Frequently Asked questions
About Special Education Law:
What is special education law?
Who qualifies for special education services?
Special education is for students who have disabilities that make learning or participating in school harder than it is for other kids. Disabilities that may qualify include:
- Learning differences, like dyslexia
- Speech or language challenges
- Autism
- Emotional or behavioral difficulties
- Physical or intellectual disabilities
- Health conditions, like ADHD
But having a disability isn’t always enough. The disability must seriously affect the child’s ability to learn or participate in school.If a child qualifies, they’ll get an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This is a personalized plan that sets learning goals and explains what support the child will get—like extra time on tests, special teaching strategies, or therapies. The purpose of special education is to make sure kids get the help they need to thrive in school.
At Shefter Law, we help families understand if their child might qualify for special education. We walk parents through the process step-by-step, so they feel confident about their child’s rights and the resources available to them.
Check out this video for more helpful insights:
What is an IEP and how do I know if my child needs one?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a personalized plan designed to help children with disabilities succeed in school. It’s created by a team that includes parents, teachers, school staff, and other specialists. Together, they outline:
Educational goals for the child
Services and therapies the child will receive
Classroom accommodations, like extra time on tests or assistive technology
How the child’s progress will be measured
The process often starts with an evaluation to see if the child’s disability affects their learning, behavior, or social development. If the evaluation shows that support is needed, an IEP can help provide the right tools and strategies for success.
At Shefter Law, we’re here to help families every step of the way—from the evaluation process to setting up and implementing the IEP. Our goal is to make sure parents feel supported and empowered to advocate for their child’s education.
For more information on the IEP process and how we can assist, visit our blog post here, or watch our explanatory video:
What is a 504 plan?
A 504 plan is designed to make sure students with disabilities have the support they need to fully participate in school. It’s named after Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and is meant for students who may not qualify for special education but still need some extra help.
This plan can include things like:
Extra time on tests
Special seating arrangements
Access to tools or technology that make learning easier
504 plans are for students whose disabilities impact daily activities and access to education but don’t require specialized instruction.
At Shefter Law, we help families understand how 504 plans work and make sure their child’s needs are fully supported. We guide parents through the process to ensure their child has fair access to all educational opportunities.
For more insights into how a 504 plan can support your child and the services we offer, watch our video here.
Check out this video for more helpful insights:
What is a Due Process?
A Due Process complaint is a formal written request initiated under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) when a parent, guardian, or school district believes that there has been a violation of a child’s rights related to special education. It is a critical tool in resolving disputes about a child’ eligibility for services, the appropriateness of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), or the delivery of services.
The process starts with a resolution meeting between the parents and the school district to try and work things out. If there’s no agreement, the next step is a Due Process hearing. A Due Process hearing is a formal legal proceeding where both sides present evidence and witnesses to an impartial hearing officer. The hearing officer listens to both sides and issues a Hearing Officer Determination that is legally binding order.
At Shefter Law, we guide families through every part of the Due Process procedure, offering legal support and advice to make sure their child’s rights and needs are fully addressed. We understand that the process can be both emotional and complex, so we strive to keep everything clear and supportive.
Want to learn more about special education? Read our blog here. Check out this video for more helpful insights:
Can I bring an advocate or attorney to a school meeting about my child’s education?
Absolutely! You’re welcome to bring an advocate or attorney to any meeting with the school about your child’s education, including IEP or 504 plan meetings. You just need to inform the school before the meeting of who you are bringing. Having this support can make it easier to understand educational terms and policies, as well as ensure that your child’s needs are met and their rights are protected.
An advocate or attorney can help you:
Navigate discussions with the school
Suggest helpful accommodations
Ensure the school provides the best possible support for your child
At Shefter Law, we’re here to support families during these important meetings. Our attorneys understand special education needs and can guide you through the process to help make sure your child’s educational experience is as positive and supportive as possible.
For further guidance, check our video here:
About Shefter Law:
Who are we?
At Shefter Law, P.A., we are a dedicated team focused on advocating for students with special needs to ensure they receive the educational support they deserve. Our firm is more than just a law practice; it’s a place where families find understanding, guidance, and strong advocacy. We take each case personally, giving families the individualized attention and hands-on support they need from start to finish.
Our Core Values
Our work is guided by four essential values:
- Integrity – We approach every case with the highest ethical standards, ensuring that our advocacy is honest and respectful.
- Empathy – Understanding the challenges families face is at the heart of what we do. We listen carefully and provide compassionate support.
- Inclusivity – We are committed to making sure every child has access to the resources they need to thrive, regardless of their unique needs.
- Teamwork – By working together and combining our diverse skills and insights, we strive to achieve the best outcomes for the children and families we support.
Our Mission
To empower families with the knowledge and resources needed to help bring peace and harmony to their home.
At Shefter Law, we specialize in navigating these legal waters, helping families understand and advocate for the educational rights of their children. We guide our clients through the processes of obtaining appropriate individualized education programs (IEP), 504 Plans, and resolving disputes through mediation or Due Process if necessary.
For more detailed information on how special education law can help your child, you might find our video explanation particularly helpful:
How do I start working with Shefter Law?
Getting started with Shefter Law is simple. The first step is to schedule a free case analysis by clicking here. During this call, we’ll discuss your concerns and your child’s educational needs, so we can decide whether our team can assist your family.
If we both choose to proceed, we’ll arrange a Strategy Session, where a special education attorney will dive deeper into your child’s needs, discuss your desired outcome, and outline a clear plan of action. Throughout the process, our team is committed to our core values—integrity, empathy, inclusivity, and teamwork—ensuring not only expert guidance but also a supportive, caring approach.
Our streamlined system keeps everything organized and accessible, making onboarding easy. Plus, we’re here to answer any questions along the way, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience.
Can you represent my child in any state?
Shefter Law is licensed to provide full legal representation in Maryland, DC, and Florida. This includes representing your child in school meetings and any legal proceedings related to special education.
International Advocacy Services
For families outside Maryland, DC and Florida, we offer international advocacy services. This includes all schools within the United States and American schools overseas, which are legally required to follow the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Our advocacy helps you:
Understand your child’s educational rights
Develop a clear plan for securing support
With our legal knowledge, we bring unique insights into the special education system, giving us added confidence in supporting families across the country.
What makes Shefter Law different from other special education law firms?
What Sets Shefter Law Apart?
Shefter Law is unique in how we serve families dealing with special education needs. Here’s what sets us apart:
Personalized Support Every Step of the Way
We assign each family a dedicated attorney who stays with them from start to finish, ensuring their case receives constant, individualized attention. This means that our guidance is tailored specifically to each family’s needs and goals.
Our Core Values
Integrity, empathy, inclusivity, and teamwork guide everything we do. We uphold high ethical standards, approach each case with compassion, advocate for inclusive education, and work closely with families to make sure their child’s needs are met.
Empowering Families Through Education
We believe that knowledge is power, which is why we offer resources like our blog, the Stress-Free IEP® podcast, and video guides. These resources help parents understand special education processes and empower them to advocate for their child with confidence.
At Shefter Law, we don’t just provide legal services; we become a trusted partner, helping families turn what can be a stressful experience into a manageable, empowering journey.
