Disability
Rights
at School
Welcome to my blog.
My name is Wendy Pizer. I’m a special education attorney serving families in Arlington, Northern Virginia, and throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. I’m also an advocate for students with disabilities in my community, and a parent. Special education can be confusing and overwhelming. Schools have information that parents don’t have. So I created this free resource for parents to try to level the playing field a little.
Please know that this page provides information and resources, not legal advice, and utilizing this page does not create an attorney client relationship. The information may not be up to date or applicable to specific student situations. If you need assistance for a specific situation, please reach out to your school division’s parent resource center, your state’s parent training and information center, or a special education attorney or advocate in your area.
Recent Posts
25 Community Organizations Oppose Changes to School Discipline in Virginia
25 community organizations jointly call on Virginia legislators to oppose a school discipline bill that will disproportionately harm students with disabilities without making schools any safer.
10 Steps to Take if your Child is Bullied at School
Students with disabilities have the right to attend school without being bullied. Here are 10 steps parents can take if you suspect your child is being bullied at school.
The Top 10 Completely Wrong Things Schools have said about IEPs
It is rather amazing how much schools get wrong about IEPs and special education requirements.
The Rights of Students with Disabilities in Private Schools
Students with disabilities who attend private schools may still be protected under federal disability law.
Fairfax County Public Schools Releases Plan to Provide Compensatory Education to Remedy FAPE Violations from COVID-19 Remote Learning
Fairfax County Public Schools has acknowledged that it did not meet its legal obligations to students with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has released a plan to fix it.
Virginia Settlement Affirms Right to Peer Masking
The Commonwealth of Virginia settled a lawsuit with 12 disabled students, affirming that peer masking in Virginia public schools is a reasonable modification for students whose disabilities put them at severe risk if they contract COVID-19.
Accommodations for College Entrance Exams
Parents of high school students with disabilities often wonder how to apply for accommodations for the SAT, PSAT, ACT and Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
Students with Epilepsy have Rights at School.
Schools must provide students with seizure disorders the support they need to safety attend school, learn and fully access their school environment.
Virginia Parents – Know Your Special Education Consent Rights
Virginia parents of students with disabilities need to know that they have important parental consent rights as they proceed through the special education process.
Can a Student with ADHD get an IEP? It Depends…
Students with ADHD can qualify for an IEP if they meet the criteria under the IDEA.
Some Transgender Students are now Protected under the ADA
In a case of first impression, the United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit recently ruled that gender dysphoria is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This ruling provides students who have gender dysphoria with an important additional source of legal protection.
Accommodations Toolbox
Looking for ideas to support your child? Check out this Accommodations Toolbox.