Legal Overview: Laws for Students with Disabilities—For Educators & Parents

A Legal Overview for Educators (and Parents): Laws That Apply to Students with Disabilities

This session provides a comprehensive yet understandable overview of federal laws that apply to students with disabilities, including:

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of how these laws function, what they require of schools, and what rights they afford students. We will examine how these laws intersect and differ in terms of eligibility, services, enforcement mechanisms, and due process procedures. The presentation will also address the role of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

·Areas Covered in the SessionThe Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

· Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

· The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Titles II and III

· The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) complaint process

· Discipline of students with disabilities

· Overview of Title IX in the context of students with disabilities

· Key differences between public, charter, and private school obligations

· Real-world examples and scenarios

· Common legal pitfalls and how to avoid them

Why should you Attend?

Understanding the laws that protect students with disabilities is not optional—it's essential. This session empowers educators, parents, and professionals with the legal knowledge needed to support students, advocate effectively, and reduce the risk of legal pitfalls. Whether you're new to the field or looking for a refresher, this overview equips you with tools to navigate real-world challenges in compliance with federal and state mandates.

Who will Benefit?

• School Administrators

• School District Superintendents

· Charter School Superintendents, Principals and Headmasters

· School Governing Board Members

• School Counselors & Psychologists

• Teachers

• School Attorneys

• Parent Attorneys

• Education Advocates & Consultants

• Parents and Legal Guardians

Community-Based Disability and Educational Organizations

Speaker: Hope Kirsch

Hope Kirsch, M.A.(Ed.), Esq. is an education law attorney with a background as a licensed special education teacher and administrator. With over 30 years of legal experience, she has represented hundreds of families in disputes involving evaluations, IEPs, Section 504, discipline, OCR complaints, Title IX, and Due Process under IDEA.

Prior to becoming an attorney, Ms. Kirsch served for 18 years in the New York City public schools as a teacher and school administrator. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in special education from Boston University, a Master’s degree in special education from NYU, and completed post-graduate work in educational supervision and administration. She earned her law degree from Brooklyn Law School.

Ms. Kirsch is admitted to practice in both Arizona and New York, including the federal district courts and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. She is a frequent speaker at national and regional conferences and regularly provides training for mental health professionals, advocates, attorneys, and parent groups.