GLOSSARY
10 REASONS
Ten Reasons Why You Should Have an Advocate For Your Child with Special Needs
( By Sheryl Frishman, Legal Counsel — External Link ]
Quick Explanation from Lindner Educational Consultants
The Difference Between an IEP and a 504
Every child has a right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
An IEP Plan makes sure that a child who has a legally-defined disability that impacts their education, and is attending a preschool, elementary or secondary school, gets specialized instruction and related services.
The 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a child who has an identified disability who is attending an elementary or secondary school receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment.
Subtle But Important Differences between IEP and 504
Every student who has a disability may not require specialized instruction. For students with disabilities who are tested and require specialized intervention, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) defines the procedural requirements, and an IEP is developed in cooperation with the school system and parents. The IDEA requires documentation of measurable growth.
We guide parents through this process, to ensure it goes smoothly — preparation and documentation, collaborative meetings — ensuring that your child gets the best services they can get from their district.
Students with 504 Plans do not require specialized intervention, but, like the IEP, a 504 Plan should be updated each year to ensure that the student is receiving the most effective accommodations for his/her specific circumstances.
Accommodations
For students with disabilities who do not require specialized intervention, but need the assurance that they will receive equal access to public education and services but need some adjustments to their learning environment or structure, a document is created to outline their specific requirements. This is commonly known as “Accommodations.”
Katie Beckett
Medicaid Deeming Waiver Application Assistance
Simply put, a child with a physical, cognitive or developmental delay or who is medically fragile may qualify for Katie Beckett assistance, regardless of household income and assets. Katie Beckett is a Medicaid Deeming Waiver Program which does not place limits on the parents’ income when considering a child’s eligibility for benefits.
Katie Beckett picks up where your insurance leaves off and pays everything from your co-pays to deductibles, therapies (such as ABA Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy), medication and durable medical equipment. Lindner Educational Consultants will help you understand the ins and outs of the process… including the eligibility requirements, the need for additional services or evaluations and assistance with completing the application.
Champions for Children
Champions for Children helps families continue to care for children with disabilities at home. It is a direct financial assistance reimbursement program available to families who have applied for Katie Beckett and received a Level of Care denial. Any child who lives at home, is under the age of 18 and has a physical, cognitive, developmental or medical disability is eligible.
The services available for reimbursement by Champions for Children are broader than those of Katie Beckett, but the funding is more limited. Services include: Medical services and therapies, Respite Care, Medical supplies and equipment, Dental and optical services, Travel reimbursements for medical appointments, Recreational or therapeutic activities and other services related to the child’s disability not covered by other payment sources. Lindner Educational Consultants will help you understand how the Champions for Children program works and assist with the application for eligibility.
"Marcia is an excellent presenter, and I have brought her to teach groups several times. Her deep understanding and knowledge of the subject material, along with being a natural educator, allows her to present even the busy complex topics in an engaging and accessible way."
— Rachel Lazarus
Managing attorney, Gwinnett Legal Aid
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Here are resources we’ve curated, that add value and perspective. If you need our help, feel free to take advantage of your 15-Minute No Obligation Conversation.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Direct link to the Georgia Department of Education's Special Education Services and Supports.
Georgia's mandated free resource center for families with children who have special education needs.
The JAA links individuals with disabilities, and their families, to resources and information on everything from advocating for a child with a learning disability to navigating the transition to adulthood and beyond..
A site for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.
ImpactADHD is a community of parents with similar circumstances who come together to support each other and learn how to take a coach-approach to raising your kids.
The Learning Disabilities Association of Georgia shares knowledge, disseminates information, and advocates for individuals with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder.
COPAA's mission is to level the playing field for parents of children with disabilities—through access to resources and information. There is a fee to join.
Visit the CPIR's Repository of Resources and access a treasure trove of products related to children with disabilities
Marcus Autism Center offers families access to the latest researchers a comprehensive database for local and online resources.
