Advocacy for children with disabilities and their families in the District of Columbia.
Special Education
Federal law gives eligible children with disabilities the right to a free appropriate public education, with services described in an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Other students may be protected under Section 504, which requires schools to provide accommodations so that students with disabilities have equal access to education.
In practice, getting the right evaluation, the right services, and a school that follows through can take persistence and a clear understanding of your rights. Barrie Legal helps parents and guardians prepare for meetings, put requests in writing, understand their options, and pursue formal remedies when a school will not agree.
The firm handles special education matters in the District of Columbia only.
How We Can Help
Reviewing proposed and existing IEPs, preparing for IEP meetings, and advocating for goals and services that fit your child.
Advocacy for students who need accommodations and protection from discrimination, including those who do not qualify for an IEP.
Requesting evaluations, understanding results, and, when you disagree with a school's evaluation, exploring your right to an independent one.
Pursuing formal dispute resolution, including mediation and due process hearings, when informal efforts do not resolve the problem.
Advocacy when a student with a disability faces suspension, expulsion, or a change in placement. Additional protections may apply.
Planning services that help students prepare for life after high school, including further education, work, and independent living.
The Process
We review your child's IEP or 504 plan, evaluations, report cards, and correspondence with the school, and talk through your concerns and goals.
We explain your child's rights, the options available, and the steps we recommend, before you decide whether to move forward.
If you hire the firm, we prepare written requests, support you in meetings with the school, and negotiate for the services your child needs.
If the school will not agree, we discuss mediation or a due process complaint and represent you through that process.
Questions
No. The firm handles special education matters in the District of Columbia only, so your child's school should be in DC, such as a DC Public Schools school or a DC public charter school. Fatmata Barrie is admitted in the District of Columbia only and is not admitted in Maryland.
An Individualized Education Program is a written plan, developed by a team that includes parents, that describes a child's disability-related needs, annual goals, and the special education services and supports the school will provide.
An IEP is for students who qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and need specially designed instruction. A 504 plan is for students with a disability who need accommodations to access their education, and it does not require specially designed instruction. A student may qualify for one, the other, or neither.
Parents can request that a school evaluate their child to determine whether the child may need special education services. Making the request in writing creates a record of the date you asked, which can matter later.
The consultation fee is $300. If you hire the firm, that amount is credited toward the attorney fee. Fees for representation are discussed during your consultation.
This page provides general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Schedule a consultation today ($300, credited toward your attorney fee if you hire us). We're here to listen and help you understand your options.
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