DYSLEXIA: WHAT IS IT, REALLY?

    Personal reflections and scientific fact, including research-
    based and anecdotal information regarding understanding,
    remediating, accommodating, and compensating for deficits
    while promoting the unique strengths of the individual with
    dyslexia. G. Emerson Dickman, J.D.

    This workshop is intended for general and special education
    teachers, school administrators, child study team members,
    and parents.

    THE LINK BETWEEN LEARNING DISABILITIES AND
    SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

    A review of research indicates that different LD profiles vary
    significantly in the severity of risk for developing behavioral
    problems.  What is the “link”?  What will help?  Where do we go
    from here? G. Emerson Dickman, J.D.

    This workshop is intended for general and special education
    teachers, school administrators, child study team members,
    and parents.

    AVOIDING CONFLICT, PROMOTING PARTNERSHIP, AND
    IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN

    Overcoming barriers to effective collaboration between parents
    and professionals by developing strategies to clarify
    expectations, roles, and responsibilities as well as to earn trust,
    reduce conflict, and improve student outcomes.  Consensus is
    the foundation upon which mutual commitment to a child’s
    success depends. G. Emerson Dickman, J.D.

    This workshop is initially intended for school administrators and
    leaders. Additional workshops can be provided to general and
    special education teachers and child study team members.

    RTI – THE ROLE OF PARENTS:
    EMPOWERMENT AS THE CURE FOR A CRISIS OF
    CONFIDENCE

    The Aptitude/Achievement Discrepancy formula has spawned
    practices that are “disinviting to parents” and have caused
    parents to be increasingly disempowered as participants in
    their child’s education.  RTI, as it is envisioned, is a potential
    cure for the systemic ills that are responsible for this crisis of
    confidence. G. Emerson Dickman, J.D.

    This workshop is initially intended for school administrators and
    child study team members. Related workshops can be provided
    to general education teachers, special education teachers, and
    parents.

    SECTION 504: LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD

    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is federal
    legislation that is designed to protect the civil rights of
    individuals with disabilities. Although only one sentence in
    length, this anti-discrimination law is having an increasingly
    broad impact on public schools across the country.  Learn
    about the rights to which an “otherwise qualified individual with
    a disability” is entitled. Richard Lehmann, Esq.

    This workshop is intended for school administrators, child study
    team members, and intervention and referral service teams.

    COMPLY WITH THE IDEA AND NJAC:
    DRAFTING THE BACKBONE OF THE IEP

    Drafting an IEP that complies with the IDEA is integral to
    providing a free appropriate public education. Learn how to
    write the present levels of academic achievement and
    functional performance, goals and objectives, and
    modifications/accommodations so that your district is in
    compliance. Stacey Therese Cherry, Esq.

    This workshop is intended for child study team members and
    special education teachers.

    SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVOCACY: THE BASICS

    Learn the basics of special education law and how to be an
    effective advocate. Review the rights afforded to children with
    special needs, including a “free appropriate public education”
    and “least restrictive environment.”  Understand the procedural
    requirements that both parents and districts must follow
    including independent evaluations, timelines, unilateral
    placement notice, and procedural rights. Consider practical
    solutions and techniques to avoid unnecessary delay and
    improve chances for success.  Stacey Therese Cherry, Esq.

    This workshop is intended for parents.

    SPECIAL EDUCATION TODAY:
    UNDERSTANDING IDEA 2004 AND RECENT CASE LAW

    IDEA 2004 and recent case law decisions, including Schaffer,  
    L.E., and Arlington, have impacted the requirements placed on
    parents and school districts. Review statutory changes
    affecting discipline, diagnosis of specific learning disability, and
    preparing the IEP as well as the recent Supreme Court and
    Third Circuit decisions that impact New Jersey. Stacey Therese
    Cherry, Esq.

    This workshop is intended for child study team members,
    general and special education administrators, and parents.

    SPECIAL NEEDS ESTATE PLANNING AND GUARDIANSHIP

    Planning for the future of your child with special needs requires
    expertise. Wills, Trusts, Social Security, Medicaid…all of these
    are areas that are interrelated and can affect your child’s
    economic and emotional wellbeing when you are no longer able
    to provide. Should you have assets in your child’s name?  This
    and other questions, such as whether or when a guardian is
    appropriate, are the subject of this workshop. Bettyanne
    McGuire, Esq. or G. Emerson Dickman, J.D.

    This workshop is intended for parents and guardians of
    individuals with special needs.
DISCLAIMER

The materials on this web site have been prepared for
informational purposes only and do not constitute legal
advice.  The information is not guaranteed to be correct,
complete, or up to date.  Instead, it represents the opinions
of the author, whose opinions reflect a partisan (biased)
perspective, of the state of the law at the time the opinion
was drafted.

Transmission or receipt of information contained in this
web site does not create an attorney-client relationship.  
The transmission of an e-mail inquiry does not create an
attorney-client relationship.  Do not act on the information
contained in this web site without first seeking the advice
of an attorney or other appropriate professional.
Law Offices of G. Emerson Dickman, III
"Caring Professionals
Helping People with Special Needs"
Workshops