Student 1

We helped a student at a Due Process Hearing to obtain an appropriate Residential Treatment Center (RTC) educational placement.  The student was female that qualified for special education services under the classification of Emotional Disturbance and was previously diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Reactive Attachment Disorder, and Traumatic Brain Injury. Unfortunately, this student had experienced a significant personal history prior to being adopted by her Parents. She was the victim of physical, sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of her biological family and family friends that caused long-standing deep social-emotional difficulties, which in turn had manifested in difficulties with learning, socialization, as well as coping skills and behavior at school and home.  Since kindergarten, this student has demonstrated aggressive and problematic behaviors at school.   She was hospitalized due to her aggressive behaviors.  After she was discharged, the medical team recommended that she immediately attend an RTC placement.  As the school district disagreed with funding the placement, our office was able to secure funding for an RTC placement.

Student 2

We helped a student with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and anxiety whose school district tried to unfairly move him to a different school for students at risk of not graduating. The district’s action was based on a single incident that happened outside of school and ignored the student’s specific needs. The student’s mother was improperly pressured by school officials to agree to the move.  We stepped in to negotiate a settlement that allowed the student to return to his home school with the correct academic support. The story has a happy ending as his mother recently contacted us to say he made the honor roll.

Student 3

We successfully helped a student at a Due Process hearing to obtain an appropriate Non-Public School (NPS) educational placement.  The student was a male who qualified for services under the eligibility criteria of Multiple Disabilities.  The student exhibited global developmental delays which had impacted all areas of education.  The student exhibited severe deficits in speech and language, sensory integration, fine and gross motor coordination, visual motor skills, endurance, low muscle tone, strength, balance, postural control and coordination.  Most significantly, the student exhibited explosive maladaptive behaviors at school, where the school district attempted to illegally expel him.  Student had also been bounced around to various inappropriate programs by the school district. Through expert testimony we were able to halt the expulsion and prove that the public-school staff did not have the proper training to educate a student with these types of severe educational needs.  As a result, the judge ordered that the school district to place Student at a specialized NPS.

Student 4

We supported a student with Autism referred for expulsion due to aggressive behavior. The school district’s Manifestation Determination Review improperly concluded that the student’s behavior was unrelated to his disability. Our team provided expert testimony demonstrating that the district’s failure to consider the full scope of his disabilities and implement his IEP—including a lack of mandated mental health services—was the direct cause. Consequently, the expulsion was rescinded, and the student was reinstated with proper educational and behavioral support.

Student 5

We successfully helped a special education student who is a transgender female, and whose years in the public school system were marked by painful bullying, harassment, and discrimination. The abuse was perpetrated by peers, teachers, and administrators. Despite the family’s consistent and persistent efforts to report these incidents to the school district, the district failed to implement any effective intervention, leaving the student exposed and unsafe.  As the parents’ complaints were ignored and reports were withheld, the student developed severe anxiety and became withdrawn, fearing the school environment. Our firm took on the case, challenging the district’s failures and its denial of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Though the district initially contested all allegations, a settlement was ultimately reached. The resolution successfully secured funding for the student’s placement at a private school, where she finally found a safe and nurturing academic setting. Today, she is thriving, free from the harassment and abuse she was forced to endure for so long.

Student 6

Parents contacted our office after they privately placed their child in a residential treatment center (RTC). Student struggled significantly with depression, anxiety, mood disorder and suicidal ideation. Unfortunately, she was drowning educationally at the District’s placements and felt as though there was no light at the end of the tunnel.  Parents contacted our office to obtain an IEP for student. Our office filed a due process case against the district and negotiated a settlement for student’s RTC placement. Student is now qualified for an IEP and is receiving special education supports and services.

Student  7

We helped a student successfully resolve a potential expulsion with undiagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by securing a favorable settlement with the school district. Although the district had not provided an Individualized Education Program (IEP), we filed an expedited due process complaint, leading to the expulsion proceedings being dropped and the student’s record expunged. The family was also fully reimbursed for private school tuition and services.

Student 8

We supported a student with a qualifying disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The student, who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), failed to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for several years, as evidenced by stagnant academic progress, declining state assessment results, and escalating behavioral challenges. After providing unilateral notice of a private school placement, the family filed a due process complaint against the District. The matter was successfully resolved through a settlement agreement, resulting in reimbursement for the family’s out-of-pocket educational expenses.

Student 9

The parents of a student with Autism initiated contact after their daughter’s lack of progress within the district’s program over several years. The student was primarily nonverbal and presented with a profile that included extreme self-injurious behaviors, physical aggression, and non-compliance. Our firm filed a due process claim on behalf of the family, resulting in a settlement that provided for nonpublic school (NPS) placement. The student also received a comprehensive list of support services, including a dedicated one-to-one aide for the full school day, occupational therapy, speech and language services, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports, and a Behavior Intervention Plan with associated services. The student’s subsequent placement at the NPS has led to significant and positive progress

Student 10

After a family sought our help for their son with Autism and ADHD, we secured a life-changing settlement that provided a full-day one-to-one aide and increased therapy services. Facing a due process case from our office, the district also agreed to cover years of compensatory education and fund independent educational evaluations, giving this student the robust support he needs to thrive.