Description

Staying Informed: A Legal Overview for Educators (and Parents)

Know the Law: What Every Educator and Parent Should Understand About Disability Rights in Education

Demystifying Disability Law in Schools

This session provides a comprehensive yet understandable overview of federal laws that apply to students with disabilities, including:

• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of how these laws function, what they require of schools, and what rights they afford students. We will examine how these laws intersect and differ in terms of eligibility, services, enforcement mechanisms, and due process procedures. The presentation will also address the role of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

Learning Objectives:-

• The obligations schools must follow under IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA
• The legal rights and protections of students with disabilities;
• How do these laws apply in different educational settings (public, charter, private)
• What parents and advocates can do when a student’s rights are violated.

Areas Covered in the Session:-

• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Titles II and III
• The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) complaint process
• Disciplining students with disabilities
• Overview of Title IX in the context of students with disabilities
• Key differences between public, charter, and private school obligations
• Real-world examples and scenarios
• Common legal pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Background:-

This session offers a high-level overview of key federal and state laws—IDEA, the Office for Civil Rights, student discipline, and Title IX—and how they intersect with your role as an educator.

Facilitated by a former special education teacher / school administrator turned education attorney, this session invites open conversation, questions, and reflection to help you feel more confident navigating the legal landscape that shapes today’s schools.

Why Should You Attend?

Understanding the laws that protect students with disabilities is not optional—it's essential. This session empowers educators, parents, and professionals with the legal knowledge needed to support students, advocate effectively, and reduce the risk of legal pitfalls. Whether you're new to the field or looking for a refresher, this overview equips you with tools to navigate real-world challenges in compliance with federal and state mandates.

Who Will Benefit?

• School Administrators
• School District Superintendents
• Charter School Superintendents, Principals, and Headmasters
• School Governing Board Members
• School Counselors & Psychologists
• Teachers
• School Attorneys
• Parent Attorneys
• Education Advocates & Consultants
• Parents and Legal Guardians
• Community-Based Disability and Educational Organizations.