#AdvocacyMatters: Unprecedented Challenges, Unique Solutions

December 17, 2021 / #AdvocacyMatters

Throughout the pandemic, interrupted educational opportunities and their impact on students who depend on special education services have been of incredible concern. The rapid transition to remote learning ripped students from the classrooms, services, and routines that helped them succeed. As if closed school buildings and remote classes weren’t challenging enough, many families were also left trying to optimize IEP meetings held via Zoom and making sense of Extended School Year and Compensatory Education services.

Earlier this year we partnered with Albeit Weiker LLP and The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities to present “Second Saturday” free legal clinics. These clinics offered students and families across the state the ability to learn about many of the issues that are prevalent in the Special Education system. With the option to attend either in-person or remote, six of these clinics have taken place so far with a remarkable response. Understanding that weekends can be busy times for many families, each session is recorded and made available to watch online:

• Learning the Language of Special Education (Watch now)
• Walkthrough Sections of the IEP (Watch now)
• Behavior and Social / Emotional Supports (Watch now)
• Negotiation Tips and IEP Team Building (Watch now)
• Progress Reports, Data Driven Goals and Recovery Services (Watch now)
• Transition (to Adulthood) Planning on the IEP (Watch now)

The seventh workshop – postponed from December – will take place on Saturday, January 8th, covering Procedural Rights and Dispute Resolution. You can learn more and register at lawyers4students.com/legalclinic.

The unique challenges of today’s reality require unique solutions. Throughout these events, our team and partners have worked to identify and present the most pressing issues facing students and families navigating special education in today’s world. With six clinics recorded and the seventh coming up soon, we know the work isn’t over. Because we believe that #AdvocacyMatters, we look forward to sharing more ideas, plans, and events with you soon.