Attorneys should get involved in LRE cases on the PPT level to achieve inclusion

My mission is to zealously advocate for students with disabilities, focusing on appropriate education in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

To fulfill the above stated personal and professional mission, in my capacity as both an attorney and as a mother of a child with a significant disability, I have chosen to limit my law practice to LRE cases. I choose only to represent students who want to be educated in general education classes in the neighborhood schools.

I strive to educate parents, professionals, administrative law judges, and the community at large about LRE.

Attorneys can get involved in LRE cases on the IEP level to achieve inclusion, win appropriate services for the student, and hopefully avoid mediation or due process.

If cases come to my office after the family has filed for due process, it is difficult for us to cure any mistakes that happened on the school building level.

I feel it is important to avoid due process. 80% of all hearings are lost by the family. Due process is financially and emotionally costly. However, if the school will not collaborate, I will assist the family in mediation, resolution sessions, manifestation determinations, and due process.

I see myself as a valuable member of the IEP team. I try to move teams forward so students can get the services they need.

Thanks for listening. Now, let me go and do the right thing!
Anne Eason