~In this Issue ~
Special Education:
Section 504 Plans - What is it and Who Qualifies (Part 1)

Family Law:
Elements of Effective Parenting Plan for Divorcing Couples

October is National Bullying Prevention Month
October 23, 2019 is Unity Day
Announcements:

The Children's Lawyer Podcast
Created and Hosted by Micki Moran, J.D.
"Getting the Most out of your IEP" 
Episodes I and II
Click Here to Listen

Legal Issues Regarding Assistive Technology
Micki Moran participating on a Panel
Infinitec Program - October 29, 2019
Tinley Park, Illinois
Section 504 Plans - What is it and Who Qualifies (Part 1)

Section 504 is a Federal law that prohibits disability discrimination by recipients of Federal financial assistance. All public schools and school districts, as well as all public charter schools and magnet schools, that receive federal financial assistance from the Department must comply with Section 504.

Who qualifies for a 504 Plan?
A student with a disability. This means any physical or developmental condition that substantially limits a major life activity, which can include learning or concentrating.
  • Students are entitled to equal access to programs under 504.
  • Students with 504 Plans are entitled to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment.
  • Procedural safeguards are designed to protect the rights of students with disabilities ( and their parents), including informed consent, access to school records, the right to appeal and timelines for certain actions.
  • Prohibition against discrimination at private schools (including colleges and universities) that receive federal funding.
The development of a 504 Plan for eligible students.
Disability: Under Section 504, an individual with a disability (also referred to as a student with a disability in the elementary and secondary education context) is defined as a person who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity (2) has a record of such an impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.
  • A diagnosis is not enough. The condition must limit a major life activity.
  • A major life activity includes certain acts a person does such as hearing, speaking, and reading. The list is not exhaustive.
  • 504 includes any major life activity.
  • A student may have a disability and be eligible for Section 504 services, including modifications even if the student earns good grades.
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Elements of an Effective Parenting Plan for Divorcing Couples

There is no one size fits all parenting plan. It should be based upon the best interests of your children and what works for your family. I have created a checklist that is a good starting point for parents who are contemplating divorce or separation to address the numerous issues that need to be addressed in a parenting plan.

There is no one size fits all parenting plan. It should be based upon the best interests of your children and what works for your family. I have created a checklist that is a good starting point for parents who are contemplating divorce or separation to address the numerous issues that need to be addressed in a parenting plan.
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October is National Bullying Prevention Month   - October 23, 2019 is Unity Day

Bullying is an issue that our office deals with routinely. Students with disabilities can become the target of bullying as well as neurotypical students. This is a tough issue and one that doesn't lend itself to simple solutions.       

Witnessed Bullying?

  • 70.6% of young people say they have seen bullying in their schools.
  • 70.4% of school staff have seen bullying. 62% witnessed bullying two or more times in the last month and 41% witness bullying once a week or more.
  • When bystanders intervene, bullying stops within 10 seconds 57% of the time.
  Been Cyberbullied?
  • The 2017 School Crime Supplement (National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice) indicates that, among students ages 12-18 who reported being bullied at school during the school year, 15% were bullied online or by text.
  • The 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) indicates that an estimated 14.9% of high school students were electronically bullied in the 12 months prior to the survey.What is the best approach to dealing with bullying? According to the National Organization of School Psychologists they recommend the following:
There is a growing awareness of the problem of bullying which may lead some to believe that bullying is increasing. However, studies suggest that rates of bullying may be declining.

What is the best approach to dealing with bullying?  According to the National Organization of School Psychologists they recommend the following:

For adults:
  • Model and teach respectful behavior systematically.
  • Develop, implement and enforce anti-bullying policies.
  • Recognize bullying as a mental health and relationship issue.
  • Use a comprehensive approach to address bullying.
  • Teach responsible use of technology.
  • Provide support to students who may be marginalized (e.g. LGBTQ, religious minorities, and students with disabilities).
  • Address bullying with bystanders and stress importance and responsibility to stop harassment and intimidation.
For students:

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Micki Moran, J.D.
The Child & Family Law Center of the North Shore
A Division of Grund & Leavitt, P.C.
600 Central Avenue, Suite 248
Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone 312-640-0500
Fax 847-681-1295