May 2019

The MLO Minute, by Michael Connolly, Esq., Supervising Partner of McAndrews Law Offices’ Special Education Department, and Caitlin McAndrews, Esq. 

The purpose of special education is to provide every child with a disability to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), which is an education designed to move the student toward independence and self-sufficiency at levels consistent with the child’s true potential. The goal of every program must be to enhance the educational experience of children with disabilities so that they meet challenging and measurable goals through research-based specially-designed instruction and related services, together with adequate supports for school personnel and, where necessary, summer programming to ensure adequate progress. 

We often state in our dozens of free special education seminars every year that “parents never come to us for a checkup – they come to us in desperation, as they have already tried everything they can on their own to obtain an appropriate program for their child.“ With that in mind, our firm for years has provided free initial consultations in virtually all special education matters to allow parents to make informed decisions about how to pursue a truly appropriate program for their children. And in the great majority of our cases, we are able to handle matters on a contingency basis where families are not responsible for our hourly fees as we pursue proper educational programming for their children. 

If you believe that your child is not receiving an appropriate educational program, or that his/her public school or charter school has failed to properly identify a disability or the true educational needs, please do not hesitate to call us to schedule a free consultation. Our attorneys practice everywhere throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware, and our meeting can be the first step toward an improved educational experience and the lifelong benefits that come with it. Call us today at 610-648-9300 or Contact Us Here .