Austin Independent School District (ISD) has reached a settlement agreement with the families of five special education students. The families filed a lawsuit in 2021 alleging that ISD had failed to provide special education services to their children promptly, as required by law. The school district could not complete special education evaluations promptly, leaving students with outdated evaluations or no evaluations and subsequently inappropriate or no special education accommodations at all.

If your child's school is not handling their special education needs appropriately, the Lento Law Firm can help. Our Education Law Team ensures that the rights of all our student clients are respected, and we negotiate or litigate school districts on their behalf to get what they deserve from their school district. To learn more about how we can help your child get the special education services they are entitled to, contact the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team today at 888-535-3686 or use our online form.

How Austin ISDs Failed Its Special Education Students

Austin ISD has struggled on many fronts, resulting in subpar education for its special education students, much to the detriment of the students and their families. The lawsuit claimed that the students did not receive the needed services because of a years-long backlog of special education evaluation requests. Even after the backlog was resolved, a report assessing the school found that Austin ISD was not meeting the minimum legally mandated special education exam requirements. Following the report, the Texas Education Agency appointed a conservator to assess and correct the systemic failures within the school district's special education department.

What are Students with Disabilities Entitled To?

Schools must provide special education services to students in need under two federal laws, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Even when schools are understaffed and underfunded, they are legally required to provide the accommodations necessary for students with special educational requirements. If your child's school claims they don't have the funds or the personnel to give your child what they are entitled to, do not take no for an answer. Contact the Lento Law Firm Education Law Team immediately for backup.

If Your Child Isn't Getting What They Need at School, the Lento Law Firm Can Help

Education, particularly in primary education, is crucial to the lifelong success of any child. When a student has special education requirements and needs more than the bare minimum a school offers, the risk of them falling behind is high. Your child's future is on the line and deserves the best. We know you fight hard for your child every day, but let our Education Law Team fight for you. We will take over the battle with your school district and work tirelessly to ensure your child is a top priority at their school and receive every service they are entitled to. Contact us today by calling 888-535-3686 or using our online form.