Special Education
1. Case Selection Priorities (PADD, PAIMI, PAIR and AT):
a) Priorities for Representation:
- Services in the least restrictive environment (LRE) - cases where the student is in the student's LRE or is being removed from the student's LRE for virtually the entire school day will be given priority over other LRE cases. In most cases cases, the LRE will be a setting with non-disabled peers, but for those with communication needs, LRE may be a setting that provides educational interaction with teachers and peers in the needed communication mode.
- Suspension and Expulsion
- Transition
- Restraint and Seclusion
- Assistive Technology
- Service Issues - Brief Advice only, unless pro bono attorneys are available to provide additional assistance.
b) Priorities for Brief Advice:
- All other special education calls.
2. Special Initiatives:
a. Special Education Advocacy Clinic (Funding from PADD, PAIMI, PAIR, AT, and private and governmental funders)
Goal: In 2007 EFE launched a Statewide Special Education Advocacy Clinic with a goal of providing comprehensive special education training, self-advocacy and legal advocacy services. In FY2008, EFE will incorporate pro bono attorneys into the clinic to increase its level of assistance to clients, as well as the number of clients it serves.
b. Latino Advocacy and Outreach Initiative (Primary funding from PAIMI and non-federal funders; funding from PADD, PAIMI, PAIR, and AT for specific audiences or clients)
Goal: EFE will continue to enhance services to Latinos with disabilities in Illinois, with a focus on educational barriers, by providing bi-lingual self-advocacy training seminars, self-advocacy assistance, and representation in individual matters.
c. Update and develop fact sheets as needed for individuals with disabilities and families on special education issues. (Funding from PAIMI and non-federal funders)
Goal: EFE will update and develop consumer friendly fact sheets to assist people to better understand their legal rights under special education laws.
d. Juvenile Justice/Special Education Initiative (Funding from PAIMI and Equal Justice Works)
Goal: EFE will advocate that children in the juvenile justice system within Cook County receive needed special education and related services by representing them in the pre-adjudication phase, the post-adjudication phase, and upon return from residential placement.
e. Training Institute for Disability Rights (Primary funding from state and private funders with additional funding from PADD, PAIMI and PAIR)
Goal: Equip for Equality will provide disability rights trainings statewide to people with disabilities and their families, as well as professionals, attorneys and school personnel on special education issues.
f. Qualified Sign Language Interpreters in Schools (funding from PAIR)
Goal: EFE will educate policy makers about the severe shortage of qualified educational interpreters in schools.
