Special Education Attorney - Jane DuBovy

Why I became a Special Education Attorney

March 15th, 2010, Pacific Palisades, CA
by Jane DuBovy

Eight years ago I switched my law practice from bankruptcy to special education. This was not just on a whim. A few years prior to that switch, my youngest son was diagnosed with Autism. After accepting the challenge of the Autism diagnosis, I submerged myself in learning everything I could about Autism, special education advocacy, regional center services, and whatever support groups existed. What I learned could fill a book, but here are the key elements that I think are helpful for parents seeking assistance with special education advocacy.

The most important thing is to believe that your child is going to be more capable of achievements than anyone would believe is possible. Set and keep the bar high for your child and make the special education professionals see your son/daughter as a child first, the Autism label should be secondary. This attitude will help you persevere when you are being told there is no funding, classrooms, and/or personnel/services available to help your child. It is the tenacity of parents that provides success in meeting their children’s unique needs.

However, while being tenacious you must also be reasonable. This seems like contrary advice. But it isn’t really. Remember that most people working in the area of education really do want what is best for your child. They just do not know your child as well as you do. Parents need to build a good team that includes an attorney or advocate, an educational psychologist as your expert, and a qualified pediatrician who understands Autism. Armed with this team make sure that you approach the school district with the same dignity and respect that you would want them to have for your child. Information is more powerful than confrontation.

There will come a time when confrontation may be the solution to cooperation. This is the time that your team comes together with your input to file a due process complaint, that seeks the free and appropriate education that your child deserves. I have had to take this approach for my child. Even as an attorney filing for and participating in a due process hearing was difficult and stressful. But it was worth it. My child has benefited from his team and is currently receiving an education that not only addresses his academic needs but his social emotional ones too. If you would like help for your child anywhere along this process please contact our offices at 888 IDEA-ADA (4332-232)

We are a group of special education lawyers working together to represent parents of special needs kids at every level of the process. We are experts in the laws affecting educational practice, and have won many cases for our clients. Based in Pacific Palisades we serve the Southern California area law affecting educational practice. If your child needs services in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Malibu, Burbank, Glendale, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Beverly Hills, Culver City, West San Gabriel, Whittier City, or even Orange County districts we have the experience needed. Please view our special education cases for detailed information.

Does your child have any of the following disabilities?

• Specific learning disabilities
• Speech/language impairments
• Mental retardation
• Emotional disturbance
• Multiple disabilities
• Hearing impairments
• Orthopedic impairments
• Other health impairments (limitations in strength, vitality, or alertness, including AD/HD)
• Visual impairments
• Deaf-blindness
• Autism super sensory session - understanding Autism
• Traumatic brain injury

Does this disability adversely affect your child's educational performance?

Is your child being served satisfactorily by your school district?

LET US ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS. Call 888 IDEA-ADA (888-4332-232), or contact one of our special education attorneys for more information.

A2Z helps parents obtain special education services for their children. If you need a special education lawyer we assist parents with special education iep, navigating the maze of school districts, compliance complaints, Due Process hearings, and beyond. We come at this with a unique special education advocacy approach, working on every case as a team, with Parents a vital and active part of that team. If your child or loved one has special education learning disabilities, special education autism, or needs special education assistive technology we can help.

fape special education - Free Appropriate Public Education under Section 504 for Students with Disabilities.