Children's Educational Rights and the "IDEA"
Children with disabilities are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society today. The lawyers at Wiggins, Childs, Quinn & Pantazis represent parents and their children in cases involving students’ access to appropriate educational programs and services which are designed to meet their unique needs in the least restrictive environment. In order to ensure quality of opportunity, meaningful participation in society, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency, it is critical that children with disabilities receive an appropriate educational program designed to meet their unique needs. We work diligently to protect the rights of children with a variety of disabilities throughout Alabama.
Children with disabilities are entitled to an education, which affords them equitable access to services, extra-curricular, and non-academic activities. Children with disabilities are also entitled to attend school without experiencing disability-based harassment. These rights are protected by federal and state laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”) and § 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
We have 30 years of experience representing parents and students in their attempts to secure an appropriate education and to redress disability based harassment and discrimination. The lawyers at Wiggins, Childs, Quinn & Pantazis represent clients through negotiation and advocacy at the school district level and have had much success resolving issues at that level. However, we also have a significant amount of experience representing parents and students with disabilities through the mediation process, as well as in administrative and judicial proceedings.