May 2023
Ensuring that every child receives an appropriate education is essential, especially for children with special needs. If your special needs child is not receiving the education they deserve in Washington, it is crucial to take action. Here are some steps you can take to advocate for your child’s educational rights and seek appropriate support. Understand your child’s rights Familiarize yourself with the educational rights of children with special needs. In Washington, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and state laws protect these rights . Communicate with the school Initiate open and honest communication with your child’s school. Discuss your concerns, share information about your child’s specific needs and inquire about available support services. Collaborative dialogue can often lead to constructive solutions. Request an evaluation If you believe the school is not meeting your child’s educational needs, request an evaluation from the school district. This evaluation assesses your child’s strengths, weaknesses and unique needs. The evaluation process helps determine the appropriate level of support and services required. Develop an IEP Work with the school’s Individualized Education Program team to develop a tailored plan for your child’s education. The IEP outlines specific goals, accommodations, modifications and related services to ensure your child receives a free and appropriate education. Seek mediation or due process If disagreements arise between you and the school regarding your child’s education, mediation or due process may be options to consider. Mediation involves a neutral third party assisting in resolving conflicts, while due process involves a formal hearing to address disputes. Explore additional resources Connect with local and statewide organizations that provide resources and support for families with special needs children. These organizations can offer guidance, advocacy and valuable information about available services and programs. By being an informed and proactive advocate, you can help ensure your child receives the educational support they require to thrive.
Watching a parent age is often difficult, and it may prove even more so if that parent is experiencing notable cognitive decline. When an older adult living in Washington starts to become unable to effectively manage his or her own affairs, guardianship and conservatorship may be an effective way to help protect that party and keep him or her safe. Per NAMI Southwest Washington, guardianship and conservatorship is a formal court proceeding which creates a legal relationship between the individual ( vulnerable adult , or a “ward”) and the person appointed to look after him or her, or the “guardian” or “conservator.” How are rights impacted? Guardianship and conservatorship typically involves placing heavy restrictions on a ward’s life; the process typically results in removal of the Individual’s rights. For this reason, those considering guardianships or conservatorships for a parent or older loved one may want to explore alternatives before taking this big step. Once a guardianship takes shape, it may hinder the ward’s ability to vote, marry, make medical decisions, or hold a driver’s license. A conservatorship may also prevent a ward from signing contracts, buying, owning or selling property, or paying bills, among other restrictions. What alternatives exist? Because guardianships and conservatorships are so restrictive, those considering them may also want to consider whether certain alternative arrangements might meet their needs without stripping away so many of an individual’s rights. For example, creating a durable power of attorney for health care or finances may make sense in some situations. In others, community services or agencies may be able to step in and help a vulnerable loved one, depending on his or her specific needs and vulnerabilities. Proving that an individual lacks certain capacities is typically necessary before establishing formal guardianship or conservatorship.
