The Wrightslaw Way

My daughter will receive 10 hours a year of consultation from the Occupational Therapist (OT) this year. How should we write this in the IEP?

Often the IEP just says that OT will be provided through the consultative model. This is almost as vague as saying “as needed.”

Document the Details in the IEP

OT consultation as a related service, even for only 10 hours a year, should be documented in your child’s IEP as required by the U.S. Department of Education.

Use the U.S. DOE Model Form for required documentation of services on the IEP.

The IEP should include the frequency, duration, location, and projected dates for the service. 34 C.F.R. 300.320(a)(7)

Be specific. Don’t use ranges, use number of times per day/week/month/year, number of minutes/hrs, etc.

Be specific about who will provide the service. Make sure that the IEP specifies a registered OT and not an OT assistant (COTA). Do not use a broad term like “staff”.

See p. 246 in your law book, Wrightslaw: Special Education Law or p. 43 in Wrightslaw: All About IEPs for more info.

Check Your State Regulations

You should also check your state regulations and district policy for the written definition of and requirements for consultation or consultative services. [Read more →]

There is still time to apply!

Smart Kids with LD – Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award. This $1,000 award recognizes the strengths and accomplishments of young people with learning disabilities and ADHD.

The Award will be given to a student 19 or younger who has demonstrated initiative, talent and determination resulting in a notable accomplishment in any field—including art, music, science, math, athletics or community service.

Winners are nominated by a parent, teacher, mentor, coach, or self. Deadline! Applications must be submitted by December 15, 2014. [Read more →]

Are school bus drivers and bus aides who transport special needs children required to have training? Are they required to know the disability and be able to accommodate that disability?

The need for training and support applies to all school personnel, including bus drivers and school bus aides.

School bus drivers are expected to handle children with different needs related to:

• cognitive concerns
• behavioral issues
• physical impairment
• medical conditions

A school bus driver may need training in behavior management techniques for children with autism and emotional disturbances.

The bus driver or aide may also need training from physical and occupational therapists about how to position a medically fragile child.

The school nurse could train transportation personnel about how to transport a child with health impairments.

NHTSA Training Guidelines for Transportation Personnel

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a training module for Transportation of Children with Special Needs. [Read more →]

Don’t miss out on this FREE Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training. The conference is sponsored by The Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. and Partners in Education Advocacy.

FREE for parents, family members and individuals who work with children with disabilities and are residents of Oklahoma. Out of state registrants are welcome, but will be charged for the cost of the books ($78).

Download the In-State Registration Form.

Download the Out-of-State Registration Form.

Fax your registration form to The Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. at 405-525-7759.

Registrants will receive four books: Wrightslaw Special Education Law, 2nd Edition, Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, 2nd Edition, Wrightslaw: All About IEPs and Wrightslaw: All About Tests and Assessments. You will also receive the Wrightslaw Training CD-Rom, Understanding Your Child’s Test Scores.

For all conference details, please click here.

See you in Oklahoma!

Melanie Feazell works with Declan Byrne during an ABA session. Federal officials say states must provide treatment services like ABA for kids with autism on Medicaid. (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

“Medicaid programs nationwide must offer medically necessary diagnostic and treatment services to kids with autism, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services told states in a bulletin earlier this month. (From Disability Scoop, July 17, 2014). That includes everything from speech and occupational therapy to personal care services and medical equipment, the agency said.”

Clarification of Medicaid Coverage of Services to Children with Autism, Informational Bulletin (July 7, 2014)  from the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, (CMS). [Read more →]

The 2015 Wrightslaw Training Schedule is filling up fast! Pick a city and register today!

Read what people are saying about Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Trainings.

“I am very glad that I was able to attend Peter Wright’s training session in Wilton last week. I thought he was terrific! Re that, what a good job he is doing in working to empower parents!!” NY attorney

“Very informative. Great ideas for advocacy. Now I feel that I can negotiate with understanding the law to support me.” – Attendee, Portland, Maine

“THANK-YOU so much for the opportunity to learn such invaluable information this past weekend. It was the BEST!”

“As a counselor, I am often “out of the loop” so this information was especially valuable. When I returned to school, I reviewed my students’ records and translated their test data into percentiles- now it is very clear to me. Thanks so much!” Read More…

Do you know how to bring a Wrightslaw Training to your city? Click here to find out how!

 We look forward to seeing you in 2015!

We were happy to find this email in our inbox!

Dear Wrightslaw,

I think that the information you are collecting from your survey must be helping you greatly, to update your material and keep pace with today’s families.

I appreciate all the spot on and accurate information your site provides.

I was very happy you added a new letter for parents in your newsletter. The story about how to collect data and assert rights at a meeting was very helpful.

Exactly! That’s our mission –

to provide accurate, up-to-date information about special education law and advocacy.

This is why we asked your advice in our Creative Ideas and Website Satisfaction Survey.

When you participate in the Survey:

• your responses help us select new features and content for the website
• your suggestions help us meet the needs of our readers
• you help us make decisions about future programs and products
• you help shape the future growth of Wrightslaw

If you have not responded to the Survey, please take the time to do it now.  It will only take a few minutes.

Because your time is valuable, after you complete the survey, you can download a little gift as our appreciation for your advice, help, and support.

Thank you!

The Pechanga Resort and Casino’s Grand Ballroom in Temecula, CA is the setting for this Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training. The AOTS Group welcomes Pete Wright, Esq. to the West Coast!

Conference includes a 3 course plated lunch, beverages and four Wrightslaw books Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 2nd Edition, Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, 2nd Edition, Wrightslaw: All About IEPs and Wrightslaw: All About Tests and Assessments.

Register Online Today!

For all conference details, please click here.

See you on the West Coast!

New guidance on the rights of students with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities.

Students with disabilities, like all students, must be provided the opportunity to fully participate in our public schools.

A critical aspect of participation is communication with others.

November 12, 2014: U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services issued Joint Guidance (Letter to Educators) about the rights of public elementary and secondary students with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities to effective communication.

Public schools are responsible for ensuring that communication with students who have hearing, vision, or speech disabilities is as effective as communication with all other students.

Three Federal laws address the obligations of all public schools to meet the communication needs of students with disabilities. [Read more →]

Register Today!

The Ramada Tropics Resort and Conference Center in Des Moines, IA will house this Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training with Pete Wright, Esq. This November 18, 2014 is sponsored by ASK Resource Center.

Registration includes morning coffee, lunch and four Wrightslaw books, Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 2nd Edition, Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, 2nd Edition, Wrightslaw: All About IEPs and Wrightslaw: All About Tests and Assessments.

For information on registration fees, approved credits and special hotel rates, please click here!

See you in Iowa!