special education litigation

For over twenty five years Beth A. Callahan has represented parents on behalf of their children with disabilities in obtaining free appropriate public educations in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 20 U.S.C. S 1600 and New Jersey implementing code N.J.A.C 6A:14 et. Seq.

Ms. Callahan has represented clients with the following disabilities and diagnosis in obtaining appropriate educational and related services: Autism , Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Depression combined with self-injurious behavior, Cancer survivors with residual learning disabilities, Deafness, Blindness, Cerebral Palsy, Eating Disorders , Tourette’s Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Marfan Syndrome, RADD (reactive attachment disorder) and many other disabling conditions.

Ms. Callahan firmly believes that a child's needs and services are not negotiable and that programmatic integrity and documentation, as well as accountability and communication with parents, staff, and teachers, are critical to the success of any special education program.

Ms. Callahan has represented many children diagnosed with Autism, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Many of these cases have dealt with obtaining appropriate services for the students. In most cases the families were seeking quality Applied Behavior Analytic programs so that the child can progress during the critical preschool years. When appropriate programs are not available, Ms. Callahan has fought for and won decisions for intensive private schools, home services or clinic-based services. Including children on the spectrum in less restrictive environments must be done based on data and with integrity.

In cases where children have mental illness residential treatment programs are often necessary. It is crucial to create a program for a child’s individual needs.

Children with Dyslexia and related reading disorders also need specialized scientifically proven supports. Specific Learning Disabilities can be mitigated, and children can become good students with bright futures when they receive the services they need either by forcing public schools to comply with the Dyslexia Law or finding private alternatives.