Legal Rights of Learning Disabled Children
IEP-Individualized Education Program
An IEP is a written statement of special services for a learning disabled child.  It includes:

•  Present performance levels
•  Annual goals and short term objectives
•  Extent/duration of regular special education
•  Dates of initiation and duration
•  Statement of specific services and who provides them
•  Statement of extent that a child can participate in regular education programs
•  Objective criteria, evaluation procedures, and schedules

Laws:
PL94-142-each child’s education must be appropriate and in the least restrictive environment.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973-protects the civil and constitutional rights of persons with disabilities.
 Public schools must address the needs of children who are considered “handicapped” as adequately as those of non-handicapped persons.
Section 504 also states that individuals with learning disabilities:

• Must not be denied the opportunity to participate or benefit from a service which is given to non-disabled students
• Must be provided aids, benefits or services that are equal to those given to others
• Should not be required to accept different or separate benefits or services unless it is necessary to be effective for that individual
• Must not be limited in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage or opportunity enjoyed by others

Developing Social Skills
There are four basic social categories that children fit into:

•  Rejected
•  Isolated
•  Controversial
•  Popular

Many students with learning disabilities find themselves in the rejected or isolated groups.
Teachers play an important role in changing the classmates’ views of this child.
PUNISHMENT IS VERY INEFFECTIVE!
Some effective ways include:

•  Determine specific interests, hobbies, or strengths of rejected child
•  Demonstrate acceptance of and affection for the isolated or rejected child (this is most important!)
•  Recognize the crucial role that the child’s parents and siblings can play in developing social competence
•  Promote and encourage appropriate social interactions

Benefits of Inclusion
Children in inclusive classes:

•  Show increased acceptance
•  Develop better communication and social schools
•  Show greater development in moral principles
•  Develop warm and caring friendships
•  Have higher self-esteem

Helpful Websites
www.ncld.org
www.kidsource.com/LDA-CA/teacher.html