Saturday, October 5, 2013

The Reason I Jump

A teenager with autism, Naoki Higashida, invites you into the workings of his mind in the book he himself authored, The Reason I Jump.  Just 13 years old at the time he wrote the book, this amazing individual  offers an incredible peek into his world -- a world shared by so many on the Autism Spectrum.  What a treat for all of us who want to get a glimpse into the minds and worlds of someone special, someone with ASD, who we love.



































www.azspecialeducationlawyers.com

Monday, September 30, 2013

Bullying: Hope Kirsch invited to speak at the AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION Conference on Bullying

The AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION's 2013 Fall Conference is focusing on BULLYING.
KGK's Hope Kirsch has been invited to speak at the CLE Program
From the Trenches: Stories and Practical Tips From Those on the Bullying Front Lines

Biltmore Hotel, Phoenix, AZ
Friday, October 11, 2013
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

This Program will give young lawyers insight into the issues and struggles faced by attorneys and other participants in representing juvenile clients in bullying cases. Speaking from first-hand experience, Program panelists will share their “war stories” in representing and/or interacting with children involved in bullying cases and discuss the particular challenges in working with juvenile clients in the bullying context. Panelists will also provide young lawyers tips and guidance when representing juvenile clients in bullying cases. In recognition of the fact that bullying cases present more than just legal challenges, Panelists will also focus on emotional, psychological, developmental, and school-related issues that may be present and how to deal with them. This Program will arm young lawyers with the tools and background needed to fully comprehend the complexity of bullying cases, and to enable them to better serve juvenile clients in bullying cases.

Presented by the: YLD Public Service Team
Moderator: Casey Kannenberg, Godfrey Johnson, P.C., Englewood, CO
Speakers:
Lee Bussart Bowles, Tennessee General Sessions Court Judge, Juvenile Court Jurisdiction, Lewisburg, TN
Hope N. Kirsch, Kirsch-Goodwin & Kirsch, P.C., Scottsdale, AZ

http://www.americanbar.org/calendar/2013/10/yld-2013-fall-conference/session_descriptions.html

Saturday, September 21, 2013

VIDEO: Essentials for Educators: High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome

Terrific video for teachers, parents and anyone who wants a better understanding of High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome. VIDEO: Essentials for Educators: High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome
The video explains the underlying differences in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and suggests strategies teachers/educators (and parents) for increasing the success of these children in school.

We highly recommend this,
Hope Kirsch & Lori Kirsch-Goodwin

Sunday, September 15, 2013

What to do if you think your child may need special education?

What should you do if you think their child might have special education needs?
  • Is your child struggling to understand?
  • Is your child struggling with homework?
  • Is your child failing quizzes and tests?
  • Is your child fighting in school?
  • Is the school complaining about your child's behavior?
  • Is the teacher reporting your child is not paying attention?
  • Is the teacher telling you that your child is not turning in homework?

If you answer YES to any of the above questions, OR is you have any reason to believe your child is having any difficulty or any issues in school or if you have any concerns, the school should be offering to test your child (that's the obligation of all school districts and charter schools in Arizona under CHILD FIND).  But if the school has not told you it needs to evaluate your child, then do not wait.  Be proactive.  Ask the school to evaluate whether your child needs special education and related services.  How do you ask, and who do you ask?  Send an e-mail to the special education director (find the email address on the website for the school district) and the Principal and your child's teacher. 

The first step to determine if your child actually requires special education is an assessment - an evaluation.  An assessment /evaluation is the process of gathering information about your child to make decisions about a potential disability category, strengths, weaknesses and areas of need.  Testing may be in the areas of academic functioning, cognitive functioning, behavior, speech and language, fine motor, gross motor, auditory and/or visual processing, sensory processing, social-emotional, neuropsychological, executive functioning skills (attention, organization), memory, etc.

The School District or Charter School will perform the assessments, but parents may ask for an INDEPENDENT EDUCATIONAL EVALUATION (IEE), at the expense of the school district or charter school, if the parents do not agree with the results.  If you, as parents or guardians, pay for a private assessment and submit the results to the school district/charter school, the school district/charter school must consider the results.  The school district/charter school is not obligated or required to accept those results, but is must consider them.

If your child is found to have a disability, that is only the first step toward determining if he or she needs special education.  The next step is whether your child needs special education to access the general education curriculum.  For example, a child with ADHD may not necessarily require special education (an IEP) and may merely require accommodations via a 504 plan.

The important question is what your child needs to receive benefit from the curriculum being taught?  Make certain you understand your child's needs, as well as your legal rights to help your child.  Make sure you understand the difference between an IEP / special education and a 504 Plan.  Your child is entitled to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under both.

For more information, visit www.azspecialeducationlawyers.com.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

KGK wins another Due Process

Lori Kirsch-Goodwin of KGK wins Due Process. The issue involved the appropriateness of a school placement. The Administrative Law Judge ruled in favor of the parent that the school selected by a charter school was not appropriate for a student with autism, and that the school that the family found to be appropriate is the appropriate placement. The Judge ordered that the charter school provide compensatory educational services AND tuition and transportation at the private special education day school. And when a parent prevails at due process, they are entitled to recover their attorneys' fees.
A.T., Student, by and through Parents A.T. and H.T. vs. POINTE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

 

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Comedian Bobby Collins: 'On the Inside- His Life as a Comedian and Father of a Very Special Child

Bobby Collins, one of today's most successful and funniest comedians, is also the father of a special needs child. Bobby, in his book, "On the Inside," talks about his career, his life on the road and most importantly, his love for his very special daughter.

You can learn more about the book at www.bobbycollins.com

In a 2013 interview on Hallmark Channel, Bobby shares his experiences and his tremendous journey and life.

http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/homeandfamily/episodes/145

Thank you Bobby for all you do!
Your friends Hope and Lori at Kirsch-Goodwin & Kirsch.



Monday, August 5, 2013

Seminar: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and School Law

Autism Spectrum Disorders and School Law

Presented by Hope Kirsch and Lori-Kirsch-Goodwin

Video Webcast

Date:

Tuesday, August 06, 2013


Product ID#:

64233ER

Time:

Eastern: 10:00 am-5:00 pm Central: 9:00 am-4:00 pm Mountain: 8:00 am-3:00 pm Pacific: 7:00 am-2:00 pm
$339.00
$329 / Each Additional
Includes Downloadable Course Book

Program Description

Practical Application of Legal Concepts Impacting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Supporting the achievement of special needs children is the ultimate goal of attorneys, parents and professionals involved in education. Yet the area of special education law can be clouded with emotion and conflict. How do high-functioning autistic (HFA) students fit into the special education law framework? Join our distinguished faculty for a dynamic discussion on the challenges parents' advocates, school attorneys and representatives face when striving to accommodate special needs students. Find the answers to your questions - register today!
  • Use a greater understanding of the nature of Autism disorders to better fulfill the needs of HFA students while protecting their rights.
  • Review the necessary steps to drafting legally compliant IEPs that will withstand the test of time.
  • Use our practical tips for preventing and resolving disputes between parents and school representatives to get the desired action without resorting to due process or litigation.
  • Gain a legal refresher on the rules governing removal or expulsion to ensure the school has enough documentation to support their decision.
  • How do you monitor the IEP progress? Learn some easy techniques for making sure the school is following through with the plan.
  • Discuss what schools and parents can do to prevent disability harassment or bullying claims.
  • Learn about actions that trigger IDEA complaints - and what you can do to avoid them.
  • Promote settlements by understanding the various mediation options available.

Who Should Attend

This basic-to-intermediate level program offers an in-depth look at the legal and practical implications of autism spectrum disorders for attorneys. It will also benefit special education teachers, school administrators, and counselors or psychologists.

Course Content

  • Defining and Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Legislative and Case Law Update as It Applies to Autism Disorders
  • Working Together to Build a Suitable Learning Environment for HFA Students
  • Tackling Complex Disciplinary Issues and Due Process
  • Preventing Bullying, Cyberbullying and Harassment
  • Legal Ethics

Continuing Education Credit


Continuing Legal Education
Credit Hrs State
CLE 6.00 -  AK*
CLE 6.00 -  AL*
CLE 6.00 -  AR*
CLE 6.00 -  AZ*
CLE 6.00 -  CA*
CLE 7.00 -  CO*
CLE 6.00 -  CT*
CLE 6.00 -  DE*
CLE 7.00 -  FL*
CLE 6.00 -  GA*
CLE 6.00 -  HI*
CLE 6.00 -  IA*
CLE 6.00 -  ID*
CLE 6.00 -  IL*
CLE 6.00 -  IN*
CLE 5.00 -  KS*
CLE 6.00 -  KY*
CLE 6.00 -  LA*
CLE 6.00 -  ME*
CLE 6.00 -  MN*
CLE 7.20 -  MO*
CLE 6.00 -  MP*
CLE 6.00 -  MS*
CLE 6.00 -  MT*
CLE 6.00 -  NC*
CLE 6.00 -  ND*
CLE 6.00 -  NE*
CLE 6.00 -  NH*
CLE 7.20 -  NJ*
CLE 6.00 -  NM*
CLE 6.00 -  NV*
CLE 7.00 -  NY*
CLE 6.00 -  OH*
CLE 7.00 -  OK*
CLE 6.50 -  OR*
CLE 6.00 -  PA*
CLE 7.00 -  RI*
CLE 6.00 -  SC*
CLE 6.00 -  TN*
CLE 6.00 -  TX*
CLE 6.00 -  UT*
CLE 6.00 -  VA*
CLE 7.20 -  VI*
CLE 6.00 -  VT*
CLE 6.00 -  WA*
CLE 7.00 -  WI*
CLE 7.20 -  WV*
CLE 6.00 -  WY*
* denotes specialty credits

Can't Attend?
Purchase the Recording.

Video DVD + Course Book
$339.00Order Now

Questions Questions


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Web: Order Now
Call: 800.930.6182
Fax: 715.835.1405
Mail: NBI
P.O. Box 3067
Eau Claire, WI 54702