Professionals in Learning Disabilities and Special Education
presents
The Right to Special Education During and After the Pandemic
Presented by Matt Cohen, J.D.
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
7:00 PM
Zoom
This presentation will analyze the complex issues relating to the continuing right to special education and related services for children with disabilities during and after the pandemic. This will include a discussion of the relationship of the "remote learning plan" to the IEP, to what extent the IEP remains in force despite schools operating remotely or in hybrid models, schools' duties to conduct evaluations and reevaluations for special education eligibility, and what parents and educators can do if the remote learning plan is not working. The presentation will also address what schools should do to facilitate the transition back to in person learning and what happens with respect to COVID safety measures once the students come back. Finally, remedies that are available to address lost or inadequate services during remote learning will be highlighted, including the potential right to compensatory education.
Matt Cohen is the founder of Matt Cohen & Associates and is well known for his work in special education law, having litigated numerous special education cases, represented or consulted with many organizations, and collaborated on several amendments to Illinois special education laws. He has also lectured nationally on a wide variety of special education topics, and mental health and confidentiality laws. In addition, he has chaired the Illinois Attorney General's Special Education Committee for over twenty-five years and served on the boards of multiple organizations which support individuals with exceptionalities. His efforts have been recognized with awards from CHADD, TASH, LDA of Illinois, and Greater Chicago NAMI. In addition, he has authored A Guide to Special Education Advocacy: What Parents, Clinicians, and Advocates Need to Know, and Barriers to Inclusion in Local School in Illinois: A Blueprint for Change.
PLD/SE membership is required for CPDU credits. Members will receive 1.5 CPDUs for this program.
DISCLAIMER: Professionals in Learning Disabilities and Special Education is a not-for-profit organization offering continuing education programs to inform members of current instructional practices, assessment, and policy issues in the field of learning disabilities. PLD/SE also offers a referral service to the community providing qualified professionals for diagnostics and remediation. PLD/SE provides programs as a service to its members. PLD/SE does not endorse any specific program, speaker, instructional materials, method, treatment, or evaluation center for children with disabilities.
