An Unsung Hero of Special Education Law: Judge Patricia Ann McGowan Wald President Barack Obama awards Judge Patricia Wald the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013. (Evan Vucci/AP)   We all know about Sandra Day O’Connor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Ketanji Brown Jackson as pioneering women in the legal field. But have you heard of Patricia Ann McGowan Wald? This trailblazer not only became the first woman to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit—often called the second most powerful court

Celebrating Black History Month: Forgotten Champions of Special Education   We all know the famous case of BROWN v. BOARD of EDUCATION (1954), that banned racial segregation in public schools.  But have you heard about the landmark 1972 case of Peter MILLS v. BOARD of EDUCATION of the DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA?  This class action, brought by a group of Black parents and caregivers, helped lay the foundation for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and subsequent creation of the U.S. Department of Education. The Fight

“Stop Listening to People Who Don’t Know What They’re Talking About!!” Jean Murrell Adams, Esq. This hectic holiday season may be the calm before the storm.  Proposed rules and laws regarding education and health will likely impact children with disabilities for decades.  It’s crucial that parents make decisions based on solid information from reliable sources–not from AI hallucinations, TikTok influencers or “Dr. Google”.   Where can parents find reliable information regarding potential changes that impact their children with disabilities?  Start IRL by speaking with your child’s

Jean Murrell Adams August 2024 Disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to participate in or contribute to society. 20 USC §1400 When many of us think of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs, what comes to mind is ensuring race, sexual orientation or gender-based equity. But according to the National Institutes of Health, people with disabilities make up nearly 1/3 the United States adult population–making them the single largest minority group in the

¿Es la escuela de su hijo “segura, protegida y pacífica”? La Constitución de California garantiza el derecho a escuelas seguras.  “Todos los estudiantes y el personal de las escuelas públicas primarias, primarias, secundarias y secundarias, y los colegios comunitarios, colegios y universidades tienen el derecho inalienable de asistir a campus que sean seguros y pacíficos”. Articulo I, Sec. 28(f)(1). ¿Su hijo con una discapacidad le aterroriza la escuela? ¿Tiene miedo de usar el baño debido al vapeo de marihuana sin control, los asaltos y la

Is your child’s school “safe, secure and peaceful”? California’s Constitution guarantees the right to safe schools. “All students and staff of public primary, elementary, junior high, and senior high schools, and community colleges, colleges, and universities have the inalienable right to attend campuses which are safe, secure and peaceful.” Article I, Sec. 28(f)(1). Is your child with a disability terrified of school? Is he afraid to use the lavatory due to unchecked marijuana vaping, assaults and overall lack of supervision in high school and junior high? Is she scared

Part I – Welcome to the Silver State Jean Murrell Adams, Esq.   Many Californians are choosing to move in search of a better life for their families. Top destinations include, Nevada, Texas and Florida. But when you have a child with special needs, your decision to relocate can have serious educational consequences and significantly impact your ability to effectively advocate for your child. In this three-part series, we explore some of the education-related and legal challenges that you and your child may face when moving to

Lo que sabemos y lo que no sabemos sobre el COVID largo pediátrico 24 de abril de 2023 Jean Murrell Adams Tuve el honor de ser panelista en una reciente conferencia de dos días sobre el impacto de Largo-COVID en los niños.  La conferencia se centró en ayudar a los psicólogos escolares y otros profesionales a evaluar y ayudar a los estudiantes que pueden verse afectados por esta condición. Aunque, comprensiblemente, todavía hay mucho que no sabemos, hemos recorrido un largo camino para comprender esta

What we Know and Don’t Know About Pediatric Long-COVID Mrs. Adams was honored to be a panelist at a recent two-day conference on the impact of Long-COVID on kids. The conference focused on assisting school psychologists and other professionals in evaluating and helping students who may be impacted by this condition. It included experts from across the United States and even from Italy. Understandably, there is still a lot we don’t know, but we have come a long way in understanding this condition. Here are a