Address:34 Newton St, Chicago
When your student requires specialized instruction or accommodations in their education, we help advocate for the development of a proper IEP and/or 504 plan that best suits their needs. We ensure they receive evaluation support and Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), accommodations, modifications and related services. When your student reaches age 14 and up, we help with transition planning.
We can assist you when help is needed with monitoring progress, reviewing an IEP or 504 plan’s effectiveness, advocating for updates to the plan, advice on interventions, accommodations, and related services, submitting or following up on complaints to MA Problem Resolution System (PRS) or Office for Civil Rights (OCR) regarding compliance issues, or legal strategy, documentation support, and settlement guidance.
Manifestation Determination Reviews after a qualifying disciplinary action are time sensitive, so support from a special education lawyer is highly beneficial. We can also advise and advocate for you and your student when a Functional Behavioral Assestment (FBA) and a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is needed. We provide assistance at times when protection agains physical, verbal, and cyberbullying is needed, along with coordination with an IEP/504 plan for safety supports. We also help ensure your student’s continuous access to education and procedural safeguards.
We can give support to you and your preschool-aged student who may need early intervention services, to a student with complex medical needs, a student requiring assitive technology and therapy coordination, as well as provide advocacy for public or private school placement.
For a student with special needs who is aging into adulthood, planning leads to a successful transition. We can help with transition planning integration into their IEP, advocate for vocational and life skills programs, as well as for adult service coodination and continued accommodations.
Parents and guardians typically reach out to an attorney when there is a dispute with the school district, such as a denial of services or eligibility, a disagreement over IEP goals, services, or placement, repeated failure to implement an IEP, requests for independent evaluations (IEEs) being denied, and/or concerns about suspensions, discipline, or manifestation determinations.
It is best to contact an attorney before a dispute escalates, especially when preparing for IEP meetings or navigating evaluations and timelines.
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for students who qualify under special education law. A 504 Plan provides accommodations (such as extended time or seating changes) for students with disabilities who do not require special education instruction, and it includes students who need special education instruction, but do not have a qualifying diability under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Schools sometimes suggest a 504 when a child may actually qualify for an IEP. If you’re unsure which plan is appropriate, a special education attorney can help review evaluations and school recommendations.
If an IEP is accepted, it is a legally binding document, and the school is required to follow it. If services aren’t being provided, goals aren’t addressed, or supports are missing, parents should document concerns and request a meeting right away. Ongoing failures can entitle a child to compensatory services, and legal guidance can help parents address the problem effectively.
Your child does not have to wait until the annual IEP review for changes. Parents can request an IEP meeting at any time if they believe their child needs additional services, support, or a different placement. Schools are required to consider these requests and respond appropriately. If concerns aren’t addressed, legal advocacy may help move things forward.
In Massachusetts, transition planning must begin by age 14. This planning focuses on life after high school, including education, employment, and independent living. Strong transition services are critical for preparing students for adulthood, but they are often minimal or unclear. An attorney can help ensure transition goals and services are meaningful and tailored to the student’s future needs.
Lisa Paige, Esq. is an associate attorney in the Estate Planning and Long‑Term Care Department, guiding families through Elder Law, estate planning, and school-related challenges for students with disabilities.
For more than a decade, Lisa has guided families through special education eligibility, 504 accommodations, school placement, bullying and discipline issues, health-related needs, and transitions to adulthood. She turns challenging situations into clear, actionable solutions.
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