Special Education Legal Services for Massachusetts Families

Attorney Winslow represents families of students with a wide range of disabilities and special needs ages 3-22 throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She advises families of their rights under special education education laws, and provide direct representation when disputes arise with school districts. 

While Attorney Winslow’s goal is always to build a positive, collaborative relationship between families and schools, additional legal intervention is sometimes necessary to reach a resolution.

Common Reasons Families Come to Me

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Evaluations — Everything depends on a complete evaluation.

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Eligibility Determinations — In order to receive special education services, a student must first qualify.

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IEP Development & Implementation — Is the IEP appropriate — and is it being followed?

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Placement Determinations — Least restrictrive environment, including unilateral and out-of-district placements

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Transition Planning — Legal obligation to students 14+

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Behavior & Discipline — Frequent emergency removals and suspensions may signal an unmet disability need.

What I Do

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Direct representation — I attend team meetings and manifestation determination hearings, and resolve matters through the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA)

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Legal guidance — I advise families on how special education laws apply to their child’s unique academic, social-emotional, and health care needs

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Behind-the-scenes support — I consult and guide families with regular check-ins, document review, and meeting preparation

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Community education — I speak to groups about special education topics and family rights

Special Education is a complex system of laws, regulations, and procedures, and can be both confusing and time consuming to navigate. Attorney Winslow will advise you about your legal rights and help you determine the steps needed to ensure your child is given an opportunity to achieve his/her maximum educational potential.  If you think you may need legal assistance or you are unsure how to proceed please schedule a free consultation today.

QUALIFYING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

In order to be entitled to a special education, the student must have a qualifying disability and the disability must adversely affect the child’s educational progress.  Not all students with disabilities struggle in school, so a diagnosis alone is not enough.  Likewise, passing grades alone are not proof of educational success.  If a student with a covered disability is unable to attend class regularly, struggles to behave appropriately and/or lacks the skills to meaningfully interact with teachers and peers, then he/she may be entitled to specially designed instruction and/or related services, i.e. a special education.

COVERED DISABILITIES
  1. Autism
  2. Developmental Delay
  3. Intellectual Impairment
  4. Sensory Impairment
    1. Hearing Impairment or Deaf
    2. Vision Impairment or Blind
    3. Deafblind
  5. Neurological Impairment
    1. Traumatic brain injury
  6. Emotional Impairment
    1. Anxiety
    2. Depression
  7. Communication Impairment
    1. Speech or language impairment
  8. Physical Impairment
  9. Health Impairment
    1. ADHD
    2. Asthma
    3. Diabetes
  10. Specific Learning Disability
    1. Dyslexia
    2. Non-verbal learning disability
ALL ABOUT IEPs

If your child has a disability covered by special education law and is not making effective progress in school, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) can help level the playing field so that your child may succeed in school. 

An IEP is a legally binding document designed to improve student outcomes. It lays out educational goals and defines the services and supports the school will provide in order to meet your child’s unique needs. It also includes a plan for how your child’s progress will be measured. Curriculums can be modified, accommodations can be put in place, and related services can be provided, but they must be written in the IEP in order to be enforced.

Learn more about IEPs here.

The IEP Process

The IEP process, simply put, is the progression from referral to the school district for evaluation to eligibility determination, IEP development (if found eligible), placement, and finally implementation. When done right, the IEP process is the driving force for reaching improved outcomes for students with disabilities. 

Learn more about The IEP Process now.

PRS Letters of Finding
Speaking Engagements

Kimberly participates in speaking engagements at no cost to local organizations, including Special Education Parent Advisory Councils (SEPACs).  Contact me today to find out more information.