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By Lateefah S. Williams, Esq. One of the most dramatic proposals in recent history is President Trump’s renewed push to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. On February 12, 2025, he announced his desire to shut down the department “immediately,” calling it a “big con job” that wastes taxpayer dollars while failing to improve U.S….
By Lateefah S. Williams, Esq. For families of students with disabilities, school isn’t just about grades or report cards—it’s about access, support, and the chance to thrive–whether alongside their general education peers, in stand-alone special education classes, or in nonpublic or private schools. For decades, laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and…
Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 86 In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Lisa Quinn, founder & director of Reach Every Voice, and co-founder of Communication for Education. Introducing Lisa Quinn: Advocate for AAC Access In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter sits down with Lisa Quinn, founder of…
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By Lateefah S. Williams, Esq. Fair treatment of students with disabilities in schools remains a critical issue for parents, educators, and advocates alike. Federal laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), among others, offer some key protections to make sure children with disabilities receive necessary support without discrimination or unfair discipline. Understanding these rights can help parents advocate for their child’s best interests. 1. Right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)While IDEA ensures the right to…
Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 85 The Birth of EASE: Addressing Consent and Social Skills Today on the Stress-Free IEP® show, host Frances Shefter sat down with Arlene Lechner and Melissa Hochberg, co-founders of EASE. EASE is a program dedicated to educating neurodiverse teens and adults about relationships, consent, and social skills. Both…
By Lateefah S. Williams, Esq. One of the most important decisions a parent can make for their child with special needs is choosing the proper learning environment. Should your child be placed in an inclusive classroom with their general education peers, or would a specialized program better meet their needs? The answer depends on your…
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Undocumented Students And The Obligations To Cooperate With “ICE” –Take Two with Trump 2.0 Back in 2017, at the dawn of the first Trump administration, there was much concern about how school leaders should address issues involving “undocumented” students including the possibility of visits by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement [ICE] bureau, to Connecticut…
The legal saga surrounding the 2024 Title IX Regulations reached a new peak earlier this month. On January 9, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky granted summary judgment in favor of the plaintiffs in Tennessee v. Cardona, one of the cases challenging the 2024 Title IX Regulations. In doing so,…
Read More “Title IX Litigation Tracker: 2024 Title IX Regulations Vacated by District Court” »
By Lateefah S. Williams, Esq. Last week, I wrote a blog post titled, “Addressing Staffing Shortages in Special Education,” which focused on ways that school districts can successfully recruit special education teachers during a shortage. Well, as a follow-up piece, this week I’m focusing on what parents can do to successfully advocate for their child’s needs…
Read More “Advocating for Your Child’s Needs in the Midst of a Special Education Teacher Shortage” »
Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 84 In this enlightening episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter welcomes Debbie Harris, founder of Maynestreet Weight Loss (https://www.dietingsucks-debbieharris.com/dieting-sucks), to discuss the complexities of weight management, mindset, and holistic health. The conversation provides actionable insights for busy moms and caregivers looking to improve their well-being while setting…
Read More “Mindset & Balance in Weight Management with Debbie Harris” »
