The Law Office of Lillian E. Wong
A Massachusetts Special Education Attorney

Question: My son is on an IEP for ADHD and a social / emotional disability.  My son's classroom teacher recently told me that unless my husband or I agree to chaperone my son's field trip he could not attend because he was "too much of a handful."  Is this legal?

Answer: No.  This sounds like disability-based discrimination.  Is the teacher requiring that all students in the class have a parent-chaperone or just your son?  My guess is that your son has been singled out.  If the teacher believes your son needs a 1-on-1  in order to safely attend the class field trip, the school must provide this accommodation.  Having a 1-on-1 is a reasonable accommodation that allows your son to continue to learn in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). 

If you believe the school is discriminating against your child, contact Massachusetts special education lawyer Lillian E. Wong today.

On September 24, 2011, Attorney Wong was honored to accept an award from her alma mater, Berwick Academy, an independent day school in South Berwick, Maine.

Attorney Gregory Michael's presentation the Young Alumni Award for Distinguished Achievement highlighted Ms. Wong's work as a special education attorney and advocate in Massachusetts.

Question: My child receives transportation services on his IEP.  His bus ride takes an hour, sometimes more.  It's really hard for him to spend so much time on the bus, and I think it affects his ability to learn when he gets to school.  What can I do?  

Answer:  In Massachusetts, your child can only be on the bus for an hour, unless the IEP Team decides a longer bus ride is ok.  603 CMR 28.05 (8)(a).  In this case, it seems like a longer bus ride is affecting your child's right to a Free Appropriate Public Education.  Notify the school and the bus company (in writing) about your concerns.   Keep track of how long your child is on the bus each day.  Request an IEP meeting to discuss your son's transportation.  If the problem persists, contact a special education lawyer for help.

If you are concerned about your child's special education supports and services, contact the Boston area Law Office of Lillian E. Wong today.

Attorney Wong is pleased to announced that she will be presenting "Independent Educational Evaluations in Massachusetts" at the April 9, 2012 meeting of the North Andover Parent Advisory Council (NAPAC). 



The presentation will teach parents:

• How to chose an independent evaluator
• How to access public funding for independent evaluations
• How to get the school to implement the evaluator's recommendations
  

If you have questions about your child's right to an independent educational evaluation in Massachusetts, contact the Boston area Law Office of Lillian E. Wong today.

On September 6, the U.S. Department of Education released new regulations that govern the rights of infants and toddlers (birth through two years)  with disabilities (Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).

The regulations are over 900 pages long and will take effect soon.

What are some of the important changes?

• Referral Timeline: Referral for early intervention must be made as soon as possible, and no more than seven days after the child has been identified.
• Evaluation Timeline: Initial evaluations and first IFSP meeting must occur within 45-days of a referral to early intervention.
• Transition Plan: IFSP must include a transition plan at least 90 days before the transition from early intervention but no more than 9 months before.  The IFSP must ensure a "smooth transition."

If you have questions about your child's early intervention rights, contact the Boston area Law Office of Lillian E. Wong today.