By Rebeca Dorna | Communications
Angelina (not her real name) was almost 22 years old when her family approached Puerto Rico Legal Services’ Special Education Project looking for help. She was registered in the Special Education program for multiple impairments, resulting of her Spina Bifida condition, and uses a wheelchair. The student placement was the Independent Living Program.
Her family was concerned she was going to graduate without properly benefiting from transitional services. Besides, during the pandemic she was unable to adequately receive remotely related services.
An untimely graduation would impair her transition to adult life and cause her to miss the series of coordinated activities designed to facilitating her passage from school to post-school life, including vocational training, sustained employment, adult education, independent living and community experiences.
Her mom had previously made the claim in the Education Department that Transition services had not been worked out appropriately and believed that her daughter needed additional time in the Program to achieve Transition and Independent Living goals. Her request for an IEP meeting was not met.
Her PRLS team of lawyer and special education specialist worked a plan to strategically handle the case, including to hire an expert to evaluate Angelina. Through negotiation and a well thought legal strategy a resolution was achieved without the need for litigation. It was possible to prevent the inappropriate discharge of the student. As well as compensation for educational and related services, re-evaluation of the student, and creation of an appropriate alternative placement.
This case is another example how the participation of experts supports the litigation in favor of the students, objective of this GlobalGiving project “At great risk of being left behind”. Their evaluations and proper diagnosis help with the creation of adequate IEP customized to address each student's needs.
As we continue to defend the rights of Special Education, we thank you for helping us continue meet our students’ challenges.
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