Disability Services
Disability Services for Children
Many children with special needs require additional support outside of the school setting. Getting those supports can involve county agencies, Autism treatment providers, respite providers and other similar programs. Each program will have special requirements and client's rights procedures.
Parents often encounter obstacles and may need legal representation to get appropriate services, especially if their child has significant disabilities or behavioral needs. Parents often discover that even if they do arrange appropriate services for these children when they are younger, those programs no longer meet the child's needs when they enter adolescence. We provide the following legal representation to families:
• Participation in planning meetings to acquire appropriate services.
• Initiating Children's Court proceedings to obtain court-ordered treatment or residential placement.
• Representation in grievances and administrative appeals.
Transition Planning
This term is often used in special education programs to signify the school's role in preparing the student for life after high school, but transition also includes services outside of the school setting. Students can access DVR services, Family Care, IRIS, and other resources while still in high school. It is possible to receive services from multiple programs at the same time, but legal assistance is often needed. Also, many parents do not realize that they can be excluded from the planning process when the student turns 18. We can help with:
• Coordination between school and disability service programs.
• Advocating for high-quality vocational services
• Investigating the need for guardianship or decision-making alternatives.
Adult Disability Services
At age 18, Wisconsin residents who require certain disability services become eligible for the Family Care and IRIS programs. Anyone may apply by contacting the Aging and Disability Resource Center in their county. However, individuals with significant and/or low incidence disabilities may encounter obstacles to receiving appropriate services. We have extensive experience with Family Care including two Federal court cases involving residential rates for higher need individuals. We can assist you with:
• Advocacy for appropriate services within the planning process
• Grievances and administrative appeals
• Addressing concerns about the quality of Family Care/IRIS services.
Contact Us
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