Special Education Is Available for a Child With a Birth Injury
A parent of a child who is experiencing developmental delays due to a birth injury will likely have little knowledge of the options for special education.
Numerous state and federal laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), No Child Left Behind and the Individual Education Program (IEP), govern the availability and qualifications for special education programs. The laws on special education change greatly from year to year so it's important to consult with a knowledgeable advocate to understand your child's rights.
Types of Special Education Options
The following are a few options that may be available to children with birth injuries:
- In-home education: For some children with permanent and disabling birth injuries, in-home care and education services may be best to meet their unique needs. These services may be subsidized by state or federal programs, depending on the child.
- Private special education: Parents may wish to consider private schools specially designed to meet the needs of children with disabilities or developmental delays. These are often tuition-based schools.
- Public special education: Children with special needs are entitled to receive free special education based on their needs from the public school system.
The long-term educational needs of a child with a birth injury need to be considered after a diagnosis. Whether the child is diagnosed with a birth injury, cerebral palsy or Erb's palsy, there are options available within the public and private education systems to help your child feel comfortable as he or she grows and learns.
Find Out More About How to Pay for Special Education
The Birth Injury Team is a subsidiary of Silvers, Langsam & Weitzman, P.C., made up of experienced attorneys and medical professionals. Our lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience handling birth injury cases. We are dedicated to helping parents understand their child's condition and guiding them through the process of securing the care and support they need.
To discuss your needs with one of our professionals, contact our office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We serve clients across the United States.
