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
Students with Disabilities Have the Right to Access Advanced Classes with Support
All too often, twice exceptional (“2E”) learners run into challenges when they try to enroll in advanced academic programs or classes.
Federal Bill Proposed to Prohibit Seclusion and Dangerous Physical Restraints in Schools
Seclusion and restraint continue to be serious problems in schools. The Keeping All Students Safe Act would address these harmful practices.
Opposition Grows to Virginia’s Model Policies for Transgender Students in Schools
The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County, Virginia has joined the growing opposition to the Youngkin Administration’s Model Policies for Transgender Students.
Possible Changes to School Medicaid Billing for IEP Services
Changes may be coming to how schools bill Medicaid for services provided in students’ IEPs.
Changes to Virginia’s School Bullying Law
Virginia’s school bullying law has changed.
The Importance of Written Expression
While all students need effective writing instruction, students with disabilities may also need specialized instruction in this area.
Grant Opportunity for Virginia Families
Virginia families may be interested in applying for a grant from the Virginia Department of Education’s K-12 Learning Acceleration Grants program.
Student Attendance at IEP Meetings
IEPs are all about the student with the disability. So when does a student attend their own IEP meeting?
Parents’ Special Education Rights
Parents have strong special education rights. Check out this list of the top five parental rights in the IEP process.
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.