Material presented on the Arlington SEPTA Resource Directory is intended for information purposes only. It is not intended as professional advice or endorsement of services and should not be construed as such.
Arlington SEPTA is not engaged in rendering legal or other professional services by posting said material. Professional services should be sought if legal or other specific expert assistance is required.
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Advocating 4 Kids
Biography
Advocating 4 Kids Inc is a non-profit organization that provides training, resources and direct advocacy support to parents of children with disabilities. Our organization has a special focus on outreach to Minority and/or lower socioeconomic status families whose cultural and civil rights needs are often overlooked in the state of Virginia and nationally.
We provide workshops, presentations, training, advocacy training pods to communities on fighting systemic disparities that hinder access to equitable education services in Virginia and nationally.
We file systemic and individual state and federal complaints against school districts who violate the civil rights of parents and students. We support, and/or represent parents in the Due Process administrative hearings and appeal cases to the federal courts when necessary. We Partner with community organizations to bring awareness about the national and state gaps in equity and representation of under served populations.
American Bar Association Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law
Belkowitz Law, PLLC
Biography
Belkowitz Law, PLLC can help ensure that your child with special needs receives the free appropriate public education guaranteed by law. We represent families in special education matters to protect their children’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The firm can also assist families with school discipline, post-secondary education law, employment law, and business litigation.
Brownley Law Group
Biography
As parents searching for support for our own children, we found that law firms with any experience in special education uniformly required a significant retainer before they would begin working. We weren’t sure whether we had a legal case, and a large retainer would be an expensive way to find out. After all, like most parents of children with special education needs, we had a lot of expenses already. For a flat rate, we will review the specifics of your case and potential outcomes through Case Analysis.
The Brownley Law Group offers a choice of highly trained and fully qualified special education attorneys, special education advocates, and educational consultants. Whether you are struggling to get the right Individualized Education Program (IEP) in place or trying to determine which schools or educational programs would be best suited for your child, we can help.
We have carefully chosen advocates who have the education, training, and practical experience to help you effectively navigate the difficult world of special education. Many of them have been involved with special education for most of their lives, or have kids with special education needs themselves. You can be sure they will provide you with effective, efficient, and caring support.
Cohen, Dowd & Madsen
Biography
Advocacy Services
Our services include, but are not limited to:
Review student’s educational history
Interpret, explain, and discuss psychological and educational testing
Explain, discuss, and recommend educational services and placement
Assist in developing IEP’s and 504’s
Suggest and advocate for appropriate accommodations
Accompany parents to IEP, 504, and other school meetings
Facilitate effective communication between home and school
Review IEP documents prior to signing
Draft letters and written requests for appeals and mediation
Attend appeals and mediation hearings
Transition Services
The transition planning process should enable the student to move successfully from school to postsecondary education and training, employment, independent living, and community participation based on the student’s preferences, interests, and abilities. It is NEVER too early to get started.
Assist in securing vocational assistance and/or assessment
Provide resources for parents to interface with state and federal agencies
Provide resources for parents to develop trusts and guardianships
Provide resume and interviewing support
Assist in job search
Commonwealth Education Group, LLC
Biography
Headquartered in northern Virginia, Commonwealth Education Group consists of non-attorney advocates and related subject matter experts who represent students and families through all stages of the special education process.
Whether your student has a known or suspected disability, our goal is that you are empowered to make informed decisions in the complicated and emotional process of crafting an appropriate program within the public education environment. We bring qualified training, extensive experience, and professionalism to every case; and we customize our support to your individual needs and concerns.
Notes
Services
Eligibility Determinations
IEPs and Section 504 Plans
School Records and Evaluations Review
Meeting Preparation and Direct Representation
Parent Coaching and Training
Mediation, State Complaints and Due Process
Manifestation Determinations
Diploma Options and Transition Planning
Expertise of Related Professionals
disAbility Law Center of Virginia
Education Advocates of Northern Virginia
Education Advocates of Northern Virginia
Biography
The mission of Education Advocates of Northern Virginia is to help families of children with learning differences, special education needs and disabilities receive the free appropriate public education to which they are entitled. Unfortunately, for too many families, securing what their children are entitled to under the law is often a daunting task, wrapped in meetings and paperwork, red tape and clashing personalities. It is at this juncture that Education Advocates of Northern Virginia is here to help.
Notes
Services Offered
IEP and 504 Plan Review
Placement and Least Restrictive Environment
Aids, Services, and Supports
School Record & Evaluation Review
Meeting Preperation & Representation
Mediation, Due Process and Complaints
Formed Families Forward
Biography
Moving foster, adoptive and kinship families to better outcomes through support and education. Formed Families Forward is here to HELP.
- CONSULTATION AND SUPPORT
- TRAINING
- PEER SUPPORT GROUPS
How To Hire An Educational Advocate
J.D. Hiznay, PLLC
Biography
The firm provides a number of services, with a focus on serving students with disabilities seeking services and accommodations to ensure they can develop the academic and functional skills needed to maximize their independence as an adult. The firm provides direct consultation with family members. Areas of consultation include:
Private consultation and coaching for parents and guardians whose children with unmet learning needs, including identification of strengths and needs
Consultation on strategies to obtain services and accommodations, psychological/educational testing, therapeutic support, and application for public benefits
Representation in educational matters for students with learning differences, including 504 Plans & Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and school placement decisions
Assessment of school placement needs.
Representation in school discipline matters for children with disabilities
Consultation on transition and post-secondary preparedness, including assessment of legal needs upon the age of majority
Referral to specialists who provide comprehensive diagnostic assessments, therapeutic interventions including occupational therapy and speech-language-therapy, and medical or psychiatric interventions as applicable.
McIntyre DeFede Law PLLC
Biography
Upholding The Rights Of Virginia Students And Teachers
Parents, students and teachers rarely expect that an issue with school could create the need for an attorney, but sometimes it does. At our law firm, we assist clients throughout Virginia with the following education law matters:
Discipline: If your child is facing suspension, expulsion or any other form of discipline from a public or private school, it is important to contact an attorney. We are familiar with the administrative hearings in all of Northern Virginia and will be able to tailor your approach accordingly.
Matters involving a college or university:Whether you are seeking in-state tuition, have been disciplined for honor code violations, need disability services or are in a dispute with a private college or university, we can help. One of the most important things a student can do is to consult with us before completing the application to request a change in status from out-of-state to in-state tuition. Virginia High School League: If your student has been denied eligibility to participate in athletics by the VHSL, our attorneys can assist you in the appeals process.
Special education: Our attorneys represent parents of students with disabilities at all levels of the special education process, including initial eligibility, IEP meetings, placement decisions, manifestation determination reviews (MDR) and causality hearings, 504 Plans, State Complaints, administrative reviews, transportation concerns, behavior issues, including FBA and BIP development and implementation, mediation and ultimately due process hearings. Although we primarily represent clients in Northern Virginia, we have cases throughout the Commonwealth with the ability to attend IEP meetings by telephone.
Advocating for teachers: We have extensive experience assisting teachers with negative evaluations and utilizing the grievance procedures, including in cases of termination. Teachers also rely on our firm’s expertise when it comes to dealing with a Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation. Our attorneys are familiar with the impact a CPS finding will have on a teacher and the appeals procedures which need to be followed.
Meredith Jaeckel Consulting
Biography
(From provider website.)
Meredith helps families understand their child’s unique challenges and gets them pointed in the right direction.
She partners with parents to create a roadmap, identifying and taking advantage of the best of the abundant public and private resources available in the Greater Washington DC Metro Area.
Meredith delivers customized solutions for the unique needs of each family, including:
• Assessing their child’s individual strengths, challenges, and needs
• Helping families assess the pros and cons of pursuing public vs private therapies and/or support services
• Matching families with appropriate private evaluators and service providers
• Reviewing evaluation reports and advising families on next steps
• Walking families through the Child Find process
• Assisting families who are pursuing special education services or a 504 plan
• Reviewing IEPs and preparing families for IEP meetings
• Case managing a team of private providers as necessary
• Helping families evaluate school placement options
My Education Advocate
Pizer Law PLLC
Notes
Attorney Wendy Pizer supports families in Arlington and Northern Virginia as they navigate the complex world of special education. When a student struggles at school, it can be difficult for parents to know what to do. As an experienced attorney with a focus in special education law, Wendy works with families to understand the student’s unique strengths and needs, identify solutions and advocate for appropriate services and accommodations.
Wendy can assist families with:
Legal and Strategic Advice
Analysis of School Plans
Review of School Records and Evaluations
Advocacy at School Meetings
School Communications
Problem-Solving and Dispute Resolution
RAISE Center
Notes
Resources for Access, Independence,
Self-Advocacy and Employment
What you can find here:
- Resources on youth and transition
- Resources on employment for youth
- Upcoming events
- Newsletter articles
- Training and webinar information
The Center for AAC & Autism
Biography
The Center for AAC & Autism is dedicated to building awareness of the power of AAC to change the lives of children with autism and other developmental disabilities, who are challenged by limited spontaneous communication skills.
By providing specialized clinical training to health care professionals, teachers, and parents…empowering clients and families with education, resources, and information…and supporting clinical research, our aim is to give all children the ability to speak their mind and heart and become engaged in their world.
