special education litigation

For over a decade 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 including Anorexia and Bulimia, Tourettes Syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Oppositional Defiance Disorder.

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 home services.

In other cases Ms. Callahan has sought and obtained intensive home programs and partial school placements (preschools or grade schools) with Shadows and additional supports so children can generalize what they learn in ABA. Ms. Callahan has represented multiple grade school age children who needed private placements or supplemental ABA programs, out of district placements Home programs and obtaining appropriate supports so a child can be included to the maximum extent appropriate with typical peers.

In addition Ms. Callahan has had children placed in residential treatment facilities when necessary. Attached hereto is a sample of the decisions obtained in cases dealing with children on the Autistic Spectrum.