UPDATED: FAPE for Students with Disabilities during School Closure. See our Resources Page for mor
"[States, school districts] and schools must ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, each student with a disability can be provided the special education and related services identified in the student’s IEP developed under IDEA, or a plan developed under Section 504. (34 CFR §§ 300.101 and 300.201 (IDEA), and 34 CFR § 104.33 (Section 504))."
"As school districts nationwide take necessary steps to protect the health and safety of their students, many are moving to virtual or online education (distance instruction). Some educators, however, have been reluctant to provide any distance instruction because they believe that federal disability law presents insurmountable barriers to remote education. This is simply not true. We remind schools they should not opt to close or decline to provide distance instruction, at the expense of students, to address matters pertaining to services for students with disabilities."
"School districts must provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) consistent with the need to protect the health and safety of students with disabilities and those individuals providing education, specialized instruction, and related services to these students. In this unique and ever-changing environment, OCR and OSERS recognize that these exceptional circumstances may affect how all educational and related services and supports are provided, and the Department will offer flexibility where possible. However, school districts must remember that the provision of FAPE may include, as appropriate, special education and related services provided through distance instruction provided virtually, online, or telephonically. "
"Continuity of learning is the continuation of education during a prolonged school closure"
Our Programs
Individual Advocacy & Representation
Individual Advocacy & Representation
Individual Advocacy & Representation
We provide advocacy, mediation and legal representation in limited engagements for low-income public school families needing help with special education, due process, and student discipline.
Research & Support
Individual Advocacy & Representation
Individual Advocacy & Representation
We obtain data, and inform the public, elected officials, and other community organizations about the access-to-justice in Nebraska and its impact on Nebraska students.
Education
Individual Advocacy & Representation
Community Collaboration
We provide interactive programming to teach special education and student discipline rights, and we make community education available to collaborators so that they can effectively advocate for children and families.
Community Collaboration
Community Collaboration
Community Collaboration
We work with educational entities and existing social services to support their advocacy on behalf of families and connect them to appropriate supports.
Consulting Services
Community Collaboration
Consulting Services
We offer consulting services to public and private entities involved in special education and student discipline procedures.