Updated Guidance for the Use of Mitigation Strategies in Connecticut’s PreK-12 Schools as the result of COVID-19

Updated Guidance for the Use of Mitigation Strategies in Connecticut’s PreK-12 Schools as the result of COVID-19

On August 19, 2021, the Connecticut State Department of Education issued updated guidance for the use of the latest mitigation strategies that will be used throughout Connecticut’s Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade schools. The latest update, consisting of 9 pages of content, is guidance that local school districts should follow and use to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus pandemic among students and communities. I have briefly highlighted and Continue Reading

Long COVID as a Disability Under Section 504 and the IDEA

Long COVID as a Disability Under Section 504 and the IDEA

By Special Education Attorney & Certified Child Advocate, Jeffrey L. Forte, Esq. | Forte Law Group LLC Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, children have unfortunately been contracting the virus. And, with the increase associated with the new COVID delta variant strain, medical experts are referring to what some call “long COVID.” The United States Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services recently issued new guidance for public schools Continue Reading

What does a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) mean?

What does a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) mean?

By Connecticut Special Education Attorney, Jeffrey L. Forte, Esq. | Forte Law Group LLC If you live in Connecticut and have a child with a disability, you will want to familiarize yourself with available resources about special education law in order to more fully advocate for your child’s educational needs. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”), your child has the guaranteed right to receive a free appropriate public Continue Reading

What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?

What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?

By Connecticut Special Education Lawyer, Jeffrey L. Forte, Esq. | Forte Law Group LLC  One of the most important laws for parents of a child with a disability to know when dealing with their child’s right to receiving special education is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”).  United States Congress enacted the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, otherwise known as the IDEA, on November 29, 1975. This groundbreaking federal Continue Reading

Op-Ed: Congress Takes A Step To Help Special Needs Students

Op-Ed: Congress Takes A Step To Help Special Needs Students

The COVID-19 pandemic has created severe school funding shortages throughout the country, and unfortunately the shortages impact students with disabilities the hardest. Thanks to staunch support from several U.S. senators, including Connecticut’s Sen. Chris Murphy, and lawmakers from Maryland and New Hampshire, the Senate, earlier this month, passed a plan that includes funding to support programs that help students with disabilities. We are hopeful. This is a positive step. Thus Continue Reading