Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Civil Rights Practice Center

While we can't stop police misconduct, we can help get people compensation when it happens. Our firm has recovered more than $1.6 million dollars for victims of police brutality that occurred in Seaside Park, Freehold, Atlantic City, Jackson, Long Branch, and Hazlet, New Jersey.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The Law Office of Thomas J. Mallon, in south Jersey, has had significant success pursuing police brutality, excessive force and civil rights claims. If you have been the victim of police misconduct, contact our attorneys at 866.534.8786 for a free initial consultation.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) protects the educational interests of children with physical and emotional disabilities. IDEA was enacted to ensure that disabled children receive the education that their unique needs demand. IDEA applies to primary and secondary public schools only; the act does not govern post-secondary institutions such as colleges and vocational schools. The procedures and rights for which IDEA provides can seem complex, but getting the most out of them will maximize the benefit of your child's education. An attorney from The Law Offices of Thomas J. Mallon in Freehold, New Jersey, who knows education and civil rights law, can be your strong ally.

Disabled Children under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Under IDEA, a disabled child is one who is in need of special education and related services because of:

Mental retardation
Hearing impairment, such as deafness
Speech impairment
Language impairment
Visual impairment, such as blindness
Serious emotional disturbance
Orthopedic impairment
Autism
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Other health impairment or specific learning disability, such as dyslexia or developmental aphasia

If a parent disagrees with the school's determination that a child is either non-disabled or disabled, the parent has numerous remedies. An attorney can advise on the best course of action.

Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

Under IDEA, children with disabilities are entitled to free appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their needs. FAPE requires schools to provide disabled children with the special education and related services detailed in the child's individualized education plan (IEP). An IEP is developed by educators and the child's parents, detailing a number of items, such as annual goals; special educational and related services to be provided; initiation and end dates; and evaluation procedures.

Special Education and Related Services

Disabled children covered by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are entitled to the special education and related services needed to meet their needs, as outlined in the IEP. Special education may include specially designed instruction at no charge to the family, including in the classroom, the home or other settings. Typically, schools strive to place disabled children in "mainstream" classrooms while providing supplemental services as needed. These services may include:

Assistive devices
Audiology services
Developmental, corrective, and other supportive services
Medical services
Mobility services
Transportation
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Psychological services
Recreational therapy
Social services
Speech therapy

The related services are tailored to help the disabled child derive meaningful benefit from his or her education.

Take Action

The legal and procedural issues involved in this area of the law can be complicated and frustrating for a parent. For a full explanation of your child's rights under the law, contact an attorney. An experienced lawyer from The Law Offices of Thomas J. Mallon in Freehold, New Jersey, can help you understand the issues, your options and how to proceed.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

Return to Main

Visit Our Main Site

The Law Offices of Mallon and Tranger handles police brutality claims for clients throughout the state of New Jersey, South Jersey, and the Jersey Shore, including the cities of Freehold, Manalapan, Long Branch, Lakewood, Colt's Neck, Brick, Point Pleasant, Asbury Park, Red Bank, Marlboro, Englishtown, Toms River, Aberdeen, Neptune, Hazlet, and Ocean County, Monmouth County.