Retainer Services
One of the most important services we
provide to our clients is access to an attorney to discuss and
answer questions relating to special education, ยง 504 and
the ADA. These questions may relate to a specific set of
circumstances which the district is dealing with, or may be of a
more general, procedural nature. Either way, we attempt to
provide answers (when an "answer" is determinable) or
options and risk assessment when a "clear" answer is
not available.
The following is a collection of
many frequently asked questions and the responses. You must be a
retainer client or subscriber to gain access to the full index of
FAQ's. For a sample of some of the questions presented, and
information on how to become a retainer client or subscriber to
the services provided by this page, see below.
If you are already a retainer
client or subscriber click Login.
You will need your PIN number to enter this area.
Although the information set
forth is intended to be accurate and authoritative, it is not
intended to be legal advice or the rendering of
legal/professional services. By accessing this information, you
agree that such access shall not constitute legal advice or
representation. Since each situation which may present itself has
its own set of circumstances and facts, if legal advice is
needed, please call or e-mail one of the attorneys at our office.
Sample Questions and Subscription
Information
Q: What is LaPointe & Associates, P.C.?
A: LaPointe & Associates, P.C. is a law
firm specializing in representing school districts in special
education (IDEA), Section 504, ADA and other disability related
matters. This web site, SPEDLAW, is brought to you as a service
of LaPointe & Associates.
Q: Can anyone access the information on
SPEDLAW?
A: While many of the areas of our web page,
SPEDLAW, can be accessed by any person with access to the
Internet, many portions of the web page are password protected.
These areas, such as frequently asked questions about special
education law, on-line access to newsletter articles, cases
involving special education, prototype school policies,
procedures, forms, etc., can only be accessed by entering the
name of your organization and your Personal Identification Number
(PIN).
Q: How do I get a PIN number to access
restricted areas of SPEDLAW.
A: You will be provided a PIN number when you
become a retainer client of LaPointe & Associates. Since
SPEDLAW is a service of LaPointe & Associates to its clients,
certain information is only available to those who have
"subscribed" through a retainer agreement.
Q: Can anyone become a "subscriber"
or "retainer" client in order to access SPEDLAW?
A: No. LaPointe & Associates is a law
firm which specializes in representing school districts in
special education, Section 504 and ADA matters. A school district
may become a "subscriber" or a "retainer"
client. Either of these methods will provide a PIN number to gain
access to the SPEDLAW web page.
Q: What is the difference between a
"subscriber" and a "retainer client"?
A: Since access to the information on SPEDLAW
is designed to assist school districts in fulfilling their
obligations to students with disabilities, access is limited to
school districts. School districts in the state of Michigan may
become a "retainer client" and receive a PIN number as
part of their retainer agreement. As a retainer client, a
Michigan school district would be provided a subscription to the
newsletter OP News, access to the web site SPEDLAW, access to
form policies, procedures, a data base of Michigan hearing
officer decisions, the annual "retainer" workshop and
access to an attorney for consultation. Time and consultation in
excess of the retainer agreement is also billed at a reduced
rate.
A school district outside of the state of Michigan may become
a "subscriber". As a subscriber you will receive a copy
of the monthly newsletter, OP News, and a PIN number to access OP
News online... A subscriber does NOT receive consultation time or
access to other restricted areas of the Web Site.
Q: How much does it cost to become a
"retainer client" or a "subscriber".
A: The annual cost for a retainer client
(retainer year from July 1 - June 30) is $775.00. The annual
cost to become a subscriber is $95.00 (subscription year from September -
August). Payment must be made by school district check or
PO. Sorry, in order to insure the status of an organization, no
personal checks, credit cards or money orders are accepted as
payment. All checks must be drawn on a school district account or
PO.
Q: How do I sign up?
A: A school district may become a retainer
client or subscriber by filling out the appropriate form and
e-mailing the form to our offices. To obtain a form, simply click the button below:
Download PDF file
Q: What type of questions are addressed in
SPEDLAW's FAQ's?
A: The FAQ's cover a broad spectrum of
special education, 504 and ADA issues. Following are a few
examples of the questions to which you will find answers in the
pages of SPEDLAW's FAQ's:
After a student turns 18, must a school
district invite the student's parents to future IEP meetings or
give them notice of placement decisions if the parents have not
obtained a guardianship over the student?
Do the notice requirements of Section
1415(c) of IDEA-97 (prior written notice) apply to invitations to
IEP meetings?
May a school district contact local law
enforcement authorities in regard to behaviors of a student with
disabilities?
When a student with disabilities is
voluntarily placed by parents in a private school outside the
resident district, which district is responsible for evaluating
the student and providing any requested special education
services?