Throughout his career, Michael has become well-versed in Child Find responsibilities, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and Procedural Safeguards for Special Education.
Michael offers the unique perspective of having been involved in supports offered by public and private schools at all levels of the least restrictive environment continuum of options.
In addition to the PPT process, Michael’s experience with tiered intervention preventative strategies, screening, comprehensive evaluation, IEP development, Section 504/special education identification, and alternative placement options can prevent families from being exploited by a process which is nebulous and intimidating. Schools can neglect their responsibilities if not held accountable. Schools are able to take advantage of families without resources and may avoid paying for services that students need. Michael’s knowledge in this area can help change the course of a child’s education and mental health.
In advocacy, Michael sees an opportunity to use his specialization to give all families access to the services and supports necessary for a child to thrive, and which all families deserve. Michael will fight for access to services and supports that your child needs based on the individual case, not the school’s pressure to save money or reluctance to admit neglect. This is one of the joys of his work.
Evaluation and Accountability
At Broadview, we monitor the implementation of policies and programs, ensuring that they have the intended impact, and hold educational institutions and policymakers accountable for their promises and commitments. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires schools to 'Seek out and evaluate any student suspected of a disability who may require specialized instruction." Schools may not be forthcoming with assessment and intervention, and we are here to support you as you push for support of the most important people in your life. We can provide the assessment in any area affecting your child, which can be used at PPT to support recommendations for additional services, accommodations, and supports.
Independent Educational Evaluation
Following the schools evaluation of your child, you have 18 months to request an Indepdendent Educational Evaluation at the district's expense. This allows parents to find private evaluators in the community, with no formal ties to the school, who can evaluate your child objectively and make genuine reccommedations based on independent testing. IEEs are an important resource to parents, and many people have difficulty obtaining this testing.
Research and Data Analysis
We often gather and analyze data related to educational interventions, behavioral plans, and other relevant metrics to support arguments for improved supports for your child.
School Analysis
Comparison analysis of schools or districts, including community services, local intervention options and specialists, special education data and support personnel. People may use this service when considering moving communities with an eye toward educational supports and services.
Collaboration
When possible, we collaborate with your child's school personnel. Building coalitions and partnerships can amplify the impact of advocacy efforts. If collaboration has been deemed ineffective, we take a firm and direct approach holding school personnel and districts accountable through careful documentation of your child's needs and response to any proposed intervention. When needed, we solve problems together through state complaints, requesting Independent Educational Evaluations, mediation, and Due Process filings.
Parent and Student Advocacy
Our goal is to coach and empower parents and students to be advocates for themselves. We provide information, resources, and support to help individuals navigate the education system and advocate for their rights and needs. Many people are not familiar with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and how to access an 'appropriate' education for their child at no cost. Furthermore, the State of Connecticut Department of Education updates laws that may have an immediate effect on your child. Our job is to keep you informed so that you are able to access the supports that your child deserves, regardless of whether or not the school is forthcoming with supports.
Legal Advocacy
In cases where legal action is necessary, we may work with legal professionals to pursue litigation on behalf of students or groups facing discrimination or other systemic issues. When needed, we may pursue mediation and filing of Due Process.
At Broadview, We’re Your Family’s Best Advocate
Broadview features a strong team of clinicians, evaluators, advocates and teachers that’s been designed around the goal of offering support for most mental health and educational needs of individuals and families. We are currently accepting new clients for educational advocacy. We offer free consultation to figure out if our services can help your situation.
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We offer free consultation to figure out if our services can help your situation.
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