At great risk of being left behind

Our mission to remove threats for Special Education Students progress has found another success story.

This is the case of Amelia (not her real name) a 12-year-old student with a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity. Her academic performance in school was low in relation to her age and grade. A clinical psychologist had recommended Psychological Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational and Educational Therapy. It was determined by her IEP meeting (COMPU in Spanish), that she was to be in a group of 7 students.

After visiting three different schools none was deemed appropriate for her needs.

Due to the uncertainty she was facing, and given the failures that the student was having, her fragile emotional state, and the great needs in academic skills, Amelia’s mom was looking for options that could certainly meet her needs. So, with the help of her PRLS lawyer, she asked the Department of Education to have a IEP meeting (COMPU in Spanish) evaluate if a private school could provide the educational and related services Amelia was lacking. The Department of Education never ordered the IEP meeting nor replied to her letter. A follow up letter received no answer either. Amelia was not receiving a free, appropriate, public education in a timely manner as she was entitled to.  

Again, her legal representation submitted a complaint to have a private institution to be the provider of all educational and therapies services needed.

The decision of an administrative judge was to order the purchase of educational services at the private institution. The Department of Education accepted to the proposed provision of services of the private institution.

 As we continue to defend the rights of Special Education students in the courts and other forums, we thank you for helping us develop the Special Student Defense Fund as a step to help many other students.

Thanks again for helping us continue meet our students’ challenges.