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Attorney Link Schrader has the unique ability and experience to understand your child's needs. In addition to his law degree, he has a master's degree in special education. Link Schrader represents parents of children with disabilities who are in need of Special Education services from their local school districts.
Free Consultation
May times parents of students with special needs are unaware of the benefits that their children are entitled to, and how to access those benefits. Link Schrader is knowledgeable about the resources that are available to children with special needs and because of his years of experience, he is able to help parents access those resources.
Before beginning the practice of law Link Schrader taught special education classes and coordinated special education services at several schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Link Schrader has experience teaching at the elementary, middle and high school levels, both in the resource specialist program and in special day classes and also taught in juvenile court schools and at a non-public school. As part of his legal education Link Schrader interned with the Special Education Team at the LAUSD Office of General Counsel. Link Schrader may be able to help you obtain the placement and services that your child needs at IEP meetings, often without charge.
About Special Education:
Does Your Child Need Special Education? Special Education means specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parent, to meet the unique needs of a child with disabilities. If your child has special education needs, his/her right to a free appropriate public education is guaranteed by federal and state law.
Your Child May Be Eligible For Special Education Services If He/She Has: Autism; Learning Disabilities; Behavior Problems; Vision or Hearing Deficits; Speech Problems; Mental Retardation; Traumatic Brain Injury; Physical of Other Health Impairments
Learning Disabilities - The Most Common Eligibility Criteria For Special Education Services. In the past, a child was only eligible under this category if there was a discrepancy between his/her ability and achievement. A discrepancy is no longer always necessary. About 5% of the school ae population ha a learning disability as defined under FederalLaw. These children can learn, but need to be taught in a way that makes it possible for them to use their abilities to compensate for their weaknesses. It is the School District's responsibility to develop a effective education progrm for these children.
A child diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may qualify if a sufficient discrepancy exists between ability and achievement, or if the child's behavior qualifies him/her for services.
School Districts Are Required to recognize that special education students may have unique behavior issues, and as a result, the law provides some protection from suspension and/or expulsion. In general, a special education student whose behavior isconsistent with his disability may not be suspended for more than 10 days a year.
An Assessment Of Your Child Will Be Conducted By Your School District, with your consent, to determine whether you child needs Special Education services. Whe school is in session, the District must respond to your request for an assessment within 15 days, and share the results with you at an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting within 60 days.
Individualized Education Program (IEP) - After the assessment, the local school personnel, other involved professionals, and you, will determine your child's eligibility for Special Education and the services appropriate to meet your child's needs. Your active participation in this conference is vital. Representatives of your choice may also attend. If your child is eligible, the IEP will describe the services and programs he/she needs to benefit from his/her education. These services and programs must be personalized to fit his/her unique requirements. If the District determines that your child is not eligible, and you disagree, you have a right to appeal that decision and request a due process hearing.
A good Individualized Education Program should be based upon the identified needs of the student, not on a predetermined curriculum adopted by the School District. If the program does not provide a meaningful education for your child, you can request a more appropriate program and appeal if it is not provided. The only appropriate education is an effective education. You have the right to request an IEP meeting at any time and it must be held within 30 days of your request.
You have the right to have your child educated, to the maximum extent appropriate, with his or her peers without disabilities. This is the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) provision of the Federal Law. If your child's disability requires a more restrictive environment to benefit from his or her education, the District must provide it. This environment could be a special school, special class, or special services.
Related Services are any services which are necessary to hellp a student benefit from his or her special education program. The services could include transportation, a classroom aide, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, adaptive physical education, counseling services, assistive technology devices and some medical services.
Due Process Issues -- The Parent has a right to appeal and request a due process hearing based on disputes regarding eligibility, assessment, services, placement, and reimbursement for necessary expenses provided by the parents.
Link Schrader will attempt to resolve the issues quickly and in a non-adversarial manner, but when necessary, will represent you in a due process hearing. Often issues can be resolved at mediations or resolution conferences, usually at no charge to the parents.
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