Former Bridgeport officer settles lawsuit
July 18, 2008
BRIDGEPORT – A former Bridgeport police lieutenant who claimed he was retaliated against for investigating Mayor John M. Fabrizi and other city officials settled a lawsuit against the city Friday. Under the terms of the out-of-court settlement, John Brenner, who retired from the Police Department two months ago, will receive, in addition to his pension, a lump-sum payment of $10,000. The city has also agreed to pay Brenner’s legal expenses up to $10,000. [Read more]
Dennis Coleman’s Bad Behavior Costs Board of ED $100G
July 18, 2008
The city’s Board of Education settled a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit brought by a former Bronx School Board employee last week for $100,000. [Read more]
Manhattan Hotel Hit With Harassment Complaint
July 18, 2008
NEW YORK – Three housekeepers in Manhattan have filed sexual harassment lawsuits against their former employer after a preliminary investigation found evidence to support the claim that the trio had been groped by their superiors.The housekeepers – Marina Abdullajeva, Monica Quintana and Kathy Salgado – for the Club Quarters Midtown hotel, located at 40 W. 45th Street, are each suing their former bosses for $2 million in damages. [Read more]
Harrassed Secretary Sues Board of Ed
July 18, 2008
A Bronx school employee is suing the Board of Education for $100 million – saying she was denied a transfer, even though officials knew she was being harassed by her boss. [Read more]
Bridgeport DJ says spit cost her job
July 18, 2008
BRIDGEPORT – As Prozac Girl on the controversial, syndicated “Star & Buc Wild Morning Show,” Keysha Whitaker often had to deal with sophomoric abuse thrown at her.But when it came to being spit at, Whitaker drew the line. That cost Whitaker her job, she claims. [Read more]
Connecticut & Federal Statutes – Special Education
July 15, 2008
State Statutes:
Connecticut General Statutes § 10-76 et seq.
Connecticut General Statutes §10-233d(i)
Connecticut General Statutes § 4-183
Federal Statutes:
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), 20 U.S.C. § 1401 et seq.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 34 C.F.R. Part 104.
Special Education Law – Relevant Terms
July 15, 2008
Applied Behavior Analysis (“ABA”): An intensive, structured teaching program in which behaviors to be taught are broken down into simple elements. Each element is taught using repeated trials where the child is presented with a stimulus; correct responses and behaviors are rewarded with positive reinforcement, while when incorrect responses occur, they are ignored and appropriate responses are prompted and rewarded. [Read more]
What if the school gets it wrong?
July 15, 2008
As the parent of a special education student, you have the right to, and should, participate fully in your child’s PPT meetings. [Read more]
Re-evaluations, revisions to IEP and transition to post-secondary, adult life
July 15, 2008
Each student identified as special education eligible must be re-evaluated at least once every three years, but not more than once per year (unless the student’s parents and the school district agree that more frequent re-evaluations are needed). [Read more]
Placement in appropriate programs
July 15, 2008
Special education students are entitled to a free appropriate public education (otherwise known as “FAPE”), that must be tailored to the individual student. However, schools are not required to provide optimum programming – just “appropriate” programming. One federal judge has likened the difference between optimum and appropriate programming to that between a “Cadillac” and a “serviceable Chevrolet.” See Doe v. Bd. of Ed. of Tullahoma City Schools, 9 F.3d 455, 459-60 (6th Cir. 1993). However, if a particular service is required for the student’s special education needs, as evaluated, then the service must be provided without regard to how much it costs.
Sometimes, public schools simply do not offer the services that your child’s special education needs require. At this point, it may be possible to place your child in an appropriate private school and seek reimbursement from your school district for the associated costs. In order to do this, you must request a due process hearing and prove to an impartial hearing officer that not only does the private school meet your child’s educational needs, but that the school district failed to provide your child with a FAPE in a timely manner. Furthermore, you must comply with relevant statutory and regulatory requirements or your reimbursement award may be denied or reduced. Significantly, one misstep in this process can mean losing your right to reimbursement – there are time limitations and notice requirements to comply with, and it is important to know all the details before a parent unilaterally places a child privately. Our experienced attorneys will make themselves available to guide and assist you in making a quick and efficient determination of the most effective plan of action for your family, while protecting your rights under applicable regulations.
