School Denial of ABA Therapy for Students in Indiana
Key Considerations
When a school denies a parent's request for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for their child, it's crucial to determine if the school followed proper procedures under Indiana Article 7.
Key Procedural Requirements:
- Written Notice: The school must provide parents with written notice explaining:
- The school's refusal to provide ABA therapy.
- Reasons for the refusal.
- Evaluation procedures used to support the decision.
- Other options considered and why they were rejected.
- Other relevant factors.
- Information on parent rights and how to access them under Article 7.
- Resources for understanding Article 7.
Potential Violations of Parent Rights under Article 7:
- Parent Participation: Schools must include parents in all decisions regarding their child's education, including the provision of FAPE.
- Predetermination: Schools cannot make decisions about a student's IEP before the IEP meeting.
- Appropriate Supports and Related Services: Schools are obligated to provide necessary special education and related services, including ABA if deemed appropriate.
- Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE): All students with disabilities are entitled to FAPE. Denial of necessary services like ABA could constitute a denial of FAPE.
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Parents should consult with an education attorney or advocate for specific legal advice regarding their child's situation.
