August 2022
A child who struggles with completing tasks that others fly through may need help getting through school. The good news is that if your child meets qualifications set by the law, the resources available may expand to include special education. Special education is a program overseen by federal laws that afford accommodations in public schools for children with disabilities. Whether your child has a diagnosis allowing entry or is on the cusp of getting one, discover some of the finer points of special education laws. What are the federal laws that govern special education? Two laws set at the federal level help level the playing field when it comes to public education. Section 504 (a part of the Rehabilitation Act) and IDEA (Individuals with Disability Education Act) sets out protections, accommodations and rights of children with disabilities to access public education. Your child may qualify for special education under one or both of these laws. What does the law consider a disability? IDEA provides a much narrower definition for disability than its counterpart. As such, it is more likely that a child will qualify under both or only IDEA. Under IDEA, some of the conditions for special education include: Hearing impairment Speech impediment Traumatic brain injury Autism The list for qualifying conditions is extensive under IDEA, but within each are further qualifications. Section 504 allows for a broader range of conditions by including any mental or physical limitation or impairment that substantially impedes at least one life activity. Applying the law to help your child gain access to help in school is within your right. If your child qualifies under one or both of these federal laws, then the State of Washington and the education department should afford you the requisite assistance.
Students with disabilities attending public schools in Washington State have a right to an education. They also have a right to learn among their peers. There several laws which protect these rights – the focus of the post is just one. The Rehabilitation Act’s Section 504 requires public schools to provide accommodations so all students may participate in their schools’ activities. Students are entitled to a “free and appropriate education” under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Other laws, including Section 504 and laws prohibiting discrimination protected related rights for students with disabilities. This includes participation in a school’s sports or extracurricular activities. Disabled students must also do so without facing discrimination. Denying a qualified student from an athletic team because of an impairment violates the federal Rehabilitation Act. The law also protects disabled students from bullying. Schools must provide accommodations for disabled students Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requires educators to provide their disabled students with reasonable accommodations when needed. Accommodations may include aids or services to help them participate in the school’s activities. The University of Washington website lists some common accommodations . One or more of these accommodations could allow a disabled student to maintain his or her involvement in a school’s curriculum. Teachers may, for example, include books with large print or other visual aids. Installing text-to-speech software on classroom computers could help students with disabilities. In some cases, sign language may reflect an appropriate accommodation. Instructors could also modify their disabled students’ homework assignments. Students with cognitive impairments may then take extra time to work through the material. Parents of disabled students may take action if needed The National Education Association notes that procedures exist to protect students from exclusion. Students with disabilities requiring special facilitation may receive them without harassment or discrimination. In some cases, an educator or school district could fail to provide a reasonable accommodation. Parents of disabled students may, however, take action to resolve disputes.
About two-thirds of people who file for bankruptcy in America do so because of medical debts. Older Americans, who face high healthcare costs and often live on fixed incomes, are particularly vulnerable. A new law that expands Washington’s charity care program may ease this financial burden for many seniors in the state. What the law does Legislation that took effect on July 1, 2022, requires large hospital systems to provide a higher level of financial assistance to residents of the state who qualify. An estimated four million people in the state may qualify for free or discounted care. Who qualifies for assistance Washington state residents whose income is between 0% and 300% of the federal poverty level will have no out-of-pocket costs at the majority of Washington state hospitals. People with incomes that are between 301% and 350% of the federal poverty level will receive a 75% discount and people in the 351% to 400% income bracket will get a 50% discount. Impact of the law on estate planning Planning for healthcare costs is an important component of any estate plan. The high cost of healthcare can erode many seniors’ savings, leaving them reliant on Medicaid and other programs for healthcare. Seniors who qualify for free or discounted healthcare may be able to reduce their overall medical costs, leaving more money for other expenses, such as long-term care. Many seniors who face rising healthcare costs on a fixed-income stand to benefit from this expansion of the charity care program. However, it is still important to plan for healthcare expenses as you age.
