Parks Zeigler Launches New Practice Area Serving Families with Special Needs Children

Parks Zeigler, PLLC, a well-established law firm serving Virginia and North Carolina, has recently expanded its legal services to include Special Education Law. This new practice area is dedicated to advocating for children with disabilities and their families, ensuring families receive the education and support they are entitled to under the law.

Understanding Special Education Law

Special Education Law encompasses a range of federal and state regulations designed to protect the rights of students with disabilities. Key among these are the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These laws guarantee that eligible students receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs.

Navigating the complexities of these laws can be challenging for families. Parks Zeigler’s attorneys possess extensive knowledge of these regulations and are committed to guiding families through the legal processes involved in securing appropriate educational services.

Personalized Advocacy with Real-Life Insight

Leading the Special Education Law practice at Parks Zeigler is Attorney Aaron Pomeranz. Beyond his professional expertise, Aaron brings a personal perspective to this work. As a parent of a child with special needs, he has firsthand experience navigating the special education system. This dual insight enables him to empathize with clients and advocate effectively on their behalf.

Your Child’s Best Interests

• Free, Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
  Your child is entitled to an education that meets their unique needs at no cost to you.
• Advance Notice of School Actions
  The school must inform you before evaluating your child, changing their placement, or denying any request you make for an evaluation or placement change.
• Parent-Initiated Evaluations
  You may request an evaluation whenever you believe your child needs special-education or related services.
• Informed, Voluntary Consent
  The school must obtain your written consent for evaluations and program decisions, and you may withdraw that consent at any time.
• Independent Evaluations
  If you disagree with the school’s assessment, you have the right to seek an independent educational evaluation.
• Timely Reevaluations
  You can ask for a reevaluation whenever placement seems inappropriate. By law, the school must reevaluate at least every three years and review the program annually.
• Testing in the Child’s Primary Language
  Evaluations must be conducted in your child’s strongest language, with interpreters provided for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Full Access to Records
  You may inspect and obtain copies of all educational records. The school may charge only a reasonable copying fee and must limit access to personnel directly involved in your child’s education.
• Correction of Records
  If you find information that is inaccurate, misleading, or violates privacy, you can request a correction. If denied, you may seek a hearing or file a complaint with the state education agency.
• Complete Explanation of Legal Protections
  The school must fully inform you of all rights afforded to you and your child under the law.
• Active Role in the IEP or IFSP
  You are a full partner in creating and revising your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or, for children under four, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Meetings must be scheduled at mutually convenient times.
• Right to Convene Meetings
  You may request an IEP or IFSP meeting at any point during the school year and participate in every placement decision.
• Least Restrictive Environment
  Your child must be educated alongside peers without disabilities whenever appropriate, with necessary supports and services in place.
• Dispute Resolution Options
  Unresolved issues can be taken to voluntary mediation or a due-process hearing. Submit requests in writing, date them, and keep copies.
• Regular Progress Reports
  The school must update you on your child’s progress at least as frequently as it does for parents of students without disabilities.

Comprehensive Legal Services

Parks Zeigler offers a wide array of services within Special Education Law, including:

• IEP Development and Advocacy: Assisting families in creating and revising Individualized Education Programs to meet their child’s specific needs.
• 504 Plan Support: Helping secure accommodations under Section 504 to ensure equal access to education.
• Due Process Hearings: Representing families in mediation and hearings when disputes with schools arise.
• School Discipline Cases: Advocating for students with disabilities facing disciplinary actions to ensure fair treatment.
• Evaluation and Eligibility Disputes: Challenging decisions when a child is denied appropriate evaluations or services.

Challenge of Parental Disagreement and the Role of Experts

When parents disagree about a child’s educational, therapeutic, or medical care, the custody process can quickly grow complex. Disputes may be as small as timing certain therapies or as serious as one parent denying the child’s diagnosis altogether. In these situations, courts often rely on neutral specialists who can evaluate the child and give an objective, professional opinion.

To protect a child with special needs, each parent should act as a diligent advocate. Detailed records of past and current treatments—and their costs—bolster arguments for continued care. Input from teachers, therapists, and medical providers rounds out the picture of what best supports the child’s development. Above all, working with a family law attorney experienced in special-needs custody matters equips you with tailored strategies to secure a plan that safeguards your child’s long-term well-being.

Empowering Families Through Education and Advocacy

Parks Zeigler’s approach is rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. By providing personalized legal support and empowering families with knowledge, the firm aims to make the special education system more accessible and navigable.

For families in Virginia seeking assistance with special education matters, Parks Zeigler offers compassionate and experienced legal representation. To learn more about their services or to schedule a consultation, visit their Special Education Law practice page.