10 Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Special Education and IEPs

Kirsch-Goodwin & Kirsch's Hope Kirsch and Lori Kirsch-Goodwin will be guest speakers at East Valley Autism Network (EVAN) on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, discussing "10 Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Special Education and IEPs." In addition, they will provide an update on "Legal Rights Concerning Restraint and Seclusion."

For more information, contact the wonderful moms who run the group:

Melissa Van Hook
melissavanhook@hotmail.com
(480) 231-4214

Holly Reycraft
hreycraft@cox.net
(602) 703-6500

Katie Wride
wridetribe@cox.net
(480) 252-1577

E V A N
East Valley Autism Network
Check EVAN out on facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/East-Valley-Autism-Network-EVAN/277227152394587

 

Upcoming Autism Conference

KGK's Hope Kirsch will be a guest speaker at AZA United's annual conference on March 7th & 8th, 2014 TRANSDISCIPLINARY AUTISM CONFERENCE. Please join her along with other leaders in the field. https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1268236

Arizona Autism United's 4th annual Transdisciplinary Autism Conference is a community event for parents and professionals of all kinds who work with and care about people with autism.  This year's conference includes an exciting and informative lineup of nationally renowned speakers and local experts. Presentations include a wide range of topics for parents and professionals of all backgrounds, with practical strategies to assist children and young adults of all levels. 

The Transdisciplinary Autism Conference features more than 20 expert speakers from a range of fields and disciplines.  A wide variety of topics is included to help individuals with autism of all ages, at all levels of the autism spectrum.  Presentations are available for all audience levels, from beginner to advanced concepts. Speakers include:

• Behavior Analysts (CEUs available)
  
• Speech Therapists
• Special Education Professionals
• Parent Leaders
• Psychologists & Counselors
• Advocacy Specialists
• Holistic Health Practitioners
• Siblings and Family Members
• Adults with Autism

  Keynote Speakers:

KEYNOTE:  Dr. Greg Hanley, BCBA-D
Western New England University
Dr. Hanley is well regarded for his highly successful work in treating sleep problems and challenging behaviors in autism, and is also known for his easy to follow and entertaining presentation style.  On Friday, March 7th, Dr. Hanley will deliver his keynote presentation: Meaningful Solutions for Some Extraordinary Problem Behaviors Associated with Autism.


KEYNOTE:  Rupert Isaacson
Creator of The Horse Boy Documentary
Rupert is a father, a journalist, and the star of this award winning film that documents his family's trek across the globe to find help for his son.  On Saturday, March 8th, Rupert will tell his story with messages of hope and possibility for all families. Based on a method he has created called Horse Boy Learning, this presentation will include practical techniques, beautiful images, fun anecdotes, and a host of good tips for all.

Special Guests:
Adam Larsen, Filmmaker
Creator of the Documentary: Neurotypical
Adam's film premiered this year on PBS and provides an unprecedented exploration of autism from the point of view of autistic people themselves.  Through in-depth profiles and interviews capturing toddlers, teens and adults, viewers are challenged to question the concept of "normal."  Join Adam for a meet & greet, Q&A session, and live screening of the full-length version of Neurotypical.



Wolf Dunaway, Adult with Autism
The Autistic Werewolf
Wolf Dunaway was featured in the recent documentary airing on PBS, Neurotypical.  He is an adult with autism, an advocate, and soon to be a published author.  As a speaker at schools, organizations, institutions and universities, Mr. Dunaway provides unique perspectives and insights to explore the unique challenges of the Autism Life Experience.

Breakout Session Speakers:


Amy Kenzer, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Clinical Services Director
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center
www.AutismCenter.org





Joe Gentry, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Licensed Psychologist & Clinical Director
Gentry Pediatric Behavioral Services
www.GentryPBS.com





Raun Melmed, M.D.
Developmental Pediatrician & Clinical Director
The Melmed Center
www.MelmedCenter.com





Jim Adams, Ph.D.
Director
ASU Autism/Asperger's Research Program
autism.asu.edu





Nicolette Piano, M.S., CCC-SLP
Director of Speech & Language Services
Arizona Autism United
www.AZAunited.org





Debbie Weidinger
Executive Director
AZ ASSIST
www.AZassist.com





Carey Burgess, M.S., BCBA/LBA
Director of Behavioral Consultation Services
Arizona Autism United
www.AZAunited.org





Hope Kirsch
Special Education Attorney
Kirsch-Goodwin & Kirsch, PLLC
www.azSpecialEducationLawyers.com





Ehren Werntz, M.S., BCBA/LBA
Program Director
Arizona Autism United
www.AZAunited.org





Christopher J. Smith, Ph.D.
Vice President & Research Director
Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center
www.AutismCenter.org





Amy Maschue, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Author of "10 Minutes for Talking"
www.10minutesfortalking.com





Abby Twyman, M.Ed., BCBA/LBA
Owner and Director
BASIC in Arizona
www.basicAZ.com





Linda Kraynak, M. Ed.
Peer Autism Awareness Trainer
Arizona Autism United
www.AZAunited.org

AZA United's 2014 Transdisciplinary Autism Conference

KGK's Hope Kirsch will be a guest presenter at AZA United's annual conference on March 7th, the 2014 TRANSDISCIPLINARY AUTISM CONFERENCE. Please join her along with other incredible leaders in the field. https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1268236
Join us for this one-of-a-kind conference experience!

Arizona Autism United's 4th annual Transdisciplinary Autism Conference is a community event for parents and professionals of all kinds who work with and care about people with autism.  This year's conference includes an exciting and informative lineup of nationally renowned speakers and local experts. Presentations include a wide range of topics for parents and professionals of all backgrounds, with practical strategies to assist children and young adults of all levels.   

Every year, AZA United's Transdisciplinary Autism Conference features a wide variety of presentations from speakers of all kinds, to help individuals with autism of all ages and at all levels of the autism spectrum.  Presentations are available for all audience levels, from beginner to advanced concepts. Each day includes a keynote speaker, breakout sessions, exhibitor fair, and special activities.  Friday also offers a full day of free CEUs for BCBAs.  In addition, everyone in attendance will enjoy a free catered lunch on the rooftop patio as well as Starbucks coffee and delicious refreshments throughout the day! 

Register now: https://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventId=1268236

Examples of topics and activities include:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Positive Behavior Support (PBS)
• Strategies for increasing speech, language, and social interaction
• Augmentative communication (visual supports, iPad apps, etc.)
• Improving challenging behaviors at home and in school
  
• Accessing services (special education law, government programs, insurance)
• Resources and options for adults with autism (of all ages and levels)
• Integrating autism awareness and bully-free environments in schools
• Executive functioning and sensory processing
• Supports for parents, siblings and family members
• Current autism research and the latest findings
  
• Understanding autism from the perspective of someone on the spectrum
• Alternative therapies and activities (music therapy, yoga, etc.)
• Fun activities for conference participants (GFCF cooking class, massages, etc.

Know someone with dyslexia?  This documentary will give you some insight into their struggles, and the amazing accomplishments of some individuals with dyslexia.  You'll be surprised to learn who some of these people are.
The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia

Remember, if your child has dyslexia, he or she may be entitled to accommodations under a "504 Plan," or an IEP for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ("IDEA").  If you don't know if your child has dyslexia, but he or she struggles in school with reading or even math, then ask the school to evaluate your child.  Schools are obligated to evaluate students that the school's teachers or other school/education professionals (school principal, school nurse, etc.) "suspect" that your child may has a disability that might require special education.  The school's requirement is its Child Find obligation.      

Kirsch-Goodwin & Kirsch

Update on contempt citation against charter school

A Federal District Court ruled that an Arizona charter school (Flagstaff Arts & Leadership Academy) could not avoid paying $176,722 for our a student's (our client's) unilateral private placement simply by alleging that it lacked the funds needed to comply with a stay-put order. Determining the school could have paid at least a portion of the student's tuition if it had managed its resources more efficiently, the District Court granted our motion for a contempt citation. The court rejected the school's unsupported claim that it did not have money to pay the student's tuition. Not only had the charter school hired four (4) attorneys to represent it in the ongoing FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education) dispute arising under IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. 1400 et. seq.), but the charter school had informed the court just 12 weeks earlier that it would be setting aside funds on a monthly basis to pay the student's tuition. U.S. District Judge H. Russel Holland questioned the school's more recent assertion that it was "unable to pay" any funds toward the student's tuition. "Based upon what is presently before the court, [the school] has an allocation of resources problem, not an absence of resources," Judge Holland wrote. Because the charter school did not offer any evidence to support its claim, the court found the school in civil contempt. It gave the school 10 days to pay the $176,722 already owed for the student's private school tuition, and reminded the school of its obligation to continue funding the student's placement under the IDEA's "stay-put" provision.

www.azspecialeducationlawyers.com

ESY data

Your child's IEP team (which includes YOU, the parent / grandparent / legal guardian) will be making a decision in the coming months about whether your child qualifies for ESY (EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR).  The decision must be based on data.  Ask your child's teacher or case manager what data is being collected before the coming holiday break so that your child's level of regression and recoupment can be measured after school break.  Your child may also be entitled to ESY if he or she is at a critical stage or point of instruction.
The IEP team must look at retrospective data, such aspast regression and rate of recoupment (which is based on data taken before and after school holidays/breaks) and also on predictive data, based on the opinion of professionals in consultation with you, the child’s parents / grandparents / legal guardians, as well as circumstantial considerations of your child’s individual situation at home and in hisor her neighborhood and community.
Happy holidays to you and your families,Kirsch-Goodwin & Kirsch.

KGK's case featured on Wrightslaw

See KGK's case featured on Wrightslaw.com.
New Case - Charter School in Contempt, Must Pay $176,722! - Pursuant to the "stay-put / pendency" statute (20 USC 1415(f)), on November 4, 2013, the United States District Court of Arizona held the "tuition-free, public charter" Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy in contempt of Court and ordered them to pay $176,722.00 for the child's private placement by November 15, 2013 or face further sanctions. (Click here for ruling of Contempt and Order to pay.)

While the child was enrolled in the charter school, the parent contested the IEP, removed the child to a private placement and requested a due process hearing. The Administrative Law Judge ruled in their favor. The school appealed and the parent's attorney, Hope Kirsch filed a Counterclaim. (Click here for Counterclaim). The Charter School asserted that they could not afford to pay. The Court noted that their problem is "an allocation of resources problem, not an absence of resources." We will keep you posted.