Special Education Law

Niedweske Barber represents children with special needs and their parents in disputes with school districts over matters involving a child’s education, particularly when there is disagreement over a child’s evaluation, classification or Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Specifically, we accompany clients to:

• Meetings with school personnel, annual reviews and re-evaluations
• Mediation conferences overseen by an impartial, state-appointed mediator
• Due process hearings before an administrative law judge with the Office of
• Administrative Law
• Appeals to state Superior Court or U.S. District Court

With a clear understanding of our clients’ educational rights in these forums, we advocate vigorously to ensure that each child receives the services, educational programs and support he or she is entitled to under the law. When questions of compliance arise, we intervene on our client’s behalf, compelling school districts to adhere to state and federal statutes and codes.

We also assist clients in filing complaints related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, represent special needs children who are the victims of harassment and bullying and defend those whose disabilities cause them to engage in criminal behavior.

In partnership with an experienced special education advocate, we also provide guidance on developing customized education programs, finding suitable preventive programs for preschool-aged children and securing employment-related services for young adults with disabilities. This type of counsel can help prevent issues from escalating to the courts, and provide peace of mind for families in an already difficult situation.