Are you a parent or guardian of a child with special needs who has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan? Do you have any questions about the plan itself or with its implementation? Do you suspect your child may have a disability and may need services in school? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the JCFS Chicago Legal Advocacy Center may be a resource for you.

The Legal Advocacy Center offers special education legal representation, consultation, information and referral services to students with disabilities and their families.

Federal and state laws require school districts to provide a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment for every child with a disability—whether in the public school or in a therapeutic setting. Occasionally, parents find it difficult to obtain appropriate educational services for their child with special needs.

Legal Advocacy Center attorneys are committed to ensuring that each child receives the education, supports, and services he or she needs to learn. Specialized instruction, occupational, physical or speech therapy, social work services or others and/or modifications or accommodations (such as extra time for taking tests, a longer passing time in the hallway, or a referral to a therapeutic program) may be required.