Events

Seeking Stories of Parents Who Can't Afford Expert Witnesses for IDEA Due Process Hearings

We are seeking stories about parents who could not afford expert witnesses for
IDEA due process hearings to share with members of Congress.

Advocates are working in support of a Congressional bill that would enable parents
to be able to recover expert witness fees for IDEA due process hearings and cases.
But in 2006, the Supreme Court held in Arlington Central School District v. Murphy
that parents could not be reimbursed for expert witness fees in IDEA cases
which is a right that other plaintiffs have in ADA and Title VII cases.

Without experts, parents and students with disabilities have little chance of success
in due process hearings, and poor and middle-income families suffer the most.
We are looking for parents who would be willing to share their stories about
being unable to afford expert witnesses with members of Congress.

These could be families who were unable to go to a due process hearing because
they could not afford expert witnesses. They could be parents who went
to due process but their case suffered badly without expert witnesses.
They could also be parents whom the school district took to a
due process hearing, but they could not afford expert witnesses
who could help them defend themselves.

The parents' stories will ultimately be shared with members of Congress.
if you have helpful stories or for more information contact:

Jessica Butler
Congressional Affairs Coordinator
Autism National Committee
jessica@jnba.net

Do You Know What Would Happen to Your Child with Special Needs if Something
Happened to You? This workshop reveals how to do the following:

. Get the straight scoop on guardianship and avoid 6 common mistakes.

. Be sure your children never spend one moment in the care of strangers if the unthinkable happens to you.

. Avoid the expenses of a drawn-out court process if you are in an accident.

. Protect your child's eligibility for government benefits while ensuring your money is available to enhance your child's quality of life.

. Protect your children's inheritance from creditors, lawsuits, and divorce.

. Ensure your hard-earned money is immediately and privately available to your chosen guardians.

. Leave behind more than your money - learn how to pass on your intellectual, spiritual and emotional assets.

Location:
R. J. Grey Junior High School
16 Charter Road
Acton, MA

Cost: $20

RSVP:
AB Community Ed: http://comed. ab.mec.edu/ plan.shtml
Phone: 978-266-2525

Sponsored by: Acton-Boxborough Community Education

ARICA Presentation

Beginning January 1, 2011, ARICA for Autism) requires health insurers in Massachusetts to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder.

Learn how to determine if your health plan falls under ARICA, what treatments may be covered and how education services are affected.

Location:
Milford Town Library
80 Spruce Street
Milford, MA

Cost: Free

RSVP:
508-473-5700

The Tyngsborough Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is proud to host the workshop, "Effective Communication and the IEP". This workshop, given by Elizabeth Bostic of the Federation for Children with Special Needs, will offer communication skill building and conflict resolution for parents and guardians in their roles as IEP team members.

Attendees will have the opportunity to enter a FREE raffle to win the book, "IEP and Inclusion Tips for Parents and Teachers."

Location:
Tyngsborough Elementary School, 2nd floor library
205 Westford Road
Tyngsborough, MA

Cost: Free

RSVP:
Rachel Leo, rachel.leo@comcast.net
Julie Williams, julietyn@comcast.net

Sponsored by: Tyngsborough SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council)