so. She is more than just a great attorney. She has been a wonderful mentor and role model for this mother. Thank you, Rebecca!"
- Trish
Austin, TX
