Opening School House Doors

           Brian Smith receives special education and related services from his school system due to his multiple physical, medical, and cognitive disabilities. His mother, Ms. Betty Smith, wanted her son to participate in the school-sponsored after-school program and tried to enroll him more than once.  Despite her efforts, the school board maintained that Brian could not be admitted because his disabilities required extra staff to help him with walking, eating, and toileting.  The extra costs were $100 per week, which Ms. Smith could not afford to pay.  She was not satisfied with the school board's decision.  In fact, no evaluation had been done to determine Brian's needs. 

           Ms. Smith contacted Georgia Legal Services for legal assistance.  Our attorney found that the school system violated Brian's rights under federal civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination based on disabilities.  The Office of Civil Rights of the United States Department of Education agreed and negotiated an agreement with the school system to admit Brian for the same fees charged students without disabilities. The school system agreed to evaluate Brian to determine what related services and aids he needed.  The school system agreed to develop policies and procedures that prevented any future discrimination of students based on disabilities.