Both federal and state guidance provides that students with individualized educational plans (“IEPs”) may be entitled to compensatory education during school closures to make up for any skills that may have been lost. [1] Whether and to what extent compensatory services are owed must be made on an individual basis. The California Department of Education, provides that “educational need can …
A Successful Campaign for the IDEA
The Law Offices of Hirji & Chau, spearheaded a successful campaign to send a petition of over 1000 supporters to write to Secretary DeVos calling for NO WAIVERS to the IDEA. You can find the updated letter and list of supporters, here.
Governor Newsom: Scenarios for the Reopening of Schools
In today’s presentation, Governor Newsom discusses different scenarios for the reopening of schools. He seemed to imply that some precautions that could take place include removing recess, PE, and school assemblies. He talked about staggered schedules – some in the morning, some in the afternoon. These issues will be discussed and also negotiated with unions etc. There was no discussion of …
NO WAIVERS TO THE IDEA
Law Offices of Hirji & Chau, LLP spearheaded an open letter to the Department of Education, calling for NO WAIVERS to the IDEA or Section 504. www.SaveIdea.org The letter was written by Diana Maltz. Within a week, we received support from over 780 parents, advocates/attorneys, civil rights organizations,community based organizations teachers, and service providers! While the letter is mailed as of …
Advocacy Issues Related to COVID-19
[La versión en español está a continuación de este mensaje] Dear special education community, We hope that you are staying indoors and are well. We understand that this time is especially difficult for you and are committed to your welfare. As you are aware, we are dealing with unprecedented issues in special education law and advocacy as a result of the …
New Faces in the LOHC Offices!
Congratulations to Lauren Fairbanks, Jasmin Stewart, and Robert D. Skeels on their new positions at The Law Offices of Hirji & Chau, LLP! Lauren (Associate Attorney) is passionate about protecting the rights of people with disabilities. She graduated from Tulane University in 2015. After that, she earned her Juris Doctor at the USC Gould School of Law. Lauren earned her …
Blocking Parent Experts from School Observation is Against the Law
In 2005, Long Beach Unified denied access to a private evaluator to observe a proposed placement for a student with Autism. Bonnie Z. Yates took the matter before the California Court of Appeals and won the seminal and often cited Benjamin G. case, that established the right of experts to observe prior to a due process hearing. Almost 14 years …
Adulthood Transition: Graduation and Curriculum
By Diana Maltz, Esq What is the difference between a diploma and a certificate of completion? A high school diploma certifies that your child has met state and school mandated graduation requirements. A certificate of completion certifies that your child has completed high school, but did not meet graduation requirements. Many students with IEPs receive certificates rather than diplomas. This …
Diana Maltz joins Law Offices of Hirji and Chau, LLP as one of our new Associate Litigation Attorneys
Diana Maltz graduated from the USC Gould School of Law in May 2018. During her time at USC, she conducted research regarding civil commitment and conservatorship of developmentally disabled adults as a 2017-2018 Saks Institute Scholar. She also participated in the Mediation Clinic from August 2016 until May 2018 and served as Vice President of the Student Bar Association during …
Alexander Rodriguez joins Law Offices of Hirji and Chau, LLP as one of our new Associate Litigation Attorneys
Alex Rodriguez is a graduate of Loyola Law School and was admitted to practice law in California in 2018. The importance of education was instilled in Alex at a young age by his parents who were educators, and inspired Alex to pursue and gain experience as a classroom teacher. Prior to Law School, Alex obtained his undergraduate degree from Cornell …