When I decided to start a blog about special education legal issues, one of the main things I hoped to accomplish was to give parents of children with disabilities information which would help them understand their rights and the rights of their children under the IDEA. I happen to believe that one of the best ways to learn is through our mistakes, and I have seen (and made) many in my special education law practice in Connecticut. In almost every interview I conduct with a prospective client, there comes a moment where they tell me something that makes me wince a little bit, because it is a mistake that could present an obstacle to success in their case. Here are some of the most common. The good news is: you can avoid or fix most of them.
Common Mistake #1: Refusing Permission to Evaluate
Common Mistake #2: Saying You Want the “Best” Program
Common Mistake #3: Shutting the Door on Public Schooling
Common Mistake #4: Not Understanding the Difference Between Medical and Educational
Common Mistake #5: Not Telling the School Important Information
Common Mistake #6: Insulting the Staff
Common Mistake #7: Signing Things You Don’t Understand
Common Mistake #8: Hiring Outside Professionals who Don’t Understand Special Ed Issues
Common Mistake #9: Withholding Outside Evaluations
Common Mistake #10: Not Notifying the School of Private Schooling or Services