Forte Law Group firmly believes in focusing our efforts on the representation of children and their families in legal matters regarding special education law and related practice areas such as discipline, expulsion, section 504, bullying, and juvenile defense among others. We strongly believe that each child’s case presents with a unique set of challenges which must be examined carefully.
Our team will conduct a comprehensive review your child’s educational records so that we can join you in gaining a better understanding of your child’s needs. In doing so, we work collaboratively and consult with recognized professionals in the field such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, assistive technology specialists, psychologists, board certified behavior analysts, and others to ensure that your child’s needs are well understood so that we can advocate for the support and services your child requires to promote learning and improve their quality of life.
We will advocate for your child’s needs during Planning and Placement Team meetings (i.e., IEP meetings), Mediation Sessions, Due Process Proceedings, meetings to obtain services pursuant to Section 504, and handling various litigation requirements. In addition, we strongly believe in educating our families in the area of special education law by providing frequent free parent workshops and keeping families well informed while advocating on you and your child’s behalf.
Services include but are not limited to:
- Conducting a comprehensive records review
- Evaluating initial referrals for eligibility
- Formulating letters to School Districts
- Requesting Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE)
- Requesting educational records pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Preparing for a Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings
- Mediation
- Due Process Hearings
- Filing compliance complaints with state education department
- Filing appeals
- Requesting reimbursements for services rendered outside of the school
We represent children who are diagnosed with a wide range of disabilities. Children who are categorized as having a disability under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (learning disabilities, Autism, intellectual impairment, speech and language disability, other health impairment, children aged 3-9 experiencing developmental delay, ADD and ADHD, emotional disturbance, deaf-blindness, hearing impairment, orthopedic impairment, traumatic brain injury, and, visual impairment) must receive a free and appropriate public education. Forte Law Group advocates for all children with special needs.